The regular season began on the 28th. The Sacramento Kings and the Thunder were pretty much two sides of the same coin last season, with 17 wins and 23 wins respectively. Bad teams don't get much attention, and famous commentators usually don't bother.
James Harden is currently riding high. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings, he immediately secured a starting position and is even playing as the core point guard. Earning 3.6 million US dollars in his rookie year, he is already very content.
Although the Sacramento Kings are pretty bad right now, playing point guard means he'll have the ball, and his stats will look much better. Getting enough stats and then switching teams is also a good option.
Big gold chains, small gold watches—James Harden has already got them all, paired with a beard he's been growing for several months, making him look exactly like a nouveau riche.
"Hey, Bro, that outfit is really cool! Looks like you're determined to keep the beard."
Kayce arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant and almost burst out laughing when he saw James Harden's attire. That gold chain is a bit thick, isn't it? Doesn't it feel heavy?
"Oh, Kayce, when you make money, you need to enjoy life. Look at the car you drive, and then look at your outfit. It doesn't match your status!"
James Harden saw Kayce in a T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers, and immediately started sharing his life philosophy.
Kayce's outfit was actually specially designed for him by a stylist, who put a lot of effort into it. Everything from his hairstyle to his clothes and accessories was very particular.
Except for the shoes he chose himself, the rest was beyond his control. The stylist originally suggested he wear a suit because it suited his physique perfectly, but Kayce ultimately only chose a casual blazer.
His hair was also trimmed; his previous crew cut had grown out, so it was perfect for styling. After careful styling, Kayce looked even more handsome. When he entered the restaurant, a lot of people looked at him.
"Alright, buddy, let's order some food first. I come to this restaurant often; the food is really good!" Kayce quickly interrupted James Harden when he heard him about to talk about having several big-bottomed girls.
"Alright, it seems you're doing well in Oklahoma City. It's a shame we have a game tonight, so we can't go out and have fun. I really miss our high school days."
James Harden and Kayce are old acquaintances, rivals in high school, and also brothers who often partied together.
"You're a stable starter for the Sacramento Kings now, right? I saw ESPN's report about you, wow, Rookie of the Year!"
Kayce teased James Harden, wanting to see if this guy had really gotten carried away.
"Come on, according to media reports, you're about to fly off the planet, practically the second Michael Jordan!"
James Harden also teased Kayce. The two were too familiar, and immediately switched into mutual flattery mode.
In the afternoon, the Thunder simply warmed up. Coach Brooks once again emphasized discipline, and then everyone dispersed.
The game was about to start tonight, and coaching staff wanted to check everyone's physical condition to finalize the rotation roster.
"Kayce, don't be nervous tonight, just play normally." Russell came over to kindly comfort Kayce.
"Come on, we've already played preseason games, how could I be nervous?" Kayce was a bit helpless; Russell was underestimating him.
"Russell was very nervous in his first regular-season game last year. I remember he was chewing gum frantically before the game!"
Durant came over to add a jab to Russell.
"The first pass he gave me after getting on the court was so strong, it almost knocked me out!"
Kostić also joked about Russell.
"I was focused! I was invested!" Russell immediately retorted when he saw the situation was not in his favor.
With that counterattack, his teammates immediately started sharing Russell's performance from last year, and the locker room was instantly filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Today, CCTV also broadcast NBA games from across the ocean, but CCTV showed the Nets' game, while Sina Sports acquired the broadcasting rights for the Thunder's game.
Therefore, many fans came to Sina to watch Kayce's debut.
After all, the preseason game broadcast before was really good, and although they didn't see the subsequent games, the news showed his performance was also very impressive.
Most importantly, Kayce's playing style is spectacular. The reposted post about his dunk over Oden now has very high popularity. Although Sina's streaming is always terribly laggy, people don't complain as long as they can watch.
Kayce didn't pay much attention to media matters. For the first game, he didn't want to mess up, so he arrived at Ford Center an hour early, changed into his jersey and gear, and started warming up directly.
His personal training team also came to the arena with him today to help Kayce adjust his physical condition.
Zhang and the accompanying staff also saw Kayce, but they didn't get pre-game interview access, so they could only watch Kayce show off his dribbling and shoot swish after swish.
