Kayce checked all the badges in the Achievement Room of the Dream Space, confirming once again that most of the badge experience was stuck around 25/50, which instantly halved his motivation for the Summer League.
"It seems I have to slack off. Without badge experience, these games are a waste of time. At most, I'll just grind a few more playmaking badges."
Kayce, feeling depressed, exited the Achievement Room, opened the music in the Dream Space to soothe his mood, and immediately returned to basic training to continue his daily training plan.
After his morning run, Kayce found Curry eating alone in the hotel restaurant.
"Hey, Bro, how are you doing with the Warriors? Didn't Ayesha come with you?" Kayce walked over and greeted him.
"Ayesha is busy with her credits. Sigh, I feel terrible. The Warriors don't lack guards at all. Although the coach told me about the team's future plans, I might not get much playing time next season."
Curry's face fell as soon as he mentioned the Warriors. After all, he was immediately competing with a star guard, and he wasn't arrogant enough to think he could directly replace the other player in his rookie season.
"Relax, maybe Nelson wasn't lying to you. Who knows, maybe the Warriors really will trade Monta Ellis in the future. Want to go out and have some fun after the game?"
Kayce could only comfort Curry, as he couldn't truly empathize with the situation.
"Forget it, I need to play well in the Summer League to try and get more playing time next season."
Sure enough, Curry was more disciplined than James Harden. Of course, it also couldn't be ruled out that he was henpecked, as Ayesha had Curry wrapped around her finger.
Today's opponent for the Thunder was the Golden State Warriors. Besides Curry, most of the Warriors' players were from the G-League, coming to the Summer League to earn contracts. Kayce expected another chaotic game, and he still had to slack off.
During warm-ups, Curry shot further and further, eventually sinking a three-pointer from almost mid-court, drawing gasps of surprise from the audience.
The commentator also seized the opportunity to boast, "Stephen Curry is the super shooter the Warriors drafted this year. Curry performed well in college, but unfortunately, he was eliminated by Kayce's UCLA. So this game should be very exciting!"
Kayce didn't know what the commentator was saying. During warm-ups, he was planning how to effectively slack off, as he truly lacked motivation for this game.
"Kayce, it's all on you today. Remember to pass me a few more balls. Yesterday wasn't enough!" Byron was full of energy, but a big man like him was clearly not suited for a chaotic, free-for-all game.
"Don't worry, Bro, the ball will be there when you are. If there's a chance, I'll definitely pass," Kayce readily agreed, treating it as an opportunity to grind for achievement badges.
"Today, the audience will get to enjoy a performance from the Warriors' super shooter, Stephen Curry! Of course, don't overlook Kayce from the Thunder. Both are first-round rookies this year. I wonder who will win today!"
The live commentator began to hype up the audience. "Alright, the game begins! Byron of the Thunder jumps for the first possession for his team."
Curry was immediately surprised to see Kayce with the ball in front of him. A forward turned point guard—that was quite a change!
Kayce, facing a Curry who was a size smaller than him, didn't hold back and immediately called for Byron to set a screen. Curry, knowing Kayce's shooting ability, agilely squeezed through the screen, attempting to interfere with Kayce.
But Kayce used his body to drive past Curry into the paint. The defenders had to come over to help, and Kayce threw a high lob.
"Slam!" Byron's favorite alley-oop, he slammed the ball into the basket cleanly.
"Wow, what a fantastic assist! Perhaps the Thunder's decision to have Kayce play point guard really is a good one!" The live commentator immediately sang his praises.
Curry was a bit dejected. Why play point guard when you're a good small forward? Their height, wingspan, and weight were simply not on the same level.
Curry's game currently relied on agility and speed. In fact, compared to other guards of his generation, his strength wasn't a disadvantage, but next to Kayce, he suddenly seemed a bit thin.
After Curry dribbled the ball past half-court, he looked at Kayce, who was guarding him, and felt a bit speechless. After calling for a screen, Kayce also squeezed through the pick and pressured Curry, which highlighted the advantage of his height and wingspan.
With the Ankle Guard badge, Kayce rarely got shaken when facing Curry. He covered him with his body the whole time, forcing Curry to pass the ball directly and use off-ball screens to shake off Kayce's defense.
Kayce didn't chase too hard at this point. After all, the Summer League didn't require too much seriousness; appropriate slacking off allowed his teammates more opportunities to perform!
Curry popped out after an off-ball screen, caught the pass, and immediately shot a three-pointer.
"Swish!" Nothing but net.
"A beautiful three-pointer! It seems Curry's touch is good at the start of this game!" The commentator immediately started hyping him up.
Kayce slowly dribbled past half-court. This time, the defender in front of him was a forward. The opponent saw Kayce and wanted to press him tightly, but Kayce suddenly raised his center of gravity, then quickly dropped his shoulder and accelerated, directly shaking off the defense.
Seeing the opponent still trying to steal the ball, he suddenly stopped short and quickly changed direction with a crossover, which directly made the opponent stumble.
"Wow!" Amidst the gasps from the live audience, he calmly shot a jump shot from the free-throw line.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
This was the effect of the Ankle Breaker + Hot Zone Hunter badges, especially after Hot Zone Hunter was upgraded to silver, the shooting stability was even better, and it could also restore a little stamina.
Curry watched Kayce slowly retreat on defense and felt a bit sour. Kayce playing point guard was clearly arranged by the Head Coach, which meant his playing time next season was definitely guaranteed. Thinking about himself, his future seemed bleak.
In a bad mood, Curry began his performance. On offense, facing Byron's defense, he executed a series of crossovers, almost making the big man Byron fall to the ground. Taking advantage of the defender's unstable center of gravity, he quickly pulled back and shot.
"Swish!" Another 3-pointer went in, and the live audience immediately cheered for Curry.
Kayce watched Curry's shot thoughtfully. Perhaps he could also improve his shooting speed, but that would have to wait until he returned and discussed it with the training team.
Kayce still slowly dribbled past half-court, then immediately passed the ball and went to the corner to slack off. After all, he had already scored twice, and it was time to take it easy.
The Assistant Coach looked at the situation with a bit of helplessness. He knew Kayce lacked motivation for this game but had to let him play. He had to play at least the first quarter, otherwise, the audience wouldn't be happy.
With only 8 seconds left on the shot clock, Kayce quickly posted up in the low block. After receiving the ball, he immediately turned around and shot a fadeaway.
"Swish!" It went in easily. The Warriors' players weren't defending too hard.
"Try to finish after one quarter. There's really not much to gain from playing games like this."
Kayce thought to himself as he retreated on defense.