Perhaps due to the All-Star player's pride, Arenas continuously forced several offensive plays against Kayce in the first quarter, but unfortunately, it yielded minimal results, with only 1 successful shot out of 5 attempts.
In the latter half of the first quarter, when Arenas wanted the ball to attack again, his teammates stopped passing it to him. Veteran Antawn Jamison stepped up and carried the Washington Wizards' offense.
Relying on the efficient performance of other players, the Washington Wizards barely maintained a single-digit point difference. At 32-24, the Thunder easily secured an 8-point lead in the first quarter.
Coach Brooks made extensive rotations in the second quarter, keeping only Kayce in the starting lineup. Menor and Thabo Sefolosha partnered in the backcourt, while Ibaka and Collison were in the paint.
Coach Saunders, on the other hand, used a short rotation, substituting Arenas and Jamison for Nick Young and Blatche. It was a simple like-for-like substitution, with the other starters remaining unchanged.
On the Thunder's offense, Kayce noticed that his defensive matchup had changed to Nick Young. After a baseline cross-screen with Collison, Kayce received a pass from Menor at the elbow. After catching the ball with his back to the basket, he immediately turned, using his right foot as a pivot, quickly released the ball with his left hand, and drove along the baseline.
Haywood probably didn't expect Nick Young to be so easily beaten. Before he could even step up to help on defense, he saw Kayce already airborne, throwing down a powerful one-handed dunk with his right hand!
"Slam!" The driving dunk went in easily.
The Washington Wizards found that the Thunder's bench unit's perimeter defense was also good, especially Thabo Sefolosha, Kayce, and Ibaka. Their defensive rotations and coordination were excellent, making it difficult for the Washington Wizards to get open looks.
Seeing that time was running out, Nick Young proactively stepped up to take the shot for his team's veteran. He took a jump shot from beyond the three-point line, challenged by Thabo Sefolosha's defense.
"Clang!" A brick.
The long rebound bounced directly into Kayce's hands. After gaining control of the ball, he accelerated at full speed. Nick Young was very active in getting back on defense, but unfortunately, Kayce suddenly executed a Euro step while in motion, easily shaking off the defense and calmly laying the ball in.
The second quarter had just begun, and the Thunder had already extended their lead. The difference grew to 12 points, and after that, Kayce found the game uninteresting as the Washington Wizards' defense became increasingly poor.
In the latter half of the second quarter, after both teams put their starters back in, the lead continued to widen. Durant's three-pointers swished in, and the Washington Wizards completely collapsed by halftime.
At 66-50, the Thunder went into the second half with a 16-point lead. The outcome of the game was no longer in much doubt. The home fans, seeing their team's performance, stopped cheering. Getting beaten at home was truly difficult to bear.
"Extremely boring. I even wish we could play our training games more. Are Eastern Conference teams all this weak? Maybe if I came to the Eastern Conference, I could get an All-Star starting spot!"
Although Durant scored a lot, he was not happy at this moment. The thought that the Thunder's Western Conference-leading record couldn't help him secure an All-Star starting position immediately made him feel depressed.
"Kevin, the Eastern Conference also has Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. An All-Star starting spot is still very difficult, especially since you're still a rookie."
Jeff Green once again stated a disheartening fact to Durant.
"Jeff is right, Kevin. Actually, just making the All-Star team is enough. We'll also help you get the scoring title this season, don't worry, you'll definitely get a max contract."
Russell also spoke up to comfort Durant.
"Don't worry too much about the contract, Kevin. You should trust Kleiman's ability. The agent is responsible for negotiating the contract; you just need to perform well!"
Kayce knew why Durant was so concerned about the All-Star game. After all, his rookie contract would expire next July, and his next contract involved tens of millions of dollars, so it was normal for him to feel anxious.
"Thanks, guys. I've indeed been a bit irritable lately. Once I sign a big contract, I'll pick any hot girl I want. I promise, I'll definitely throw a grand party during the offseason!"
Durant let out a long sigh of relief and began to fantasize about his life after getting a big contract.
"Yeah! Party!"
The third quarter began, and after struggling for over three minutes, the Washington Wizards completely gave up. Arenas, however, continued to fight. After all, this was their home court, and as the star player, he naturally couldn't give up easily.
