Kevin Love, the ruthless double-double machine, found the first two months of the season exceptionally easy after Kayce's scoring guidance.
Anyway, they were going to lose, so after getting on the court, he'd sink two three-pointers, then draw two fouls in the low post, and get two easy buckets, and his points would basically be in double digits. As for rebounds, within the Minnesota Timberwolves, besides Al Jefferson, all the rebounds were his.
After two months of stat-padding, his numbers were soaring. Although his three-point shooting percentage was a bit low, just over 30%, that wasn't important.
In those days, big men who could shoot threes were rare, and Love had developed a new skill set. The coaching staff was very satisfied with his performance, but unfortunately, in early January, disaster struck: Love injured his back during practice, requiring at least half a month on the sidelines.
Kayce, of course, knew his good brother was injured, but seeing the other's chubby face, he couldn't help but complain:
"I remember Tony arranged a professional nutritionist for you. In December, Tony even said you'd lost a lot of weight. How did you get fat again?"
"I just added some disciplined meals after the injury. Once I resume training, I can lose the weight in a week."
Love said casually. He really didn't care about his weight.
"Disciplined meals? That made you gain weight again? I'm a little curious, what exactly did you eat to get so fat in half a month!"
Russell poured himself a glass of juice and curiously asked about Love's diet.
"Just some late-night snacks. I've prepared disciplined meals for you guys tonight too. We can eat and chat. We just finished the game, so it's a good time to replenish our energy."
Love finished speaking, happily ran to the kitchen, and brought over all the food he had specially prepared.
"Shit! Donuts? Tacos? And they're freshly made? Did you hire a Mexican chef?"
Kayce was speechless when he saw the pile of snacks on the table. Good heavens, this was truly 'disciplined'!
"Cool! I love these donuts, sweet and delicious, my favorite!"
Russell ignored any diet plans, picked up two chocolate donuts, and started devouring them.
"You know, Kayce, I don't have many friends here and I don't like going out. Food is my only hobby. Try some, it'll definitely suit your taste."
Love put on a pitiful and helpless expression, seemingly trying to win Kayce's sympathy.
"OK! You manage your diet well. Anyway, the Minnesota Timberwolves don't have any performance requirements. Heal your injury this season and take the opportunity to pad your stats."
Kayce picked up a corn tortilla from the table while reminding Love, who was eating heartily.
"Thanks, Bro! Hurry and try the Taco. I eat it every Tuesday this month. Taco Tuesday! Russell, you try some too."
Sharing delicious food with his good brother, this was the life Love had always yearned for.
Halfway through his meal, Kayce almost choked when he heard "Taco Tuesday." Before he could even take a sip of juice to wash down his food, he heard Russell screaming wildly beside him:
"Delicious Tacos! When I get back to Oklahoma City, I'll suggest Nina eat this on Tuesdays! Oh!"
"Cough, cough!"
"Don't rush, eat slowly, Kayce. I've prepared a lot. We can eat our fill tonight!"
On January 21st, on a flight to Memphis, the Thunder players were all discussing the All-Star reserves. The starters were pretty much a given, but for the reserves, everyone could still place their bets.
"If the coaching staff picks the reserves, basically one player will be chosen from each team. Chris Paul will definitely be selected."
Jeff Green said with certainty.
"Actually, the reserves aren't hard to guess. Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol will definitely be chosen. The other top teams in the West will each get one player, basically that's how it is."
Durant said with a smile. He would be named an All-Star tomorrow night, a milestone in his career. In the past few days, he had been falling asleep with a smile every night.
"It's like this every year. It's hard for players from small teams with poor records to get selected. Fans might be tired of seeing the same old faces!"
After a disciplined meal last night, Russell was beaming. Hearing his teammates' discussion, he chimed in with a laugh.
"You're wrong about that, Russell. 23 vs. 24, the league's perennial special. After the Christmas War, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant face off again. Most fans should love seeing that matchup."
Kayce looked at the Sports Illustrated magazine in his hand and casually quipped.
