In the CCTV studio, host Yu Jia looked at Kayce's performance in the first quarter and was somewhat shocked. A forward's physique, a point guard's skills, and a seemingly good shot—was this really an Asian player?
"Zhang, what do you think of Kayce's performance in the first quarter?" Host Yu Jia began the routine commentary.
"Very good, truly. I knew about his achievements in the NCAA, but I never expected him to play with such ease even against NBA-level competition."
"Let's think about it, Sun Yue struggled to get playing time with the Lakers last year during the regular season, but it seems the Thunder plan to have Kayce play point guard this new season. That's truly remarkable!"
The more Zhang Weiping spoke, the more he felt Kayce was a truly talented player.
"Do you think Kayce can consistently make it into the rotation this new season?" Yu Jia asked again.
"I don't think there's a big problem. Even if he doesn't start in his rookie season, coming off the bench is definitely not an issue. His ability is just too strong!"
"Competition for perimeter players in the NBA is fierce, but the Thunder letting him play point guard shows that Kayce must have performed exceptionally well in team training. We might need to adjust our broadcast schedule."
Currently, most of CCTV's broadcast games are dominated by the Los Angeles Lakers, Rockets, and Nets. Although there were plans to add some Thunder games, Zhang Weiping felt it was still too few.
"I think they will definitely increase. Actually, the Thunder play very exciting basketball with an explosive style, which young viewers will surely love!" Host Yu Jia also eagerly anticipated commentating on more Thunder games in the new season.
"Kayce, control your emotions, maintain the offensive rhythm, and on defense, everyone needs to communicate. Our rotations are a bit slow right now!" Before the second quarter began, Coach Brooks started instructing his players.
Kayce nodded, indicating he understood. Matthews had already been broken down by him, so if anyone was excited, it should be the opponent. Besides, it was pointless for a star player to bicker with minor characters; the role players weren't worth his serious attention.
At the start of the second half, both sides still fielded their substitute lineups. The Utah Jazz's offense was still very organized, initiating with pick-and-rolls, constantly moving the ball from inside out.
Kyle Korver received the ball, faked out the defender, took one dribble, and shot a mid-range jumper.
"Swish!" It went in cleanly. This was Coach Sloan's team, with strict tactical discipline that gave them incredible resilience in games.
Kayce dribbled past half-court and passed the ball to Collison, who came off a screen. Collison immediately passed it to Byron, who was cutting, but Koufos rotated into position, and Byron still faltered, failing to convert the point-blank layup.
The Utah Jazz secured the rebound and immediately transitioned quickly from defense to offense. Kayce immediately went up to delay Price's pass, forcing him to slow down. After crossing half-court, they still played a half-court offense.
Ibaka was still a bit impetuous. When Myers drove in, he reacted a bit too sensitively and was immediately fouled on a shooting attempt.
"Swish!" Both free throws went in, and the Utah Jazz continued to close the gap.
Seeing this situation, Kayce signaled his teammates to slow down. This lineup lacked some athleticism; only Ibaka could jump and leap. It was better to play slower. He handed the ball to Menor, then used a teammate's screen to post up in the low block.
Collison received the ball and, without stopping, immediately lobbed it to Kayce.
Kayce caught the ball and quickly executed a triple threat. Kyle Korver shuffled back a step, so Kayce put the ball down, backed him down once, and then threw a grenade pass to Menor in the corner.
It was an open three-point opportunity in the corner, and he shot it directly.
"Clang!" It clanked off the rim. Ibaka jumped hard, trying to grab an offensive rebound, but Koufos successfully secured the defensive rebound.
"That passing vision is truly excellent. Most small guards wouldn't even see that opportunity. It's a shame it didn't go in!" Zhang Weiping exclaimed, regretting the missed shot.
The Thunder's transition defense was still a bit slow. Price passed directly to center Koufos, who, without stopping the ball, backed down Byron and scored.
Kayce brought the ball past half-court, signaling his teammates to settle down and focus on efficiency. He handed the ball to Collison and then started moving off-ball.
Menor noticed that Kayce had switched to guard Matthews after the screen, and without hesitation, he passed the ball directly to him.
Kayce signaled Ibaka for a pick-and-roll. He faked a drive to the left, then executed a behind-the-back dribble, accelerating with the ball in his right hand to drive through. Kyle Korver quickly came over to help, but Kayce immediately threw a behind-the-back bounce pass to Ibaka at the free-throw line.
Uncontested, he caught the ball and immediately shot a jumper.
"Swish!" The mid-range jumper went in. Currently, Ibaka's mid-range shot was only accurate near the free-throw line; other spots weren't as reliable.
Over the next 2 minutes, both teams started missing shots frequently. Kayce consistently controlled the team's rhythm, refusing to speed up with the opponent, as Byron's defense would fall even further behind after a few fast breaks.
