When the Bulls' biting defense still couldn't stop the Thunder from scoring in the 4th quarter, there wasn't much suspense left in the game. The Bulls' offensive space on the court was simply too cramped.
In this game, only Hinrich made 3 three-pointers from beyond the arc; all other players went scoreless.
At this point, Rose's continuous drives to the basket weren't having much effect, and Luol Deng tried shooting from the three-point line, but unfortunately, it was still Bang Bang clanking off the rim.
Ultimately, the game clock ran out, with the Thunder narrowly defeating the Bulls 100-89 on the road, continuing to lead the Western Conference.
When Kayce returned to the locker room, he saw Russell dancing wildly on the side. His ghostly steps and twitching body movements made Kayce's scalp tingle, especially since the guy would occasionally let out a strange cry.
"Hoo-ha!"
In this game, Russell shot 15-for-24 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, exploding for 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Although he had 3 turnovers, he definitely outplayed Rose's 21 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 turnovers in their matchup.
In this grudge match, Russell elevated himself to another level, with deadly accurate mid-range jump shots.
Kayce and Durant scored 20 and 25 points respectively, which is why Coach Brooks preferred a short rotation, because the Thunder's trio had too much firepower.
"Alright, boys, we can head back to Oklahoma City with a victory. The team has the day off tomorrow, so spend some quality time with your families!"
Coach Brooks seized the opportunity to announce good news. The Thunder, plagued by injuries, needed rest and recuperation at this time.
"Yeah!!"
Every time Kayce returned to his Oklahoma City mansion late at night, a sense of loneliness would surface in his heart. The house was too big, and he lived alone. Opening the refrigerator, he saw there was no beef, his favorite.
"During the offseason, I absolutely must eat more junk food. Days without beef are simply torture!"
Nutritionist Wagner prepared his food in advance every week: drinks, snacks, main courses, all with a detailed weekly schedule. But what bothered Kayce the most was that he could only eat beef one week out of the month, and carbohydrates were becoming increasingly scarce.
After eating some simple greens, and carrying endless resentment, Kayce slowly drifted into dreamland.
In the Dream Training Space, Kayce noticed a new prompt on the control panel and immediately perked up. Since most of his badges had been upgraded to silver, Kayce had rarely paid attention to the achievement room.
After all, after this season, a very few badges might upgrade to gold, but most badges couldn't be upgraded, especially now when playing against bottom-tier teams, the experience gained was pitifully small, perhaps only one or two points per game.
Kayce entered the achievement room and, seeing the newly generated bronze badge, gently touched it.
Achievement Badge [Circus Three]: 1/50
Increases the ability to make difficult three-point shots after dribbling.
After seeing the badge's attributes, Kayce couldn't help but scratch his head. This badge, like the previous [Posterizer], was the kind that was difficult to upgrade, and its bonus effect was better than nothing.
"Forget it, I'll just continue with body coordination training in the space. The current bonus effects of so many badges are enough to handle the rookie season."
The Thunder returned to Oklahoma City for a day off. Most players might choose to attend parties or spend time with their girlfriends, but for the single Durant, a day off meant surfing the internet.
Recently, Durant had been conquering a new battlefield, Reddit. After Twitter no longer presented much of a challenge, he decided to bring his talents to Reddit. It was time to demonstrate his dominance on social media.
"KD will win the scoring title this season. If we can maintain our position as first in the Western Conference, perhaps KD can also win an MVP!"
On the Thunder subreddit, Durant saw the Oklahoma City fans praising him highly, and his mood immediately brightened. He typed away, leaving comments.
"Factos! KD is the best in the league!"
"Kayce is truly too strong; he won Rookie of the Month again. It's a shame I couldn't witness this moment at home. His arrival changed the Thunder."
Durant saw this post filled with praise for Kayce, frowned, and wrote a short comment.
"KD is the core of the Thunder; he is the strongest!"
On the Thunder subreddit, Oklahoma City fans were all singing praises, which made Durant feel good. The fans' adulation never got old. After reading many posts, Durant suddenly had an idea and posted a new thread.
