Kayce's rookie triple-double broke LeBron James' record for the youngest triple-double, which made Kobe fans from China extremely happy. James' record was gone, stopping James fans from showing off his stats in the future.
"Kayce is indeed very strong. He directly broke James' record. I think he can go to the Lakers in the future, learn from Kobe, and then take over Kobe's spot."
"The Kobe fans upstairs is really shameless! Go to the Lakers? What for? To wait for the ball on the perimeter? With Kobe's ball-hogging playstyle, he wouldn't be able to put up these numbers at the Lakers at all!"
"Exactly, Kayce's playstyle is clearly similar to James', both focusing on team play. Don't even mention going to the Lakers!"
"Hehe, like James? Kayce doesn't have an eight-step layup! And he doesn't pass at he last moment either. Don't try to compare him to Kobe! Get an NBA Finals championship first!"
"What's there to brag about Kobe's three championships where he rode on others' coattails? Wasn't he beaten badly by the Boston Celtics in '08?!"
"The one upstairs is blind! Did James win last year's championship? Still bragging after playing like that in the Eastern Conference Finals? Look at how Kobe played against the Magic, James will never learn that in his life."
"I think the Thunder are pretty good, a youth storm! And they beat the Los Angeles Lakers last game, maybe they can win a championship in the future!"
"Hehe, with Kobe there, the Western Conference Finals will be the Thunder's endpoint!"
On the Hupu Forum, fans were in a heated debate, or rather, Kobe fans was dominating everyone. After all, they had just won the NBA Finals, a solid hard strength, so they had plenty of confidence to start a fight.
The next day, America's media also joined the fray, with TNT still playing the role of the good cop.
"Kayce is indeed excellent, but I think it's too early to compare him to James. He needs to prove himself better!"
Charles Barkley, as always, was strict with Kayce.
"Now do you think Kayce can win Rookie of the Year? Or rather, do you still support Harden?"
Kenny Smith hadn't forgotten about the Rookie of the Year award and immediately teased him.
"Listen, man, of course I'll still support Harden. I don't believe Kayce can maintain his high performance."
Charles Barkley said seriously.
"However, I have to remind you, Harden has been playing a bit poorly lately, and the Sacramento Kings have been losing. I don't think he has a chance!"
Kenny Smith directly stated the cruel truth with a smile.
"Alright, James Harden, if you're watching the show, hurry up and show us what you've got! Barkley will always support you!"
As soon as Barkley finished speaking, he couldn't help but laugh, and immediately, the studio burst into laughter. After all, Barkley's 'jinxing' has always been very effective.
There was nothing more to say about ESPN. Stephen A. was practically declaring Kayce to be the modern Jordan.
Kayce saw the ESPN show after breakfast and was so embarrassed by the praise.
"Did this guy really not take money? I didn't even know I was that good," Kayce was beyond making complaints.
Playing at home against the Orlando Magic, the schedule was tight, so the team only arranged some video sessions in the afternoon, without much training.
As soon as Kayce parked his car, he saw Durant already waiting for him. This guy had recently started paying attention to his fashion, and from a distance, he looked a bit handsome.
"Kayce, thanks to your Twitter, my followers have been growing rapidly lately! Yesterday, I even mobilized my fan club to bombard Ariza's Twitter."
Durant excitedly recounted the Twitter confrontation process.
"Wait, Bro, those people seemed to be your haters, right? Did you reconcile?" Kayce was confused.
"No, I successfully entered their discussion group with a burner account, and now I'm the group leader there, they all listen to me!"
Durant said proudly.
Kayce genuinely admired this guy at this point. What kind of ghostly operation was this?
On November 8th, the Ford Center was packed with people. Oklahoma City fans were very happy now; the team's performance this season was unbelievably good.
Last season they were tanking, but this season they started with a winning streak, and Kayce's appearance also led to a surge in female fans.
On the Reddit forum, the post of Kayce being ejected shirtless was still very popular. Enthusiastic female fans said that strong men with a million-dollar annual salary were their favorite!
The Orlando Magic successfully reached the NBA Finals last year. Although their disastrous backcourt was devoured by Kobe in the NBA Finals, they were still very successful last year.
Dwight Howard alone propped up their defensive system, and this kind of one-star, four-shooter lineup was relatively rare in this era.
However, perhaps due to the NBA Finals loss, the Magic's management felt their roster lacked toughness, so they directly traded and cleared out a bunch of players, bringing in tough guy Matt Barnes.
They also sent away the great contributor Hedo Turkoglu, spending a lot of chips to trade for the high-flyer Vince Carter.
