Ever since the Thunder rose this season, many teams in the league have been incredibly jealous!
However, even though they were dying of jealousy, most players still acted relatively friendly during games. They all played in the league, so surface-level camaraderie was necessary.
The role players weren't foolish. If they trash-talked the Thunder during a game and then got traded there later, they'd definitely be in for a bad time! Maintaining a good relationship outwardly and not hindering their earnings was the real priority.
But for established star players, there wasn't as much to consider. Stoudemire just didn't like the Thunder. He wasn't going to join the Thunder as a subordinate anyway, so he had no qualms about trash-talking.
In the first few minutes after the tip-off, Kostić was pulled to the perimeter by Channing Frye, which caused problems with the Thunder's interior defense.
The explosive Stoudemire, whether on pick-and-roll dives or strong low-post attacks, left Jeff Green completely helpless. He was devoured alive in single coverage!
On a Phoenix Suns possession, Channing Frye and Stoudemire executed a cross-screen in the paint.
After screening, Channing Frye immediately ran to the corner. Nash delivered a bounce pass to Stoudemire in the low post, while the other Phoenix Suns players cleared one side to open up offensive space.
After receiving the ball, Stoudemire quickly put the ball down, backed down twice to get closer to the rim, then spun and gathered the ball, easily tossing up a floater with his left hand.
"Swish!" Two points in the paint, a steady make.
"Buddy, learn from me. This is how a power forward should play. You're just a big cupcake!"
After scoring, Stoudemire unleashed a barrage of words at Jeff Green, then turned and ran, giving Jeff Green no chance to respond.
"F*ck!"
Jeff Green angrily slammed the ball twice. Although their heights were similar, their weight and strength were on completely different levels, making it difficult to defend against the opponent's strong low-post attacks.
Just over 4 minutes into the first quarter, the score was tied at 14. Both teams had extremely high shooting percentages, essentially in an offensive shootout.
Kayce saw Stoudemire incessantly trash-talking, and his anger flared up.
In fact, very few people in the league currently trash-talked Kayce. Firstly, because Kayce himself was strong, his toned muscles weren't for show. Secondly, his previous fight with Artest let everyone know he wasn't to be trifled with.
Stoudemire's big mouth in this game truly angered Kayce.
"Screech!"
Coach Brooks immediately called a timeout. He had to make a substitution. Although Kostić could also punish the opposing center in the low post on offense, his defensive performance was very unsatisfactory.
"Kostić, take a rest. Ibaka, when you go in, if the opponent uses a cross-screen in the paint, switch directly. Guys, we need to continue to speed up our offensive pace and attack their rim!"
Before the timeout ended, Kayce quietly comforted Jeff Green:
"Green, add some off-ball cuts. If you get an open look, I'll find you!"
After Kayce finished speaking, he patted Jeff Green's shoulder, and without waiting for a response, immediately turned to prepare for the baseline inbound.
Jeff Green was touched. Every time he became a defensive liability, Kayce never complained or brought up his defensive issues, only telling him to strengthen his offense.
"What a good brother!"
Durant, who secretly observed this scene, suddenly felt like his corner was being dug out. Jeff Green was his man, and a sense of crisis surged in his heart again:
"I should have added more ball-handling training two years ago. No! I must play more aggressively and actively. I want to score more points!"
After the timeout, the Phoenix Suns first changed their pick-and-roll defense strategy, switching on screens to protect Nash on defense. Russell's mid-range touch was too good this game, easily scoring on all three previous possessions.
Seeing that his high pick-and-roll wasn't working, Russell immediately signaled an offensive play. Kayce, using Ibaka's screen, popped out to the left 45-degree angle outside the three-point line to receive the ball. Durant was also in the left corner at this time.
Seeing Kayce receive the ball, Durant first faked going up to the top for a handoff, then faked his body and suddenly back-cut along the baseline.
Kayce's pass was perfectly timed. Anticipating Durant's cut, he threw a lead pass. Durant caught the ball, took three big steps, and threw down a one-handed dunk with his right hand!