"Kayce is great! But I think KD is the core of the Thunder. I like KD's playing style; he is a generational player!"
After the post went live, comments gradually increased. Durant smiled slightly; the team's leader had to have the support of the fans. However, when he saw one comment, he immediately became exasperated.
"KD is too ugly. I still prefer Kayce. I like his songs, I like his skills. I Love Kayce; he is the future of the Thunder."
"F***! Does playing basketball also depend on looks? I must correct your mistaken view!"
Durant grabbed his keyboard and began his counterattack. The team leader's image could not be smeared by idiotic fans.
At noon on January 6th, Kayce and Russell hosted Darren Collison, who was in Oklahoma City for an away game, at a private restaurant.
Although there had been some competitive friction at UCLA back then, after entering the NBA, all those past issues vanished. Coming from the same university, they were natural allies; their alumni bond was quite reliable.
"Thanks for the treat, and congratulations, Kayce, on winning Rookie of the Month again. To be honest, I'm a bit envious of you and Russell; you're both starters, and I'm struggling for playing time."
After speaking, Darren Collison picked up the juice on the table and chugged it down. He wasn't doing well with the Hornets; most of the time, he only played during garbage time.
"Actually, last year I also played more than 10 games off the bench, but the Hornets have Chris Paul, so it's really hard to compete for a starting spot against him. That guy will definitely be an All-Star again this year."
Mentioning Chris Paul, Russell also felt helpless for Darren Collison. Competing for a starting spot against an All-Star point guard was basically hopeless.
"I actually think you could push Marcus Thornton out first. You're definitely better than that guy. I remember he was a second-round pick this year. It's hard to understand why your coach gives him so many opportunities."
Kayce also began to comfort his alma mater friend.
"Because he's 10cm taller than me. I think the coach doesn't want to see two small point guards on the court at the same time. Shit! Let's not talk about these things. Anyway, all of us from UCLA are doing pretty well so far. That guy Love has also made a name for himself!"
Darren Collison no longer dwelled on his troubles and began discussing the individual development of their college teammates.
"That fat guy is racking up stats in Minnesota Timberwolves, a ruthless double-double machine. That playing style was actually a suggestion I gave him!"
Mentioning Love, Kayce immediately exposed Love's past, which instantly made the two burst into laughter.
The three of them reminisced about funny college stories and constantly talked about the development of their former teammates. For Kayce, this was much more interesting than exchanging messages with superficial friends.
...
If one were to pick the most prominent point guard in America over the past two years, it would undoubtedly be Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets.
After being selected by the Hornets as the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, Chris Paul, after two years of refining his game, led the team to an impressive 56-26 record in the 2007-08 season. That season, Chris Paul was also selected as an All-Star reserve.
Although they unfortunately lost to the seasoned Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals, Paul had by then completely entered the public eye, and his reputation as the Hornet King soared.
In the 2008-09 season, due to Tyson Chandler's injury, the Hornets' record was affected, but Chris Paul still led the team to a 49-33 record, entering the Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
That season, Chris Paul also officially became an All-Star starting point guard.
However, last year's Playoffs journey was somewhat unkind to Chris Paul. In the first round, they encountered Anthony's Denver Nuggets and were swiftly swept in a gentleman's sweep.
Game 4 was even more disastrous, 121-63. Facing a massive 58-point deficit, Chris Paul on the bench could only offer an awkward smile.
This new season, Head Coach Byron Scott was fired directly after coaching 9 games. Coupled with changes in team personnel, the Hornets currently only had a 16-16 record, placing them 10th in the Western Conference.
However, facing tonight's game, the Hornets' coaching staff was full of confidence. They had been on a winning streak recently and were in good form. Furthermore, with the Thunder's interior already depleted, this game was practically a bonus.
The inside combination of David West and Emeka Okafor was sure to dominate the opponent, and with Peja Stojaković's outside firepower and Chris Paul's playmaking, the game was basically secured.