But unfortunately, his shooting touch had been very poor recently. After frequent misses, the Thunder's consecutive transition attacks quickly pushed the lead to 20 points.
The rest of the game turned into a scoring fest. After Kayce reached 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, Coach Brooks took him out. The Washington Wizards had also called it a day, and the fourth quarter became garbage time.
Ultimately, 110-95, the Thunder easily defeated the Washington Wizards on the road, securing their eighth consecutive victory and continuing to lead the Western Conference.
Many home fans had already left early. With a quarter of garbage time, no one was interested in watching such a game.
The Thunder team flew back to Oklahoma City tonight, and after a day of rest, they would host the Utah Jazz, which would also be their last game of 2009.
By the time Kayce returned to his mansion in Oklahoma City, it was already late at night. The empty room made him momentarily nostalgic for the chaotic life of Christmas.
"Two games, the [Dream Shake] badge should have upgraded. I hope the second attribute can be more practical."
With that thought, Kayce, after a quick wash, lay down on his large bed and slowly drifted into sleep.
In the Dream Training Space, Kayce called out the control panel and saw an upgrade notification above the achievement room. He couldn't help but smile knowingly and immediately entered the achievement room to check the silver badge's attributes.
Achievement Badge [Dream Shake]: 2 / 500
Increases the chance of back-to-the-basket fakes making defenders bite, and temporarily increases shooting percentage after shaking off the defender.
Kayce saw that both the upgraded [Dream Shake] and [Ankle Breaker] could temporarily increase his shooting percentage, and he let out a satisfied sigh, muttering to himself:
"I can just play a few 1-on-1 games with the simulated Durant to test the badge's bonus effects. Upgrading silver badges is too difficult!"
...
The third phase of All-Star voting results was about to be announced. At this time, most players with the strength to compete for an All-Star starting spot would try their best to perform, even if fan votes didn't get them into the top two, they still had to contend for a reserve spot.
The Western Conference backcourt was truly competitive. Deron Williams, in order to be successfully selected for the All-Star game, was in explosive form in December, especially after the emergence of the freak rookie Kayce. Several veteran Western Conference guards were under immense pressure, and no one wanted to be pushed out by Kayce.
On December 31st, in the visitor's locker room, Coach Sloan was instructing his players:
"Deron, control our offensive rhythm, be patient, and don't give them transition opportunities. Carlos, make sure to protect our defensive rebounds."
"Lads, we need to win this game. We are currently eighth in the Western Conference. We need to play every game well, maintain our defensive intensity, stick to our defensive strategy, and get ready to play!"
In the Thunder's locker room, Jeff Green looked a bit troubled. Whenever they encountered teams with strong big men, many media outlets and basketball commentators would start criticizing him after the game.
"Damn media! I swear, after this game, they'll dig up all that old crap again. It's always the same few lines over and over!"
Jeff Green, having just changed, was complaining about his situation.
"I thought you were used to it, man. Don't worry, we're definitely winning this game. No team can beat us twice in a row!"
Kayce spoke with the air of a boss, full of confidence.
"Russell, you really need to play well this game and try to outperform Deron Williams. Then maybe you'll make the All-Star team."
Durant hoped that Kayce and Russell could both make the All-Star Game. With two of them assisting him, he might even get the All-Star MVP!
"Our record is much better than the Utah Jazz, but the Head Coach definitely won't consider a second-year rookie. Playing in the Rookie Challenge this year is enough. That way I'll have more time to spend with Nina."
Russell never held out hope. He thought it was pretty good to go shopping with his girlfriend in Dallas.
"Ugh! You're hopeless, Russell!"
"Come on, are you planning to get married next year?"
The Thunder players, having just been shown a display of affection, immediately erupted, all of them frantically complaining about Russell.
Coach Brooks was still very serious about this game. He didn't want the team to lose to the opponent consecutively. The Thunder's style of play was becoming increasingly mature, so before the game, he focused more on encouragement:
"The Utah Jazz will definitely slow down the game's pace. Don't rush at the start, Kayce, control the offensive rhythm and be patient. The first quarter is very important; we need to set the tone for the game."
