On October 11th, the Thunder arrived in Minneapolis, preparing for their preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves the next day.
That afternoon, Russell and Kayce went together to visit Kevin Love, who had been playing here for a year. This unlucky brother had never been too fond of living here.
The restaurant where they met was not far from the arena. It seemed this must be Love's favorite spot, as the menu was full of meat dishes at first glance.
"Kayce, do you think small market teams have a future? Actually, the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves are in similar situations, both struggling to make the Playoffs."
Russell had always liked Los Angeles; Oklahoma City was not his first choice.
"That depends on whether the owner is willing to spend money. A big reason why Garnett left was because the team didn't have the ability to contend for a championship, and small market owners aren't willing to keep spending money."
Kayce answered Russell's question while looking at the steak on the menu.
"It seems big cities are better after all. They can make money just from ticket sales. If their performance is slightly better, they make even more. New York is one such team."
Russell still harbored a desire for a big city, a dream for most players. A major factor in why Curry initially wanted to go to New York was the high exposure and more money to be made.
"But perhaps those teams have more locker room issues. Kevin's here. Ugh, this guy's gained weight again. Looks like he indulged during the offseason."
Kayce saw Kevin Love enter, a veritable big fat guy, a whole size bigger than a few months ago.
"Kayce, Russell, I missed you guys! Have you ordered yet? The grilled steak at this place is amazing!"
Kevin Love was also Kayce's good brother. In their freshman year, Love was Kayce's roommate, and they had a very good relationship.
"Love, you should lose some weight. Maintaining your physique will allow for better performance."
Kayce was truly afraid this guy would lose control once he started indulging. After all, gaining weight ruins everything!
"Alright, Kayce, we've all got contracts now. Eating some meat is normal. You need to learn to enjoy life. Isn't playing hard just so we can spend a lot of money and eat a lot of meat?"
Love promoted his 'motivational' philosophy; he was already prepared to tank.
"You need to work for your next contract. This new season, you should put up more numbers, which will make it easier for your agent to negotiate."
Russell also began to advise Love for his brother's future.
"How do I get numbers? Al Jefferson is on the team; the paint is all his, the low-post offense is all his, and the guards don't pass me the ball much."
Speaking of numbers, Love also felt wronged. With an old guy on the team, he couldn't even pad his stats if he wanted to.
"Love, you can develop a three-point shot! While he's working the low post inside, you can shoot from outside. You might even grab some long rebounds!"
Kayce finished ordering the food and said to Love with a helpless expression.
"But not many big men shoot threes nowadays. That style of play can easily be called soft."
Love was also very concerned about his reputation. After all, once the 'soft' label is attached, it's hard to shake off.
"Can't you just pound your chest after shooting and then show a determined expression? And maybe yell a couple of times? That's the sign of a tough, iron-blooded man!"
Kayce began to explain the true meaning of the 'iron-blooded jump shot,' leaving Love and Russell dumbfounded.
"Hearing you say that, it actually sounds pretty good. Then I'll grab more defensive rebounds. A double-double will be easy, no need for constant physical battles!"
Love was catching on, getting happier the more he thought about it. Jefferson, you can pound away inside; everything beyond the three-point line is my territory now.
Kayce chuckled. Your predecessor has already shown you a clear path. The 'iron-blooded jump shot,' this traditional Minnesota Timberwolves skill, cannot be lost!
Russell was already stunned. Good heavens, is it really okay for you guys to openly pad stats like that?
Later that night, back at the hotel, Kayce, full of meat, collapsed onto the big bed. The restaurant Love chose was indeed good; no wonder it made him gain so much weight in just a few months.
He picked up his phone to connect with the two beautiful ladies, Anne and Britney, then casually scrolled through Twitter, updating his daily life to help bridge the distance with his fans.
Delicious barbecue, I Love the city of Minneapolis, thanks to my good brothers for the treat @Russell @Love #BrotherhoodBasketball #RookieOfTheYear
As soon as the tweet was sent, someone commented. Kayce saw it was Durant, of course. He was still on Twitter in the middle of the night!
"My treat! Let's eat again tomorrow!"
Kayce shook his head, ready to wash up and sleep. After all, there was a game tomorrow, and he needed to maintain his physical condition.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' home atmosphere was still great. The fans were very enthusiastic. Although the team's performance had been declining since Garnett left, the fans had no complaints.
Last year, they drafted Kevin Love, and this year, they drafted Tyreke Evans, Ricky Rubio, and Wayne Ellington. Now with talent inside and out, the fans saw hope again.
During warm-ups, Kayce saw Love shooting threes with a 'Bang Bang' sound and couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed a double-double machine was about to be born!
The game was about to start. The arena DJ was screaming, and the audience was roaring, the atmosphere gradually heating up.
"Kayce, pay attention to the team's offensive rhythm. The Minnesota Timberwolves are excellent at rebounding. Be patient with your offense."
Kayce started this game, and Coach Brooks began his final instructions.
The live commentators started introducing the players from both teams, casually teasing Kayce again.
"Today we'll see a matchup between this year's rookies. I support Evans for Rookie of the Year; his performance has been amazing, and I'll be voting for him for the All-Star game!"
This running gag just wouldn't die. Barkley repeated it every day on TNT.
Starting or coming off the bench made no difference to Kayce; what he needed was touches. He fist-bumped his teammates before the game, which was about to begin.
"Al Jefferson easily tipped the ball! Go get 'em, guys!" The home commentator was in high spirits.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' starting lineup featured Evans and Damien Wilkins in the backcourt, Corey Brewer and Love at forward, and Al Jefferson at center.
For the Thunder, the backcourt duo was Kayce and Russell, with Durant and Jeff Green at forward, and Kostić at center.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' first possession, as expected, went to Jefferson in the low post. After a series of powerful post-ups, he backed down his defender and hit a small hook shot, solidifying the score.
Kayce felt that in low-post offense, Jefferson really had some skills; his footwork was much better than some rougher players.
Russell dribbled past half-court and handed the ball to Kayce. He scanned the opposing defense, signaled a tactical play, and simultaneously motioned for Kostić to come up for a screen.
After pulling the opposing center out, Kayce executed a slow pick-and-roll. Noticing that Jeff Green's screen was successful, he threw a high lob directly to the back-cutting Durant.
Durant leaped high, ignoring Brewer's defensive jump in front of him, and slammed the ball into the hoop!
"Bang!"
The alley-oop dunk was successful, and he even knocked poor Brewer flying. This guy was too skinny.
"Wow!"
The audience let out a gasp of surprise; that play was indeed spectacular.
Kayce saw Durant point at him, indicating a good play, and couldn't help but smile faintly, thinking to himself:
"Sorry, Love, I'm going to pad my stats big time this game!"