"Wham!" A successful cutting dunk.
After Ibaka entered the game, the Thunder's offensive space completely opened up, clearing the paint to facilitate the Thunder's trio attacking the rim.
The 37-year-old Grant Hill looked at Durant's cutting dunk with a complex expression. He recalled how his athleticism would definitely not have been inferior to Durant's back then, but injuries had almost destroyed his career.
Although Grant Hill's physical condition had recovered somewhat with the help of the Phoenix Suns' Dr., and his attendance rate had steadily increased in recent years, his aging body found it difficult to withstand Durant's impact.
Kayce felt a bit strange. Durant suddenly became more active, but then he thought that more off-ball cuts were a good thing, so he pushed those strange feelings to the back of his mind.
On a Phoenix Suns possession, Stoudemire still came up to set a screen, and Nash broke through to the right after the screen. Russell squeezed through very quickly, constantly applying body contact to his side.
But Steve Nash suddenly paused in motion, changed pace, and then accelerated his breakthrough again, scoring with a one-handed layup with his right hand.
Changing pace, taking two steps, and then a step-through layup—players in the league all master this offensive skill. But Nash executed this move with effortless grace and fluidity, making Russell's defense ineffective.
"Nash's signature layup move is truly beautiful to watch. This change of pace is worth learning for young players."
In the Sina broadcast studio, Ma Jian immediately praised Nash after he scored a layup.
As the Phoenix Suns changed their defensive strategy, the Thunder also shifted their offensive core to Kayce and Durant.
Coach Brooks wasn't at all worried about the team's offense, because Kayce and Durant could score in isolation without distinction. As long as good screens were set, allowing the two to successfully receive the ball in their shooting hot zones, half the offense was already done.
Jeff Green and Ibaka both came up to set a double screen in the free-throw line elbow area for Kayce's cross-cut. After Kayce received Russell's pass from the left 45-degree angle outside the three-point line, his defender had already become Channing Frye.
After a triple threat, he quickly put the ball down with his right hand, dribbled a crossover, then suddenly paused with the ball in his left hand, faking a gather, which made Channing Frye shift his weight forward.
At this moment, Kayce executed a simple between-the-legs dribble, accelerating his breakthrough with the ball in his right hand, easily getting past his defender and driving to the rim.
Stoudemire recovered quickly, but unfortunately, Kayce faked a shot and made a true pass. Ibaka, who cut into the paint, received the ball and finished with a two-handed dunk.
"Boo!"
At the US Airways Center, boos erupted from the moment Kayce started his dribble, and after Ibaka's dunk, some angry fans even began to curse. The Thunder had too many dunks in the first quarter, and the fans were very displeased.
Coach Gentry felt a bit helpless seeing the situation on the court. The Phoenix Suns' perimeter defense found it very difficult to contain the opponent.
The Thunder's offense wasn't complicated; many teams in the league used the cross-cut screen tactic. The Thunder just made some minor adjustments.
For example, Kayce preferred to cross-cut from right to left, receiving the ball outside the three-point line. Durant preferred to cut from left to right, receiving the ball inside the three-point line. After receiving the ball, Kayce could shoot, drive, or pass, while Durant, after receiving the ball, would most likely take two dribbles and pull up for a jump shot.
The Phoenix Suns' Coach Ben, of course, knew these characteristics, but knowing was useless because no one could defend them.
For the remainder of the first quarter, the two teams engaged in a frantic exchange of blows. Once one team missed a shot, the other's transition offense was lightning fast. This was the Phoenix Suns' style of play, but the Thunder found it increasingly comfortable.
Especially Russell, whenever the Thunder had a chance for a fast break, he would easily put on a full-court, one-man layup show.
By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder led 36-31 on the road by 5 points. Although the Phoenix Suns were temporarily behind, the live audience was highly enthusiastic, enjoying the fast-paced scoring display. Everyone loved watching such games.