"Wow! This technique is really something, and he's so accurate! It looks like he only missed one super-long shot!" Zhang exclaimed to the staff next to him.
"He really only missed one. The 3rd overall pick is indeed impressive. It's hard to imagine how he trained to be like that." The staff member was also stunned; he was too accurate.
After finishing a round of shooting, Kayce noticed Zhang Weiping and his group on the sidelines and quickly went over to greet them.
"Didn't you notify the Thunder in advance? Why are you watching the game from here?" Kayce asked, curious, when he saw Zhang in the front row of the audience.
"Haha, a few of us have media passes. These are tickets bought by friends who came with us. Kayce, you look good warming up today, play well!"
Zhang was happy to see Kayce; the more he looked, the more pleasing he became.
"I actually have front-row tickets. You have my number, just give me a call!"
Kayce did have a few front-row family tickets, but unfortunately, Anne and Britney were both competing and studying hard, so he ended up giving the tickets to teammates who needed them.
"Alright! Next time I come, I'll find you, haha. Go continue warming up, don't mind us. Just remember to accept the interview after the game!"
Zhang felt good hearing Kayce's words. This young man is good!
"If you have any questions, just ask the staff here. I'm going to warm up now." Kayce smiled and bid farewell to Zhang Weiping and his group.
"He's even more handsome in person than in pictures!" The female assistant had long been attracted by Kayce's good looks, and seeing him up close, she almost turned into a fangirl.
Ford Center can hold about 19,000 people, and today, Oklahoma City fans completely filled the arena. Because of the preseason performance, everyone was very much looking forward to the first home game.
Half an hour before tip-off, fans had already started streaming into the arena. Many female fans started screaming and waving frantically when they saw Kayce. Kayce naturally responded enthusiastically.
When the Thunder's cheerleaders entered, and the live DJ played hype music, the fans completely went wild. Kayce felt the passionate atmosphere of the home court in the player tunnel, and he was a little excited inside.
"Finally, I can openly grind for badge experience. I must grind to my heart's content!"
When the live DJ yelled and screamed, introducing the home team players, the atmosphere reached its peak.
"Let's welcome, from UCLA, wearing jersey number 10, Kayce Li!"
The fans immediately gave Kayce a huge cheer. Oklahoma City fans currently love Kayce; he's handsome and can play. Female fans, at least, were ecstatic.
Kayce smiled and fist-bumped his teammates. Thinking about Menor dancing with Russell before the game, he couldn't help but widen the arc of his smile.
During the final warm-up period before the game, Sina in China also began introducing the starting lineups for both teams. Today's commentators were still Ke Xiaofan and Ma Jian.
"First, let's introduce the starting lineups to the audience. For the Thunder, the backcourt is Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefolosha, the forwards are Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and the center is Nenad Krstić."
"For the Sacramento Kings, the starting backcourt is James Harden and Kevin Martin, the forwards are Desmond Mason and Sean May, and the center is Jason Thompson."
"Both teams are still relatively young, with many rookies. Coach Ma, what do you think about the future development of these two teams?" Ke Xiaofan posed the question.
"Both of these teams are currently rebuilding. They've both had good results in the past, but it won't be easy for them to make the Playoffs in the Western Conference. They might have the talent, but they're still very lacking in experience."
Ma Jian spoke frankly, fearing that fans would have unrealistic fantasies.
"Then let's talk about Kayce again. I've seen America's ESPN reports; he performed amazingly in the preseason. Now, there's basically a chorus of praise over there. Coach Ma, what are your thoughts?"
Ke Xiaofan once again brought up the topic.
"I previously looked for some of Kayce's game footage and read a lot of news. I feel his skills are very comprehensive. Of course, he's changed positions now. This time, let's watch his regular-season performance together!"
Ma Jian was still relatively reserved and didn't immediately start praising him, as the regular season's physicality would be stronger.
"Perfect, the game is about to start! Both sides jump ball, Kostić gets the first possession for the Thunder!"
Ke Xiaofan immediately started focusing on the game.
