After the Houston Rockets drafted Yao Ming, many Chinese fans adopted the team as their own. Despite the owner being stingy and the general manager being a fool, fan enthusiasm remained high.
The team made a fortune after drafting Yao Ming, but even with all that money, they never really strengthened their guard position.
Now, Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry, two smaller players, are manning the Rockets' backcourt. How to put it? Against strong teams, they're basically a free pass.
Of course, the team still has excellent role players. Shane Battier can both defend the opponent's core player and hit three-pointers from beyond the arc, a piece every team craves.
Sina Sports secured the broadcasting rights for today's game. This was a happy accident; with Yao Ming gone, CCTV didn't broadcast it. Unexpectedly, Kayce appeared, and now this game is incredibly popular.
After all, the last game between the Thunder and the Lakers had everyone hyped, especially with Kayce and Artest almost getting into a brawl. Netizens are still discussing it with relish today.
In the Sina Sports studio, host Ke Xiaofan and guest Ma Jian were also chatting about Kayce.
"Coach Ma, did you watch the last game between the Thunder and the Lakers? What are your thoughts on Kayce's performance?"
Ke Xiaofan, prompted by the director's team, immediately began to guide the conversation.
"I personally think Kayce played perfectly, especially under Kobe's tight defense, he had no turnovers, which is very rare."
"In the third quarter, he even made Artest frustrated, but we should also see some of his shortcomings. In terms of strength, he still has a considerable gap compared to Kobe."
Ma Jian's praise was somewhat reserved, but for a rookie to be compared to Kobe is in itself very rare.
"A gap is inevitable; Kayce is only 19 years old, this is his first rookie season. Kobe scored 30 points on 10-of-22 shooting in the last game, and Kayce's defense when he was on the court was also good."
"Our community also translated a post-game interview from America, where Kobe also spoke highly of Kayce. I won't say more; interested netizens can go and watch it."
"Let's talk about the Rockets again, Coach Ma. This season, do you think the Rockets can achieve the same results as last season?"
Ke Xiaofan threw out another topic.
"My personal opinion is that it will be very difficult, because the competition in the Western Conference is too fierce now. The Thunder are also slowly rising. Without Yao Ming, the Rockets will have to see if Ariza can shoulder the responsibility."
Ma Jian was actually very tactful, but the general meaning was that the Rockets basically have no chance this season.
"Speaking of Ariza, he played well for the Lakers last season, but his role has changed since coming to the Rockets. The game is about to start, so let's watch and chat, and look forward to both teams' performances."
Kayce started again today, which was a reward for him and showed the Coach Ben's trust in him.
The Thunder's starting lineup was: Russell and Kayce in the backcourt, Durant and Jeff Green on the wings, and Kostić still at center.
The Rockets' starting backcourt today was Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza, with Shane Battier and Luis Scola on the wings, and Chuck Hayes at center.
The Rockets' lineup lacked height and athletic ability was average, but fortunately, they were experienced, as they had many veterans.
The game began, and the Rockets immediately gave up the tip-off; Kostić easily won the jump ball.
Russell brought the ball across half-court and passed it to Kayce. After carefully observing the opponent's defense, Kayce chose a safe tactic, gesturing for an offensive play to his teammates.
Kostić came up to set a screen. Facing Ariza's defense, Kayce first faked a left-hand dribble penetration, then quickly executed a behind-the-back dribble, going directly to the right side for the screen.
Kostić set a solid screen and rolled down. Hayes was caught in an awkward position, hesitant on defense.
But it was precisely during that moment of hesitation that Kayce threw a high lob pass. Kostić soared, catching the alley-oop for a powerful two-handed dunk!
"Slam!" The ball was forcefully slammed into the hoop.
Kayce glanced at Ariza as he retreated on defense. This guy had been constantly trying to contest him, but unfortunately, it was useless against Kayce.
Head Coach Adelman was shouting loudly on the sidelines, seemingly very dissatisfied with that defensive play.
The Rockets' first possession went to Ariza. Outside the three-point line, facing Kayce's defense, he executed continuous crossover dribbles, but couldn't shake Kayce. Frankly, his dribbling was a bit clumsy.
Seeing this situation, Ariza tried to drive past Kayce, but as soon as their bodies made contact, he almost lost the ball. Helpless, he quickly passed the ball to Luis Scola in the low post.
The latter, facing Jeff Green's defense, backed down and executed a series of pump fakes, shaking off the defense and laying the ball in.
"Ariza looked a bit flustered facing Kayce's defense. Fortunately, Luis Scola used his beautiful footwork to complete the offense."
Ke Xiaofan was also surprised that Ariza seemed helpless against Kayce.
This is the difference between a role player and a star player; there's a clear gap in both physique and skill. Kobe, playing against a rookie like Kayce, could consistently overpower him into his shooting hot zones to complete an offense.
Ariza couldn't do that. After all, he didn't have that post-up technique, and most importantly, his physical qualities couldn't compare to Kayce's; he was a step behind in explosiveness.
Russell quickly dribbled across half-court and, seeing Aaron Brooks defending him, immediately signaled for an offensive play. This was his exclusive isolation tactic.
Jeff Green stepped forward to fake a hand-off. Russell executed a front-of-the-body crossover, then accelerated in a straight line, driving past Aaron Brooks directly into the paint.
Facing Hayes, who tried to help defend, he was momentarily blocked by Kostić's large frame. This slight delay meant he could only watch Russell score a layup.
After scoring, Russell smiled and retreated on defense, giving his teammates a thumbs-up.
"Westbrook's athleticism is incredible! That acceleration after the change of direction just took off. Aaron Brooks really can't match up physically."