During the break, Durant and Jeff Green were both chugging water. Their bodies hadn't fully recovered to their best state, and they had been running frantically in the first quarter. They needed to catch their breath during the rest.
Kayce, Russell, and Ibaka looked relaxed. This offensive and defensive pace was actually their favorite.
Especially Ibaka, who finally had significant playing time and received continuous lobs from Kayce in the first quarter. He felt full of energy at this moment.
Seeing this situation, Coach Brooks immediately carried on the Thunder's glorious tradition: short rotations. Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison replaced Jeff Green and Durant, who were experiencing fatigue, while the remaining starters continued to play.
Coach Gentry also used a short rotation, substituting Goran Dragic for Steve Nash and Jared Dudley for Grant Hill to give the veterans a rest, while the remaining three starters continued to play.
After the second quarter began, both sides resumed their offensive battle. The Phoenix Suns continued to create isolation opportunities for Stoudemire in the low post, while the Thunder started with simple and crude drive-and-kick plays.
Russell was on a rampage. Facing Goran Dragić's defense, he didn't even need a screen. After a crossover dribble, he drove straight to the paint. If someone defended him, he'd kick the ball out. He found that his good brother Kayce could always convert his passes into assists.
Even if the pass was worse, Kayce could just reorganize the offense after receiving the ball. With no worries, Russell seemed to have returned to his rookie season of iron-hitting and leveling up, playing with wild abandon, but the effect was excellent.
With a series of wild drives and rushes, the Thunder's offense became faster and faster, constantly making the Phoenix Suns run frantically. The live audience was indeed thrilled, and the Thunder put together a 15-6 run in just over 4 minutes.
With 7 minutes and 28 seconds left in the second quarter, Coach Gentry called a timeout. What kind of mess was this!
Russell, back on the bench, was still exhilarated. Wiping sweat, he loudly said:
"That was awesome! I love this game pace! Kayce, your catch-and-shoot percentage is getting higher and higher!"
Kayce, who was drinking water, almost choked when he heard this, mentally complaining:
"The more blame I take, the more experience I gain. Luckily, I have the [Sticky Hands] + [Catch & Shoot] badge bonuses, so my shooting percentage won't be too low, otherwise I'd eventually become the scapegoat."
Coach Brooks was also a bit speechless at this point. This game made him feel like he was back in last season, playing chaotically but leading by a large margin. The Phoenix Suns, aside from Stoudemire scoring a few times in the paint, were clanking shots from the perimeter.
"Alright, boys, next we need to slow down the offensive pace. Kayce, be more patient on offense. We're already up by double digits. Play good defense, protect the rebounds, and don't give the opponent any fast break opportunities!"
Coach Brooks quickly reminded Kayce. If they carelessly lost this lead, then this first half would have been for nothing.
Kayce immediately nodded, indicating he understood. As long as they had a large lead, he was confident he could perfectly control the game's tempo.
Catching up? Not possible. If they really couldn't open up the game, they could still rely on Durant's explosive power. Scoring was never an issue.
After the timeout, both teams brought back their starters. Nash immediately hit a three-pointer after entering the game, helping the Phoenix Suns narrow the deficit, while the Thunder's offense suddenly began to slow down.
Kayce crossed half-court and immediately stood in the left corner, simultaneously signaling Jeff Green and Ibaka to come up and screen, clearing the paint for Durant.
Grant Hill desperately tried to defend, but as soon as Durant received the ball, he instantly burst through, dribbling behind his back with his right hand while moving, and with a slight pause of his left hand, Grant Hill lunged forward. Durant quickly changed direction in front of his body, shook off the defense, and drove straight to the basket.
Facing Channing Frye's block, he countered in the air, executed a delicate reverse layup, and scored the ball.
"Whistle!"
The referee blew his whistle, calling a defensive foul on Channing Frye. The basket counted, and an additional free throw was awarded.
Upon hearing the whistle, Durant smiled slightly. He was now a star player who received star treatment from the referees, averaging 10 free throws per game recently, and his explosive scoring was no joke.