After a series of perimeter passes, the Thunder couldn't find an opening. With only 4 seconds left on the shot clock, Kayce took a desperation shot.
"Clang!" Another miss. Kayce had already missed 3 shots in the second quarter, indicating a cold shooting streak.
At 7:32, the Thunder called a timeout. The starters were coming in. "Good job, guys, take a rest. Everyone, pay attention to defending the pick-and-roll, try to squeeze through. Russell, you need to focus on this."
Coach Brooks was very satisfied with the bench's performance. Besides the slow defensive rotations, there were no other issues. Kayce controlled the pace very well and had no turnovers!
"Both teams are bringing in their starting lineups. Kayce played very well; his organization, connection, and offensive rhythm were all on point. It's a shame the bench players were cold, missing two absolute opportunities."
Zhang Weiping once again started his "Kayce praise" mode, basically saying everything was good, everywhere was good.
After the starters came in, the Thunder's offensive rhythm noticeably quickened. Russell and Durant attacked both inside and out, but Kirilenko's defense for the Utah Jazz was also excellent; attacking the rim against him was not easy.
Moreover, when Deron was controlling the ball, the Jazz's offense was very rational, with both inside and outside threats. Whether it was a pick-and-roll or a drive, the Thunder couldn't stop him. His strong physique meant he didn't suffer when matched up against perimeter players.
Both sides traded blows, and at halftime, it was 56-56. The live audience was thoroughly enjoying it, feeling that the team's form this year was indeed good; in the past, the game might have been a blowout much earlier.
At the start of the second half, the Utah Jazz replaced Okur with Paul Millsap at the small forward position, and Boozer moved back to center. This instantly increased the Jazz's mobility significantly, and their defensive rotations became faster.
Durant repeatedly changed directions in front of his body, breaking through Millsap's defense, but facing Kirilenko's help defense, he still couldn't convert the shot. In 5 minutes, the Jazz went on a 12-6 run, completely turning the momentum.
"The Jazz are shorter now, but they're moving faster. All five players can shoot after a pick-and-roll. The Thunder need to adjust," Zhang Weiping said, almost suggesting to put Kayce back in. If the game became a blowout, it wouldn't be exciting.
Coach Brooks also went with a smaller lineup, replacing guard Thabo Sefolosha with Kayce, and center Kostić with Ibaka. This almost all-forward lineup was extremely fast.
On defense, Ibaka's lateral movement was quick, and his rim protection was also good.
The Utah Jazz immediately felt the defensive pressure from the Thunder. Millsap drove in, attempting a floater, but was rejected by a big block from Ibaka.
Jeff Green secured possession and passed the ball to Russell. The latter, without much dribbling, immediately passed the ball to Kayce.
It was a two-on-one fast break. Kayce noticed Durant also rushing up, and facing the defender, he immediately threw a bank pass.
Durant arrived in time, leaped high, and slammed the ball into the basket with one hand.
"Clang!" After landing, he immediately signaled that Kayce's pass was beautiful.
"What a spectacular score, so spectacular! The entire offense probably took less than 8 seconds to complete. A brilliant play, I love this team!" exclaimed commentator Twin, roaring with excitement.
"Unbelievable athleticism! This Thunder offense truly felt like Thunder!" Yu Jia, the CCTV host, also raised his voice.
The Jazz's offense started to falter. The opponent's defensive rotations were too fast, and their finishing became problematic.
On the Thunder side, Kayce signaled his teammates to quicken the offensive pace. After a hand-off to Russell, all five players moved up to spread the floor, and a simple drive and kick opened up the defense.
Durant drove and passed to Ibaka, who, without stopping the ball, passed it to Jeff Green. After faking out the defender, he took another step, and when the help defense came, he passed it to Kayce in the corner. It was an open three-point opportunity, and he shot it directly.
"Swish!" It went in cleanly. Kayce retreated on defense, signaling that it was a beautiful pass.
And so, by the end of the third quarter, the Thunder had overtaken the Jazz 84-78, a 6-point lead. Coach Brooks' adjustments were very effective.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Jazz sped up their offense, but unfortunately, their players were cold, repeatedly missing shots. Instead, the Thunder seized the opportunity and went on an 8-0 run.
Durant and Kayce each hit a three-pointer, and Russell scored 2 points from free throws.
Coach Sloan saw the unfavorable situation and gave up. After all, it was just a preseason game. With just over 6 minutes left, he put in the substitute lineup, signaling a retreat. Kayce also idled on the court for two more minutes before being subbed out.
Russell was beaming on the bench, and Durant actively high-fived Kayce. Everyone was in a good mood, having beaten the Utah Jazz.
Kayce sat on the bench, chatting and joking with his teammates, but secretly thinking to himself.
"Winning feels really good. Maybe my achievement badge experience should increase tonight too!"