"Kevin, don't get too tangled up with defenders. Use screens well and play smart. Remember, this is our home court."
"Russell, always go over the top on pick-and-rolls, stick with Deron Williams, and use your body to pressure him. Green, Kostić, the defensive rebounds are up to you. Pay attention to the outlet pass; we need to capitalize on fast break opportunities. Come on, boys!"
"Oh!! One, two, three, family!"
Ford Center was still packed tonight. This was the last game of 2009, and all the Oklahoma City fans hoped the Thunder could end the year perfectly. Many fans brought their own cheering signs and entered the arena early, making the atmosphere increasingly lively.
When the DJ introduced the home team players, the immense roar in the arena made Kayce's ears ring. It wasn't until both teams were doing their final warm-ups that Kayce felt his hearing fully restored.
"I'm going all out on offense from the start of the game. I don't want to lose to the Utah Jazz again. Kevin, bring your A-game. Don't let me outshine you."
During the shooting warm-up, Kayce smiled and teased Durant next to him.
"You lost to me in yesterday's scrimmage, though. I'm always in top form, don't worry, I'll lead you to victory in this game."
When Durant heard Kayce's words, his mouth twitched at first as he remembered the last time Kayce was cheered "MVP" at home. Then, he assumed the posture of a leader, patted Kayce's shoulder, and responded with a smile.
"I can't keep this up, Russell. Can't those two relax a bit? Our team scrimmages are getting more and more intense. You need to talk to Kayce!"
Jeff Green, seeing Kayce and Durant secretly competing again, couldn't help but complain to Russell beside him. He really missed the days of slacking off and making bad shots two years ago.
"I think everyone is having fun training, Green. We're first in the Western Conference; we need to demand more from ourselves. You're also in a contract year; get more stats so you can sign a big contract!"
"..."
You make a very good point. Jeff Green was speechless. Ever since the team scrimmages intensified, he hadn't been able to go out and party with hot girls for a long time. His iron rod had no use!
The venue was a cacophony of noise, forcing the referee to raise his voice, signaling both teams to come to center court. Kostić and Okur prepared for the jump ball.
The Thunder's first offensive possession was patient. After Russell's high pick-and-roll didn't create an opportunity, Durant came off a screen to receive the ball, used a quick step to blow past Brewer's defense, and seeing Okur already recovered to the basket, he passed the ball out to Kayce on the perimeter.
Kayce received the ball at the top of the arc, faked a move, then accelerated with the ball in his right hand for a drive. Mid-drive, he suddenly pulled the ball back between his legs, changing pace. After gaining half a step on Myers, he continued to drive to the paint with the ball in his left hand.
Noticing Okur coming over to help on defense again, he made a subtle bounce pass with his left hand, instantly tearing open the defense. Kostić, receiving the ball under the basket, slammed it down with both hands!
"Clang!"
"Ah! Wow!"
Ford Center immediately erupted in a huge cheer; this dunk ignited the passion of the live audience.
The Thunder chose to open the game with drive-and-kick plays. Although the tactic was old-fashioned, it was very effective, as Okur alone couldn't handle the rim protection.
Deron Williams slowly dribbled across half-court, and Boozer immediately came up for a pick-and-roll. Russell agilely squeezed over the top of the screen, constantly applying body pressure to Deron Williams at his side.
Noticing that the pick-and-roll didn't work, Myers immediately went to receive the ball, preparing to transition. But just as he received the ball and was about to pass again, Kayce's defense was very aggressive, and he seized the opportunity to strip the ball away.
After stealing the ball, Kayce accelerated at full speed, going one-on-zero in the frontcourt. After rushing into the paint, he jumped with both feet, did a 360-degree spin in the air, and threw down a one-handed dunk!
"Clang!" The steal and dunk were easily executed.
"Oh!!"
"Wow!"
The live audience, seeing Kayce gracefully complete the mid-air spin and easily dunk the ball, immediately cheered wildly, exclaiming how flashy it was!
Kayce retreated on defense, raising both hands, signaling the fans in the arena to get hyped, while chuckling to himself:
"With this level of physicality, the referees definitely won't call a foul. The home whistle is still very useful. The Utah Jazz can also experience 'no fouls' now!"