Standing at the free-throw line, Durant shrugged his shoulders and calmly sank the ball.
For the remainder of the second quarter, the Phoenix Suns were unable to close the gap. As soon as they scored, the Thunder would immediately respond. Grant Hill was being dominated by Durant, and Stoudemire was no longer in the mood for trash talk.
69 to 55, the Thunder ended the first half with a 14-point lead.
During halftime, in the Thunder's locker room, Russell was still complaining that the game wasn't exciting enough; he disliked the pace of the game in the latter half of the second quarter.
"Kayce, we can play more pick-and-roll passes like before, keep pushing the offense, and completely destroy them!"
When the game devolved into half-court offense, Russell's weakness in ball distribution would be exposed. In the latter half of the second quarter, after Durant became the offensive core, the Thunder rarely played transition offense or pick-and-roll passes.
"There are still two quarters left, don't worry. Phoenix will definitely ramp up their outside shooting, and I bet their accuracy will drop even further. You'll have plenty of fast-break opportunities in the second half."
Kayce soothed the overzealous Russell, who was hyped up and wanted to drive to the basket every time he got the ball.
Coach Brooks then tapped on the tactics board, loudly reminding his players:
"Kayce is right. We must control long rebounds in the second half, not giving the opponent second-chance opportunities. Our fast break speed must be quick, and our half-court offense must be patiently organized."
"Kevin, you played exceptionally well in the first half. Continue to utilize screens effectively, maintain your aggressiveness, and appropriately increase your attacks on the basket. Don't rush the offensive pace too much."
"Ibaka, Jeff, pay attention to Channing Frye's outside shooting. Immediately follow him after screens to deny him three-point opportunities. We can appropriately ease up on guarding the opponent's drives and low-post moves."
"Kayce, control our offensive rhythm; you manage this. I don't want to see Phoenix narrow the gap in the third quarter. Hang in there, guys! Just one more half, and we can go home to celebrate Christmas with a victory!"
"Yeah!!"
At the mention of Christmas, everyone immediately perked up. The morale boost was indeed effective.
After the second half began, the Phoenix Suns' starting lineup continued to play. The Thunder made a simple adjustment, with Ibaka continuing to start.
On the Thunder's offense, after Russell's high pick-and-roll, facing Stoudemire, who had switched to guard him, he held the ball in his left hand, slightly raised his center of gravity, changed direction with a dribble between his legs, and then held the ball in his right hand. He accelerated in a straight line.
While moving, he suddenly executed a quick spin, immediately turning to the basket for a left-handed layup.
"Bang! Swish!" The spin, bank shot, and layup were successful.
After the layup, Russell lost his balance and fell to the ground. Seeing the ball go in, he excitedly jumped up before his teammates could reach him, shouting wildly at the crowd. As he ran back on defense, he even flexed his biceps.
Perhaps he had a breakthrough, but Russell was unstoppable in the third quarter, hitting shots from both inside and outside. Even his usually unreliable three-pointers went in easily, and the basket seemed as wide as the ocean.
Kayce only came out to receive the ball when Russell or Durant's offense stalled. The Thunder essentially used all 24 seconds on every offensive possession, determined not to turn the ball over, and if they missed, they would retreat on defense.
Even if the Phoenix Suns made a three-pointer, Kayce calmly directed his teammates to their positions, spread the floor, and ran plays.
Coach Gentry noticed that the score difference showed no signs of shrinking; in fact, the game's offensive rhythm was completely controlled by the Thunder.
Especially after seeing Kayce once again shake off Jason Richardson's defense with 6 seconds left on the shot clock and sink a pull-up mid-range jumper, Coach Gentry muttered under his breath:
"Shoot! How the hell did that go in? Is this a rookie player?"
Having converted another 24-second possession, Kayce retreated on defense with a slight smile. As long as he shot from his hot zone, with the bonus from numerous silver achievement badges, his shooting percentage would definitely be over 50%.
