CCTV almost exclusively broadcasted the Los Angeles Lakers' games. Today, the Los Angeles Lakers were playing against the Thunder. Yu Jia was still the host in the studio, and Xu Jicheng was invited as the guest.
"Xu, have you been following Kayce, this player? He was the third pick this year, and his performance in the previous games has been outstanding. The America media has given him very high praise."
Before the game started, host Yu Jia, as usual, brought up the topic.
"Of course, I've also watched Kayce's performance in these games. He is definitely a talented player. First, his physical test data is quite terrifying, and he is playing very well for the Thunder right now."
"Actually, we also have similar types of players. Sun Yue is also a tall point guard, but judging from the performance of the two, Kayce's physique and skills are even better. I am very optimistic about his future prospects."
The first time Xu Jicheng saw Kayce play, he almost dropped his jaw. An asian small forward with skilled ball-handling techniques; the more he watched, the more unbelievable it seemed.
"The Thunder only won 23 games last year, and the Los Angeles Lakers were last year's champions. What are your thoughts on today's game, Xu?"
Yu Jia brought up the topic again.
"The Thunder is a rebuilding team, but in my opinion, after they drafted Kayce this year, their rebuilding work is largely complete. Facing the Los Angeles Lakers, the young team should approach it with a learning attitude."
"The experience gap between the two sides is actually very large. At this point, the result is not important; what's important is the content of the game you present. Today's game will definitely be exciting. As long as the young team plays smoothly, anything is possible."
Xu Jicheng naturally couldn't say that the Thunder had no chance, so he could only subtly emphasize the importance of the process.
"Thank you, Xu, for your pre-game commentary. Next, we will switch the screen to the game venue. The game is about to begin."
Yu Jia heard the instructions from the director team and immediately ended the topic. He was also personally looking forward to this game.
Kayce started today. The game was about to begin, and both teams' players were doing their final warm-ups. Kayce looked at the Los Angeles Lakers' players, all looking arrogant, and felt a bit speechless inside.
"Kobe acting like a boss is one thing; he earned it with his hard power. But what are you role players so proud of?"
This was also a unique scene in the NBA. Look at Bynum; winning a championship almost made him think he was on top of the world.
"I don't like Odom and Bynum's eyes. Motherf*cker, who do they think they are?"
Durant dribbled over to Kayce, shooting and complaining at the same time.
"They got arrogant after winning the championship, not even thinking what they would be without Kobe. Sh*t, I really wanted to punch them both just now!"
Russell also looked indignant; those two were prime examples of small-minded people getting their way.
"We have to teach them a lesson. They really think they're superstars. It's time to make them face reality."
Kayce also understood why Russell and Durant were angry. After all, no matter your strength, you must first respect your opponent. These two almost directly told them to surrender, that the game had no suspense.
The game was about to begin, and the Oklahoma City fans all stood up to cheer for the home team, letting out huge shouts.
On CCTV, host Yu Jia was introducing the starting lineups for both teams:
"The home team Thunder's starting backcourt is Russell Westbrook partnering with Kayce. The forwards are Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and the center is Nenad Krstić."
"The visiting Los Angeles Lakers' starting backcourt is Derek Fisher partnering with Kobe Bryant. The forwards are Ron Artest and Lamar Odom, and the center is Andrew Bynum."
"Gasol is not in the team's rotation due to personal matters."
"The game officially begins! Bynum successfully tipped the ball to the Los Angeles Lakers for the first offensive possession."
Host Yu Jia immediately focused his attention and began to commentate on the game.
Kayce's matchup in this game was Kobe. A rookie guarding the opposing team's star player also indicated coaching staff's recognition of Kayce.
Kobe in his No. 8 jersey era might have had some technical flaws, but Kobe in his No. 24 jersey was a six-dimensional warrior.
The Los Angeles Lakers' first offense naturally went to the team's leader. Kobe directly posted up in the low post. Kayce didn't stick too close, otherwise, he would definitely be beaten in one step; he just covered his body.
Also a triple threat, Kobe's first step after putting the ball down was faster. He accelerated and broke through with a right-hand dribble. Kayce fully covered him and didn't lose out in footwork.
But after two dribbles, Kobe directly gathered the ball and took a large fadeaway. Kayce blocked his vision, but it seemed to be of no use.
"Swish" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
"Kobe's signature shot. Kayce's defense wasn't out of position, but once Kobe gets into his preferred offensive rhythm, those mid-range shots will go in nine out of ten times."
Xu Jicheng couldn't help but exclaim as he watched Kobe's shot.
Through this defense, Kayce also felt something. If using badges to describe the strength of the two, Kobe currently had almost a full set of purple badges.
"There's still a gap in core strength, ball-handling ability, and offensive rhythm. I have to say, Black Mamba is indeed much stronger than Yellow Mamba."
Kayce dribbled and sighed inwardly.
The Thunder's offense still started with a hand-off from the high post. After two quick passes, Russell received the ball, suddenly made a cross-body change of direction, then accelerated in a straight line, shaking off Fisher.
Although Fisher looked like a defensive stalwart on the superficial, he was actually a wet paper!
Russell was too fast. Bynum didn't have time to help defend, and Russell scored with a layup.
"Wow! !"
The Ford Center audience immediately gave a huge cheer for the home team.
Fisher signaled that it was his fault. He didn't expect Russell to not even need a screen and just drive past him directly.
The Los Angeles Lakers' offense also had distinct characteristics. Fisher, Kobe, Artest, and Odom could all handle the ball, but usually, it wasn't needed; Kobe solved the problems alone, and everyone else played like role players.
This time, Fisher directly passed the ball to Bynum, who was posting up in the low post. The latter received the ball, used his strong body to establish position, and directly made a turnaround hook shot, scoring the ball.
Kostić was at a disadvantage in terms of strength. Once the opponent got deep position, he basically couldn't defend them.
Russell quickly dribbled past half-court, then immediately made a hand-off pass with Kayce. Kobe's defensive pressure on Kayce was very strong, seemingly trying to give the rookie a taste of physicality.
But overly tight defense was useless against Kayce. Feeling the physical contact, Kayce first protected the ball with his back, suddenly lowered his center of gravity, feigned a left-hand drive, and simultaneously faked with his body.
Kobe was momentarily confused by this move. In an instant, Kayce directly brushed past him, accelerating with a right-hand dribble to shake off the defense.
The badge bonuses of [Ball Control Master] + [Control Master] + [Dribble God] were still effective!
Kobe immediately adjusted his center of gravity and quickly followed, but Kayce's right wrist suddenly flicked while moving, and the ball flew directly to Russell, who had suddenly cut to the basket.
The latter received the ball and immediately took off. Odom had no choice but to come over to help defend, resulting in a foul.
"Squeak" The referee's whistle blew; Odom fouled by hitting the hand.
During the free throw, Kobe glanced at the calm-faced Kayce but said nothing. Although Fisher had lost his man, his own defense was also out of position.
At this moment, Kayce was secretly thinking to himself:
"The bronze badge's effectiveness against Kobe's defense was reduced, but it was still there. Moreover, with frequent matchups in this game, badge experience will definitely not be lacking. All in all, it's still a huge profit!"