Ford Center was especially lively today. The new season was about to begin, and fans felt that the Thunder were terrible last season, but this year the team had drafted a potential rookie with the third pick, so they should be better.
Kayce felt the enthusiastic atmosphere of the arena and couldn't help but sigh that even small market cities in America were so popular, only slightly less so than Los Angeles, as there weren't many big stars watching the game courtside here.
Wearing the Thunder's practice jersey, Kayce was showing off his dribbling skills with flashy moves, which made some of the young girls on the sidelines scream. After all, he was currently an 18th-tier singer, so he had a tiny bit of a following.
The Utah Jazz's starters were all here today. Kayce observed his opponents, and his first impression was that they were strong. Their height and weight were different from NCAA players. Look at Deron Williams; this guard was too solid.
"How do you feel, Kayce? Our home fans are really enthusiastic. The team's performance wasn't good after moving here last year, but the fans have always supported the team!"
Russell came over to check on his good brother, fearing Kayce might be nervous.
Kayce felt that Durant definitely didn't think that way; he had already started high-intensity debates with the haters, and maybe they were from Oklahoma City.
"It does feel good. It would be even better if we could make the Playoffs this year. I believe the fans would go crazy!" Kayce chatted with Russell while shooting hoops.
"I think we have a chance to make the Playoffs this year. I've lost enough over the past two years; I really can't take any more losses!" Durant, hearing this topic, immediately interjected.
"It would be best to meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the Playoffs and defeat Kobe at Staples Center. That would be so cool!" Russell began to fantasize about the future.
"But it's also possible we might lose very badly." Kayce quickly interrupted Russell's jinxing; this guy was jinxing himself before the regular season even started.
"Kobe has too many fans. I'd be satisfied if I had half of Kobe's followers on Twitter." Durant started another Twitter debate; he was completely addicted now.
Jeff Green looked at the three of them laughing and talking, and that feeling of a bleak future appeared again. He felt that he would be out of luck sooner or later.
The game at Ford Center was about to begin. The live DJ was howling as he introduced the home team's players, and the audience frequently cheered. You could tell that Durant was the most popular one!
Coach Brooks called the players over for final instructions.
"Watch out for the Utah Jazz's pick-and-roll offense. Russell, you need to fight over the screen on pick-and-rolls. Deron's three-point shooting is very accurate. Also, pay attention to the pace of the game. Go for it, guys!"
Kayce stepped forward and fist-bumped each of his starting teammates. This was also a part of the team's locker room culture, signifying that they were all family.
The Thunder's starting lineup was: Russell, Thabo Sefolosha, Durant, Jeff Green, Nenad Krstić.
The Utah Jazz's starting lineup was: Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, Carlos Boozer.
Both teams were from the Western Conference Northwest Division and would frequently play each other in the new season. Previously, the Thunder usually gave away games when they met the Utah Jazz, but in the new season, the two teams would definitely have a fierce battle, as the Western Conference was truly too competitive!
The live commentator for this game was Twin Will, the local fans' favorite basketball commentator—humorous, passionate, and with a firm stance for the home team.
"The game is about to begin. Krstić is jumping for the Thunder. Beautiful! We got the first possession." Twin began his home-court commentary mode.
Russell played with a raw ferocity. Using a screen from Krstić, he drove straight to the paint. Boozer hadn't even gotten into position, and Russell was already going for a layup over him.
"Bang!" Russell's drive and bank shot went in.
The fans in the arena cheered. They loved to see such physical collisions. Kayce waved a towel on the bench, sighing that Russell's style really couldn't be changed.
The Utah Jazz's lineup was tall and had good shooting ability. Their pick-and-roll game was flying. Deron and Boozer had great chemistry. After the screen, Boozer received the ball near the free-throw line and immediately took a mid-range jump shot.
"Swish!" It went in steadily. This kind of fadeaway shot, even with a defender in his face, was indeed difficult to guard. Jeff Green's defense was right on his face, but it was still useless.
On the Thunder's offense, Russell quickly brought the ball past half-court. Durant popped out after an off-ball screen to receive the pass.
Facing Kirilenko's defense, he used a crossover dribble, quickly pulled back, and then changed direction early, directly breaking through the defense and avoiding Okur for a layup.
"Swish!" It went in successfully. This was an overwhelming display of athleticism.
The live commentator immediately sang praises for Durant, "This is our best player, Kevin Durant, with unparalleled talent!"
The game continued, with both sides exchanging leads. The Utah Jazz's style was constant pick-and-rolls, quick ball movement, and methodical offense, with every possession strictly executing tactical arrangements.
The Thunder, on the other hand, relied on their excellent talent to overwhelm their opponents. If you couldn't defend them, just their drives and passes could create a lot of action, making for a very lively game that kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
Six minutes into the first quarter, both teams were preparing to bring in their substitutes.
"Kayce, it's your turn to go in. Pay attention to the team's offensive rhythm and communicate on defense." Coach Brooks instructed Kayce.
"I understand, Coach!" Kayce replied calmly, but in his mind, he was thinking,
"I hope I can gain some experience for the achievement badge. The preseason level should be enough, right?"