Ma Jian couldn't help but exclaim as he watched the smaller Brooks get overpowered by Russell.
The Rockets' offense this time was initiated by Aaron Brooks. Using his speed advantage, he drove directly into the paint after a screen. Facing the help defense, he found Battier on the perimeter, who caught the ball and immediately shot from outside.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in smoothly, and the home crowd began to cheer for their team.
Kayce looked at the opponent's somewhat slender physique and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
"At 183cm, being able to play in the NBA really means you have some serious skills!"
On the offensive possession, the Thunder started running a hand-off play on the perimeter again. Kayce received the ball, executed a left-hand In & Out, then quickly a crossover dribble, directly creating half a step of separation from Ariza.
Hayes quickly stepped up to delay. Kayce, with a quick glance out of the corner of his eye, subtly flicked his right wrist, and Durant, who had shaken off his defender with an off-ball screen, cut to the basket, caught the pass, and threw down a one-handed dunk!
"Beautiful assist! Durant's vertical leap on that play was incredible; his head was almost level with the rim!"
Ke Xiaofan couldn't help but praise Durant's physical talent.
This kind of off-ball screen and cut was also a specialized tactic the Coach Ben designed for Durant after Kayce joined the team. Whenever they encountered a difficult defender, they would use a lot of off-ball screens to shake off the defense.
At the same time, Kayce's playmaking ability was also very important; as long as there was an opportunity, the ball would be there. This was a completely different style of play from Russell.
Russell created opportunities through aggressive offense and pressure defense, while Kayce observed the defense and tore apart the defense with precise passing.
Durant patted his chest, signaling to Kayce, then turned to retreat on defense. This season, he played much more relaxed; he didn't have to worry about playmaking. Now his job was just to put the ball in the basket.
The Rockets' offense started to stagnate because Russell's defensive intensity had picked up. Russell from UCLA was a defensive ace, and this season, with Kayce's arrival, he was gradually finding his old form.
Continuous ball movement didn't create many good opportunities. Finally, the ball returned to Ariza's hands. Facing Kayce's defense, he executed a triple threat then quickly put the ball on the floor, but his first step was too slow and he was perfectly defended.
With the shot clock winding down, Ariza had no choice but to attempt a turnaround fadeaway, but unfortunately, it was off-target under Kayce's interference.
"Bang!" A brick. Jeff Green grabbed the rebound and quickly passed it to Kayce.
Ariza quickly moved to delay, but Kayce had already anticipated his move, executing a wide-ranging spin to get past him, then quickly passing the ball to Russell.
The latter immediately made another long-distance pass. Durant, running fast, caught the ball with both hands and finished with an alley-oop dunk.
"Oh, ah!!"
The live audience gasped in amazement. That play was too fast: a series of quick passes, ending with an alley-oop dunk. It must be said, the entertainment value was extremely high!
Ariza looked at Kayce in front of him, and he had a bad feeling. This game seemed to be going south, along with his big contract!
The Rockets frequently resorted to half-court offense. With Ariza somewhat quiet, Luis Scola stepped up, scoring again under the basket.
This type of skilled power forward certainly had an advantage against more athletic, jumping big men. Jeff Green was getting a bit frustrated defending him.
But over the next six minutes, Ariza felt completely outplayed, and the Rockets' players also experienced what overwhelming talent felt like.
Kayce used a crossover dribble to shake off Ariza, then drove into the paint, finding Jeff Green in the corner, who calmly sank a three-pointer.
After continuous crossover dribbles, Kayce suddenly changed direction in front of his body, then smoothly turned with his left hand, shaking off Ariza's defense. Facing Hayes' help defense, he faked a pass and went up for an easy layup.
Kayce protected the ball with his back to the basket. Ariza constantly applied body pressure, attempting to force a turnover from Kayce, but unfortunately, a crossover dribble and two consecutive front-of-the-body changes of direction shook Ariza off again.
While moving, he suddenly made a bounce pass. Russell, cutting to the basket, executed a reverse layup, evading the defense and scoring.
The Toyota Center crowd was constantly gasping in amazement. This kind of somewhat flashy dribbling and stylish passing was indeed very entertaining.
Meanwhile, the Rockets' offense was exceptionally difficult; they could only play in the half-court. After Ariza bricked two shots, it was Luis Scola and Battier who kept scoring to barely keep the score close.
The Thunder, on the other hand, clearly entered their 'downhill battle god' mode, playing exceptionally comfortably. Even if they missed shots, their enthusiasm remained high.
The Rockets were also very tenacious. Aaron Brooks threw himself into the air, starting to draw fouls.
But when Durant, relying on his individual ability, sank two consecutive three-pointers, the score still widened.
Rockets Head Coach Adelman didn't have many good solutions. With just over two minutes left in the first quarter, both teams began to substitute in their bench lineups.
Now it all depended on the performance of the reserves. If they continued to lose points, the Rockets would most likely lose this game.
Kayce was also substituted out, sitting on the bench, drinking a beverage, and wiping sweat.
"Kayce, you should have gone a bit easier. Ariza must be miserable right now," Durant said with a mischievous grin.
"No, I keep my word. I don't want to play cards with you guys again!" Kayce shrugged, answering earnestly.
"No cards is fine, how about we roll dice next time? I think that's a good idea!" Russell chimed in.
Kayce was speechless. What's the difference between that and playing cards! It all depends on luck!
"This is not a good game."
While Kayce and his teammates were joking around, the Rockets fans in China erupted:
"Ariza, is this all you've got? Change your name to Brick Ariza!"