Kayce sat calmly on the bench, acting as the atmosphere manager, but seeing the backcourt combination of James Harden and Martin, he couldn't help but inwardly complain:
"Is this the 'Double Floppers' combination? James Harden is already starting to hone his foul-drawing skills in his rookie season..."
Without Kayce on the court, the Thunder's offensive style was basically the same as last season, initiated by Russell and Durant.
Although both of them lacked a bit in organizing and passing the ball, their drive-and-kick game was still fine.
Russell faced James Harden's defense and didn't even call for a screen, directly driving past him with a cross-over. James Harden's lateral movement was indeed a bit slow, and Russell seized the opportunity to successfully break through.
Russell was too fast, and Sean May quickly came over to help defend, but he left Jeff Green open in the corner. With a flick of his wrist, the ball was sent directly into Jeff Green's hands.
The latter caught the ball outside the 3-point line and immediately shot it.
"Swish" It went through the net without touching the rim, and the crowd erupted in a huge cheer.
The Sacramento Kings' offense was unhurried. James Harden dribbled past half-court and started playing hand-offs with his teammates. Martin came off a screen to receive the ball, faked once, and Thabo Sefolosha's center of gravity was shifted.
Then he immediately accelerated with the ball in his left hand, drove through, and seeing Jeff Green coming to help, he directly bumped into him, hooked his arm, threw the ball towards the rim, and simultaneously let out a scream:
"Ah! ..."
"Squeak" The whistle blew, and the referee immediately called a shooting foul on Jeff Green.
"What???" Jeff Green had a face full of question marks. That's a foul? He barely touched him and he screamed?
Kayce scratched his head on the sidelines, thinking this game was going to be interesting. Martin was also a master of drawing fouls, and if the Thunder slowly fell behind, the 'Brick Brothers' combination would likely be activated.
Standing at the free-throw line, Martin was composed, calmly sinking both free throws.
James Harden's eyes were already shining! This technique! He really liked it!
Indeed, in the next 6 minutes of the game, the Thunder struggled offensively. There were no fast breaks, and Durant was a bit cold today. The opponent employed targeted defense.
Whenever Durant drove, the help defense was very quick, and they only allowed him to go left, strictly denying his right hand.
This made Durant uncomfortable. Russell's ability to pass the ball in an organized offense was also average at the moment, and he couldn't get the ball in several off-ball possessions. Fortunately, Kostić played bravely, suppressing the opponent's interior.
Sacramento Kings on offense, James Harden slowly brought the ball past half-court. Currently, the team's star, Kevin Martin, was hot, so he didn't have many opportunities to show off yet. Seeing Martin come off a screen to receive the ball, he passed it directly.
Martin received the ball and immediately accelerated, driving past Thabo Sefolosha. While moving, he suddenly stopped abruptly, faked once, and Thabo Sefolosha was fooled. Only then did Martin shoot the ball over the defense.
"Squeak"
"Swish" It went in cleanly, successfully converting a 2-and-1 play.
Thabo Sefolosha was also a bit helpless; this guy was drawing fouls in all sorts of ways. This style of play really messed with your mentality.
Martin once again stepped to the free-throw line, calmly sinking the free throw. Halfway through the first quarter, the Sacramento Kings led 17-14.
Coach Brooks saw Thabo Sefolosha commit fouls too early and immediately signaled Kayce to enter the game, then stepped forward to instruct him:
"Kayce, watch Martin's offense. Don't commit fouls easily, seize fast break opportunities, and control the offensive rhythm well."
"No problem, Coach!" Kayce immediately indicated that he understood.
The scorer's table signaled a substitution for the Thunder. Kayce replaced Thabo Sefolosha.
"Go, Kayce!" Thabo Sefolosha, coming off the court, wished Kayce well, and Kayce returned the fist bump.
In the Sina studio in China, seeing Kayce enter the game so early, they were immediately delighted.
"With 5 minutes and 32 seconds left in the first quarter, Kayce comes off the bench, replacing Thabo Sefolosha who has two fouls. It seems the Head Coach trusts Kayce a lot!"
Ke Xiaofan's spirits lifted; he was also looking forward to Kayce's performance.
Kayce had a calm expression after entering the court, but he secretly thought:
"Flopping won't work on me. I'm not called the James Harden Kryptonite for nothing!"