"Boring matchup!" "Why do I have no anticipation at all!" "Believe me, Oklahoma City fans won't like seeing this!"
Kayce heard everyone's complaints and secretly thought:
"The All-Star Game is a great opportunity for brand marketing. Nike won't miss this chance. Whether fans like it or not doesn't matter; Nike definitely won big, since they're all their own star players anyway."
Halfway through the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies finally realized that Thabeet was a true bust. Although the draft was a complete failure, drawing mockery from other teams in the league.
But a blessing in disguise, the Grizzlies' front office never expected that Zach Randolph, who was acquired in a trade at the beginning of the new season, would get better and better. The dream of a twin towers inside, which had previously been shattered, seemed like it could be mended again.
The combination of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol unexpectedly clicked, cooperating tacitly on both offense and defense. After the initial adjustment period at the beginning of the season, the Grizzlies finally got on track.
While the inside problem was solved, a small issue arose with the perimeter core. O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay both wanted more ball-handling opportunities, but there was only one ball. Plus, Michael Conley also needed the ball in his hands, leaving Head Coach Hollins and coaching staff with a headache.
On the evening of January 22nd, in the Grizzlies' locker room, Head Coach Hollins kept writing and drawing on the whiteboard, loudly instructing his players:
"Guys, we need to make good use of the 24-second shot clock. When encountering screens, we need to increase physical contact. We absolutely cannot let opponents easily catch and shoot!"
"O.J. Mayo, you need to control your emotions in this game. Don't force your offense against Li's defense. Rudy, you need to play aggressively on offense in this game. Make good use of Gasol's screens and attack the opponent's basket more."
"This is our revenge game. I don't want to lose twice to the same team. Let's go, guys!"
In the Thunder's locker room, Coach Brooks was only emphasizing one thing:
"Rebounds, guys, don't underestimate the opponent. Compared to our last encounter, Zach Randolph is in better form. Serge, control your fouls. You have a very important task in this game, don't easily go for steals."
Ibaka nodded. Since starting a few games, he could feel his tremendous improvement, but thinking about matching up against Zach Randolph, a skilled big man, he immediately felt like he was going to be dominated again.
"Cheer up, Serge. You can actually learn a lot of techniques from this kind of matchup. What's more, your defense is already much better than before, don't underestimate yourself too much!"
Kayce noticed the dejected Ibaka and couldn't help but softly comfort him. He wasn't lying; ever since Ibaka started, the Defense Core had gained about 8 points of experience in every game, which was enough to show Ibaka's improvement on the defensive end.
"Thanks, Kayce! I'll do my best to complete the task coaching staff assigned!"
Ibaka felt a warmth in his heart. His own boss was reliable and always encouraged him, the rookie.
"Don't be so serious, Serge. It's just a regular season game, no need to be so nervous. Don't worry, we can afford to lose. 34 wins and 8 losses, we're one win ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers again!"
Collison also patted Ibaka's shoulder and comforted him with a smile.
"Oh!! One, two, three, family!"
The game was about to begin. The referee signaled for both teams' players to come to the center of the court. Kayce had just exchanged friendly words with Marc Gasol when he noticed O.J. Mayo staring intently at him. He immediately walked over and greeted him simply:
"Hey, Bro! You've been playing great lately."
Before Kayce could finish, O.J. Mayo suddenly blurted out loudly:
"You won't score easily on me! On offense, I'm going to blow past you!"
"???"
"Haha, buddy, April Fool's Day is still more than two months away. Are you confused?"
Durant burst out laughing after hearing O.J. Mayo's words, and teased him a little.
"In Memphis, you won't get easy stats. Your style of play won't work here!"
Rudy Gay couldn't help but retort to Durant. The thought of Durant becoming an All-Star made him incredibly jealous.
"Stats? Buddy, if you have the ability, you can try to get some too. Scoring 30 points every game must be very difficult for you! You..."
"Alright, gentlemen, you can chat after the game. We're about to tip off!"