Of course, all of the above were the personal thoughts of Jeff Bower, the Hornets' General Manager and currently interim Head Coach. Former Hornets Head Coach and current Assistant Coach Tim Floyd, however, was not as optimistic, as the Thunder's Big Three were simply too potent.
Before the game, in the visiting team's locker room, Assistant Coach Floyd was drawing on the whiteboard, constantly explaining the tactical arrangements for the game.
"Chris, you must pay attention to the Thunder's backcourt defense, especially Kayce. Although he is only a rookie, do not underestimate him; he is very good at defending guards."
"In this game, we need to get the ball inside. David West and Emeka Okafor, you two can initiate offense more often in the low post. At the same time, you must pay attention to transition defense; the Thunder's fast break speed is very quick."
Bower, the interim Head Coach, then offered the team a generous dose of encouragement:
"We had a tough start to the new season, but the team is back on track. We are family, we are not afraid of difficulties. Come on, boys!"
"Okay, let's go! Yeah!!"
Chris Paul was actually not satisfied with the team's roster improvements. The Hornets still lacked strong forwards, and he also knew that the team had no intention of paying the luxury tax, which deepened his sense of frustration.
"I hope we can make it to the Western Conference Finals this season!"
In the player tunnel, Chris Paul, preparing to enter the arena, thought to himself.
At the Ford Center, many fans brought their own cheering signs tonight, praying and wishing well for the injured players. This deeply moved Jeff Green and Kostić, who were sitting courtside in casual clothes.
"Kevin, you must play well tonight. I believe you will lead the team to victory."
During the final warm-up, Jeff Green sauntered over to Durant and flattered him.
"Don't worry, Bro, the Hornets' forwards definitely can't guard me. We will win tonight!"
After two days of intense online arguments, Durant was in a good mood. Hearing Jeff Green's flattery, he immediately put on a boss-like demeanor and set a bold flag.
On the other side, Kayce noticed some bad signs. Perhaps the law of conservation of character was at play; Russell's shots were clanking off the rim tonight, and Kayce had a feeling he was heading for a slump.
"Russell, how are you feeling? I mean, how's your touch? You've been clanking shots since this afternoon's practice."
Kayce saw Russell still clanking shots repeatedly nearby and couldn't help but remind him. Don't force cold shots!
"Don't worry, Kayce, I'm a game-time player. As soon as the game starts, my touch will quickly return. Don't forget, in the last game, I shot with a very high percentage. My shooter's talent has been activated!"
Russell said with full confidence.
"…That sounds familiar."
The game was about to start, and the referee signaled both teams to come to center court. Chris Paul acted like a big shot, constantly hugging and greeting the Thunder players, even asking them how they were doing.
"Kayce, I've always thought highly of you. Finally, we can compete on the same court. Good luck, Bro!"
Kayce didn't expect Chris Paul to be so friendly. Faced with the compliment, he immediately switched to commercial mutual flattery mode, using his all-purpose line.
"Wow! Thank you for the compliment, you are my role model!"
The Hornets attacked. Chris Paul brought the ball across half-court and immediately ran a pick-and-roll with David West. Although Russell's speed in getting through the screen was not slow, Chris Paul's passing speed was even faster.
David West, after splitting, received Chris Paul's pass near the free-throw line and, without hesitation, took a mid-range jump shot.
"Swish!" Two points easily scored.
With the Hornets' pick-and-roll, Chris Paul could shoot, pass, or drive with the ball. He was small, explosive, and incredibly fast, which made Serge Ibaka hesitant to step up too far on defense, leaving him in a dilemma.
The Thunder quickly inbounded the ball. After Russell brought it across half-court, Nick Collison came up for a high pick-and-roll. Chris Paul, defending Russell, chose not to squeeze through the screen but to go under it, giving Russell a shooting opportunity.
Seeing this defensive choice, Russell was full of confidence and, without hesitation, took a mid-range jump shot.
"Clank!" A loud clang as it missed.