With just over 4 minutes left in the third quarter, Kayce could clearly sense the Phoenix Suns' anxiety. The most obvious manifestation was Stoudemire's frequent trips to the free-throw line, and the Phoenix Suns' ball sharing gradually decreased.
On the Thunder's offense, Durant first signaled to his teammates, then actively moved to the right corner. His stamina was running low, and he needed two or three possessions to rest.
It was still Jeff Green and Ibaka coming up for two consecutive screens at the free-throw line elbow. Kayce cut across the top, receiving a pass from Russell at the left 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line.
Stoudemire immediately switched to guard him, raising his right hand high, intently watching Kayce with the ball.
However, Kayce appeared very relaxed after receiving the ball. He dribbled twice between his legs in place, held the ball in his right hand, raised his center of gravity, pulled back with a crossover dribble, and after a behind-the-back dribble with his left hand, suddenly accelerated, feigning a drive with his right hand.
Stoudemire immediately took a step back, but as soon as he moved, he saw Kayce dribble behind his back with his right hand, following up with a step-back three-pointer.
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net, crushing the opponent's spirit.
"Oh! Ah! Boo!"
The live audience at the US Airways Center Arena first let out a collective gasp, followed by a wave of boos, as Kayce provocatively raised his hand to his ear, making a gesture as if listening intently.
In the next few minutes, Kayce executed the screen and cut tactic three times in a row, making shots, drives, and assists, all successfully. Coach Gentry was so frustrated that he called another timeout.
Rookie Ibaka, who had been continuously fed easy baskets by Kayce this game, had already achieved a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. During the timeout, he sat on the bench, grinning foolishly.
All the Thunder's bench players looked on with envy. Everyone wanted easy baskets; good stats meant good money!
Kayce was also happy to see this happen. Getting excellent stats by playing with him would greatly increase his influence in the locker room, he thought proudly while rehydrating.
"Durant, everyone in the locker room is on my side! What do you have to fight me with? The leader's position will be mine sooner or later!"
In the subsequent game, the Thunder played more and more smoothly. Ibaka was like a man possessed, exerting all his strength on defense, constantly expanding his help defense area.
After three consecutive missed shots by the Phoenix Suns, the lead was stretched to 20 points.
The fourth quarter virtually became garbage time. After just over 3 minutes of play, Coach Gentry also pulled his starting lineup, as there was no need to expend more energy.
After all, Nash and Grant Hill were both quite old, and during the regular season, it was necessary to appropriately rotate them for rest and reduce their playing time.
Finally, the game clock ran out, 120 to 105. The Thunder easily defeated the Phoenix Suns on the road, solidifying their position as the top team in the Western Conference.
Perhaps due to losing at home and losing face, after the game, the Phoenix Suns players simply exchanged fist bumps and immediately walked back into the player tunnel. Kayce felt a little regretful that he hadn't gained any 'surface brothers' in the last two games.
Kayce returned to the Thunder's locker room with the game ball. Seeing Ibaka still sitting aside, grinning foolishly, he first gathered his teammates, then tossed the game ball to Ibaka, saying with a smile:
"15 points and 15 rebounds, a big double-double, and your first double-double in your NBA career, Serge. Take this game ball; it's a moment worth remembering, and we all know the effort you put in for this!"
"I know it's very difficult for inside players to get a triple-double, but I believe in the future you can achieve a block triple-double. Keep it up, Bro, your career will surely achieve amazing accomplishments."
Ibaka numbly took the ball, feeling incredibly touched. This was truly his leader!
"I… I don't know what to say, thank you, Kayce, thank you everyone, I…"
Before Ibaka could finish speaking, Russell, still in an excited state, picked up a nearby ice bucket and shouted:
"No need to say anything, man, just enjoy this moment!"
"Ah! Yeah! Ah!"
The heartwarming moment instantly turned into an ice water fight. The joy between men is sometimes that simple and crude.
Kayce also joined in with shouts, attacking Ibaka and Durant with ice water while chuckling to himself:
"As the team leader, I must establish a good locker room culture!"