The referee saw that the two sides were on the verge of a verbal spat and immediately stepped in to interrupt. The pre-game atmosphere was a bit tense; it seemed the whistle would have to be blown more strictly in this game.
The Grizzlies played very aggressively from the start. After a simple high-low post combination, they immediately fed the ball to Zach Randolph in the low post. The latter, after receiving the ball, used his weight advantage to back down to the basket, creating space with his body, and made a left-handed layup.
"Ha-ah!!"
A huge cheer erupted in FedEx Forum for Zach Randolph. Memphis fans had gradually grown to love Randolph. Regardless of his past, Randolph had certainly given his all for the Grizzlies!
Thunder on offense. After Kayce crossed half-court, he immediately went to the corner. Halfway through the regular season, his teammates had fully adapted to many tactics. The first possession of the game was usually given to Durant.
Ibaka first went to set a cross-screen for Durant. Zach Randolph's defensive movement was very aggressive, hitting Durant hard. This allowed Rudy Gay to easily chase him.
When Kostić screened for Durant again, Marc Gasol also bumped Durant. After two collisions, although Durant successfully received Russell's pass from beyond the three-point line, Rudy Gay's defense remained tight on him.
Seeing his opponent so close, Durant directly accelerated with the ball in his left hand, dribbled two big steps, and pulled up for a jump shot from the left elbow of the free-throw line.
"Swish" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
Kayce felt a bad premonition seeing the Grizzlies' defensive strategy. They were clearly defending at the three-point line, giving up mid-range shots, applying physical contact, and Gasol was also collapsing into the paint. It wouldn't be easy for the Thunder to drive to the basket.
"It seems the Grizzlies have really found the team's weakness. This game is going to be tough!"
Kayce thought to himself as he returned to defense. It had to be said, the Grizzlies' playing style was somewhat of a counter to the Thunder.
Michael Conley dribbled past half-court and immediately passed the ball to Marc Gasol at the free-throw line. Rudy Gay went for a hand-off, and using Marc Gasol's large frame, easily shook off Durant's entanglement, accelerated straight with the ball in his right hand, and easily scored a layup.
Kostić didn't expect the opponent's drive to be so determined, and was a step slow on defense, only able to watch Rudy Gay drive past him and score two points.
"Nenad, don't guard too closely. Protecting the paint is most important."
After the opponent scored, Kayce quietly reminded Kostić. The game strategy laid out by the coaching staff before the game couldn't be forgotten now. Kostić patted Kayce's shoulder, indicating he understood.
Russell quickly dribbled past half-court. Ibaka came up for a pick-and-roll. Noticing that Zach Randolph was completely sagged back and Michael Conley also went under the screen, Russell didn't hesitate, dribbled one step inside the three-point line, and pulled up for a long two-point jump shot.
"Swish" The two-point shot went in easily.
"The Grizzlies' defensive strategy is quite interesting! This game, they're giving up mid-range shots, strictly guarding the paint and three-pointers. This is a very confident choice, because the Thunder's trio of shooters are not weak; if given a chance, they can really make them."
After watching two possessions to start the game, Yang Yi also briefly explained the Grizzlies' defensive choice.
On this Grizzlies' possession, after Michael Conley and Marc Gasol executed a pick-and-roll, shaking off Russell's defense, Michael Conley took a jump shot directly from beyond the three-point line.
"Swish" The three-pointer swished through the net.
Russell frustratedly raised his hand, indicating that this defensive lapse was his fault. Marc Gasol's screen quality was too high, and he was a beat slow getting through the screen, resulting in Conley making the three-pointer.
"Oh-ah!!"
"Defense! Defense! Defense!!"
The Grizzlies' offense started smoothly, and the home fans immediately got hyped up. Led by the arena DJ, they began cheering and shouting for the home team.
On this Thunder possession, through two screens by Ibaka and Kostić on the perimeter, Kayce received Russell's pass at the 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line, but Zach Randolph, who had switched onto him, immediately stepped up to defend.
Kayce, with the ball in his right hand, accelerated and drove past his opponent easily, then pulled up for a mid-range jump shot.
