Zhang Yang wasn't surprised; it wasn't until he saw the media hyping up tonight's game this morning that he realized this was the fourth time in five years that the Lakers and Thunder had met in the playoffs—first round in 2010, second round in 2012, first round last season, and now the Western Conference Finals.
Previously, Zhang Yang didn't feel anything special, nor did he sense any particular sentiment about the Thunder from his teammates, and the home fans felt the same.
But for Thunder fans, it was different. The Thunder only moved here in 2008 and changed their name. For them, this is a newly established team. To meet the same opponent for the fourth time in six years is to completely regard the Lakers as their archenemy!
However, for Zhang Yang, the away fans shouting and cursing at him, far from making him timid or afraid, made him feel this is how an away game should feel...
After the entrance ceremony, the players of both teams engaged in a warm pre-game chat.