Peja grabbed the long rebound and immediately passed to Chris Paul. Chris Paul received the ball and instantly initiated a fast break. Seeing the Thunder's quick transition defense, he slowed the pace after crossing half-court and signaled Emeka Okafor to come up for a pick-and-roll.
Chris Paul drove to the right with acceleration, then suddenly faked a bounce pass. The moment the ball bounced back, he elegantly took a mid-range shot.
"Swish!" Two points scored again.
The bounce pass fake was so realistic that Collison and Russell both froze for a moment. By the time they reacted, Chris Paul had already released the shot.
"Boo!!!"
The Ford Center crowd immediately let out a huge boo. They did not want to see Chris Paul showing off his skills in their home arena.
The Thunder attacked. Kayce, using Serge Ibaka's screen, received a pass from Russell at the top of the arc. Facing Devin Brown's defense, he wasn't in a hurry to attack. While dribbling with his left hand, he gave Durant an offensive signal.
Durant understood Kayce's signal and immediately came over to receive the ball. They executed a simple hand-off. Peja's defense lacked aggression, and Durant easily shook off the entanglement after receiving the ball, took a big dribble, and pulled up for a jump shot.
"Swish!" A long two-pointer went in steadily.
This was also the Thunder's coaching staff's pre-game strategy. The Hornets' forward defense lacked toughness, so naturally, they should attack that point more. Kayce and Durant could definitely easily exploit them.
"Oh wow!!"
Seeing Durant score, the home crowd immediately erupted in huge cheers. Many fans only sat down to watch the game after their team scored. It must be said that Oklahoma City fans were truly passionate.
This time, the Hornets' offense was even simpler and more direct. David West got the ball at the free-throw line and immediately passed it to Emeka Okafor in the low post. Emeka Okafor received the ball, faced Collison's defense, bumped him twice, created space, and took a simple right-handed hook shot.
"Swish!" Two points scored in the paint.
Coach Brooks on the sidelines was speechless when he saw this. The opponent clearly wanted to attack the paint more, but the Thunder really couldn't defend it.
Kayce and Serge Ibaka executed a cross-screen on the baseline, successfully receiving the ball in the low post. Noticing that Devin Brown's defense wasn't very close, he took a jab step, then pulled up for a jump shot.
"Swish!" A mid-range shot went in steadily.
Although this shot went in, Kayce noticed some defensive details from the Hornets. They were collapsing very tightly, giving both Serge Ibaka and Collison a step of space. The Hornets' strategy for this game was likely to protect the paint and allow perimeter shots to some extent.
The rest of the game confirmed Kayce's conjecture. The Hornets believed the Thunder couldn't beat them with outside shooting. Except for tighter defense on Kayce and Durant, the other three players were given appropriate space.
David West and Emeka Okafor basically stayed inside, which made it difficult for the Thunder to create offensive space on the court. Coupled with Russell seemingly heading for a slump tonight, the Hornets were collapsing more and more.
The Thunder's fast break was also difficult to execute. Chris Paul was now a rhythm master, slowing down the offensive pace on the court. Peja would not shoot a three-pointer unless he had an absolute open look. The Hornets consistently scored from mid-range and the low post.
On the last possession of the first quarter, Kayce received a hand-off pass from Durant. Peja's defensive rotation was a beat slow. Kayce, with the ball in his left hand, did a cross-over dribble, easily shaking off the defender. He faked an acceleration drive, then dribbled behind his back with his right hand, quickly stepped back, and took a jump shot.
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
With three seconds left in the first quarter, Kayce quickly moved to bother Chris Paul, who was receiving the ball. Chris Paul didn't attack, letting the clock run out.
"Good offensive skills, but unfortunately, we're going to win this game."
Before Kayce could respond, Chris Paul quickly ran back to the bench after showing off.
30 to 24, the Thunder trailed by 6 points at the end of the first quarter. The deficit wasn't too large, but the situation on the court was very passive. Kayce silently complained in his heart:
"This is the Thunder introducing you to the league's centers."