"Swish" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
After scoring, Kayce felt something was off. He suddenly remembered that this was only the first quarter, and immediately guessed what the Grizzlies' strategy was:
"Are they trying to use physical contact to lower our shooting percentage?"
In the subsequent play, the two teams traded leads. The Grizzlies fully utilized their inside advantage, frequently scoring with low-post offense, while the Thunder responded with accurate outside shooting.
The Grizzlies' defense gradually increased its physical intensity. Every off-ball screen involved a lot of body contact. In the first quarter, the Thunder were completely unaffected, and the two teams were tied at 28.
But when Kayce came off the court to rest in the latter half of the second quarter, the Thunder's offensive efficiency slowly began to decline, and Durant also started to miss shots.
At halftime, the score was 52:52, with both teams tied.
During halftime in the Thunder locker room, Coach Brooks began to explain the tactical arrangements for the second half:
"We need to try and increase our three-point attempts. If an opportunity arises, shoot decisively. Continue to protect our defensive rebounds. Kevin, do you need to rest a bit in the second half?"
"I'm fine, Coach! Halftime is enough time for me to recover my energy."
Durant took a deep breath and answered loudly. He was indeed having some issues with his stamina, and what was worse, the frequent physical contact was already affecting his shooting touch.
Once the second half began, the Grizzlies implemented their defensive strategy, completely suppressing the Thunder's offense. Both Russell and Durant's shooting percentages were declining.
After the Grizzlies took a 4-point lead, Kayce started to take over the Thunder's offense. Facing O.J. Mayo's defense, he executed two consecutive crossover dribbles and a in-and-out move from beyond the three-point line. With the ball in his left hand, he faked a drive, causing O.J. Mayo's defensive Center of Gravity to shift backward, then immediately stepped back for a jump shot.
"Swish" The three-pointer swished through the net.
"Hey! Bro, I'm still going to score easily on you. Your defense needs to step up!"
After provoking O.J. Mayo, Kayce quickly turned to run back on defense. This 'score and run' behavior immediately infuriated O.J. Mayo.
Grizzlies on offense. After O.J. Mayo received the ball, he didn't follow the team's tactical instructions to pass the ball inside. Instead, he executed a series of crossover dribbles and in-and-out moves, attempting to shake off Kayce. When that didn't work, he shot directly over the defense.
"Bang" He bricked the shot badly.
Kayce secured the long rebound and quickly initiated a fast break. He found Durant running ahead with a long pass. Durant received the ball, faced the retreating Rudy Gay, took three big steps, evaded the defense in the air, and scored a left-handed layup.
"Buddy, scoring on you is easy!"
After scoring, Durant also taunted Rudy Gay, then quickly turned to run back on defense.
"Screech"
Head Coach Hollins immediately called a timeout. He wanted to break the Thunder's momentum and also needed to sub out the hot-headed O.J. Mayo!
After the timeout, Kayce found that he was matched up against Sam Young. The Grizzlies had reverted to their grinding offensive rhythm, and in the subsequent play, the Thunder were completely suppressed again.
No three-pointers, no transition offense, only mid-range shots and free throws. As the game progressed, the Thunder's shooting percentage began to decline again.
Coach Brooks watched from the sidelines with a deep frown. All the opportunities were there, but the frequent physical contact caused the Thunder players to lose their accuracy. This was frustrating, as the tactics themselves weren't really the problem.
By the fourth quarter, Kayce's three-point shots also started to miss. The Grizzlies had by then shifted their defensive focus, frequently targeting Kayce with aggressive play.
"F***!"
After receiving the ball off a screen, Kayce was hit at least three times during the process, but the referee didn't blow the whistle. After an extremely boring brick-fest, the fourth quarter alone saw the two teams score 15:14.
Ultimately, the Thunder regrettably lost by two points, 84:86. In the end, truly no one could make a shot. Kayce, aching all over, smiled bitterly to himself:
"Is this 'muscle basketball'? It's truly boring."