It was clear that the Magic management wanted to take another gamble, as Alston and Courtney Lee's disastrous performance last year was truly an eyesore. But what the outcome would be, only heaven knew.
Kayce still arrived at the arena an hour early to warm up. Because he had recently increased his strength training, he needed to shoot more before the game to quickly find his shooting touch.
Russell also joined the warm-up team. He had been shooting well lately and was very enthusiastic about shooting practice.
"Kayce, do you think Howard will win an NBA Finals championship? Honestly, I really like this guy, his dunks are so cool!"
Russell said to Kayce while shooting.
"I think it's very difficult because the Magic's backcourt defense isn't good. Jameer Nelson's form hasn't been good since his injury, and JJ Redick is also a defensive sieve. Howard can't cover for everyone."
Kayce said truthfully while dribbling. This was his honest opinion; defense is a whole unit. No matter how good Howard is at defense, he can't make up for constant leaks on the perimeter.
"That's a shame. They were badly beaten by Kobe last year. But this is good news for us; I think we can get some good stats today!"
Russell thought of the opponent's backcourt and immediately smiled happily.
Kayce knew that it was time to strike hard again. Poor Jameer Nelson.
The game was about to begin. After Coach Brooks gave some tactical instructions, everyone was in the player tunnel, ready to come out.
"Guys, whoever dunks over Howard, I'll give him the same custom necklace I'm wearing, guaranteed pure gold!"
Jeff Green had been having a good time recently. Although his playstyle was gradually becoming more like a role player, his stats were increasing, which would help him with his next contract.
"You're so insincere. That's Howard. Look at that guy's size and vertical leap, it's almost inhuman."
Durant couldn't help but complain when he heard the condition.
"That's why I'm offering my beloved necklace! Come on, guys, Russell, didn't you want to dunk over him all last year?"
Jeff Green teased Russell again.
"That was last year, man. Now I've transformed. I'm an elite shooter! Kayce might be interested in your necklace."
Russell said, turning the conversation to Kayce.
"I like your necklace, but you know, I'm a facilitator now, and I'm not good at dunking."
Actually, Kayce didn't like that big gold chain. He was already tired of complaining about Jeff Green's aesthetics.
"Maybe I can try it myself, really, guys, I don't think it's that hard. Didn't Kobe dunk over him?"
Jeff Green started talking to himself.
"Boo!" The crowd's boos were his answer. This guy really had no self-awareness!
The Thunder's home DJ started cheering loudly, introducing the players. Kayce was still starting this game. Coach Brooks hoped to get a good start.
Kayce saw Dwight Howard come out with a smile, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Happy basketball really struggles to win NBA Finals championships."
The home commentator, Twin, began introducing the starting lineups for both teams. When he mentioned the Magic, he specifically brought up Vince Carter, who was still unable to play in this game.
Therefore, the Magic's backcourt today was Jameer Nelson paired with JJ Redick, the frontcourt was Matt Barnes and Brandon Bass, and the center was Dwight Howard.
Rashard Lewis, who had signed a big contract, was also out due to injury.
For the Thunder, it was still Russell and Kayce in the backcourt, Durant and Jeff Green forming the frontcourt, and Kostić at center.
"The game is about to start. I hope the team can get another victory at home. Wow! Howard jumps really high, and the Magic get the first possession."
The home commentator, Twin, immediately immersed himself in the game commentary.
Kayce was guarding Redick today. Kayce was very experienced in defending such short, weak shooters.
After all, the badge bonuses of Off-ball Movement Killer and Defensive Expert were not to be underestimated.
Redick on the court already felt something was wrong. After continuous off-ball screens, he still couldn't shake off Kayce's defense. When he received the ball beyond the three-point line, Kayce completely covered him with his body.
In desperation, Redick could only dribble two steps and wait for a teammate to come over and take the ball. Barnes, seeing this situation, quickly came forward to assist.
But the moment Redick passed the ball, Kayce suddenly darted out and snatched the ball away.
After successfully stealing the ball, Kayce dribbled and accelerated towards the opponent's half. Just one step past the free-throw line, he directly went for a gliding windmill dunk!
"Slam!"
Kayce, after successfully dunking, made a flying gesture and quickly ran back to his own half.
"Ah!! Ah!!"
This spectacular dunk at the start immediately ignited the enthusiasm of the audience in the Ford Center. Everyone cheered wildly.
Kayce, who had already retreated to defense, chuckled inwardly:
"A bonus game, I must strike hard! Badge experience is calling to me!"