Proving that NPSPACE $\subseteq$ EXPTIME
The expression $f(n)2^{O(f(n))}$ is simply an upper bound for the number of all configurations a $f(n)$-space bounded TM can have. Here is how to count: We have $|\Gamma|^{f(n)}=2^{O(f(n)}$ different ways how to fill the work tape, and the head can be on $f(n)$ different positions. There is also a constant number of states where we can currently be, but this is hidden in the big-O in the exponent.

If a TM takes more than $f(n)2^{O(f(n))}$ steps, then it has to visit one configuration twice. Hence it cycles and cannot stop.