Kayce was experiencing a back-to-back schedule for the first time. To be honest, he felt fine physically, but mentally he was indeed a bit fatigued. It was too draining!
After the game against the Sacramento Kings, he had to pack his bags immediately and take the bus to the airport. By the time they landed, it was already past midnight.
"I don't like playing back-to-back games. Can't the league arrange the schedule more reasonably? I think I'm going to have insomnia again tonight!"
Russell complained all the way after getting off the plane. His fluctuating performance in his rookie season last year was related to the schedule.
"If it were the Los Angeles Lakers, the league might make concessions. After all, they make money. Russell, you should be used to it by now. Kayce hasn't even complained."
Durant, carrying his small backpack, heard Russell's complaint and jokingly retorted.
"I feel pretty good, just sleepy. Russell, you could try a little red wine before bed. Maybe it will help you fall asleep quickly."
Kayce also carried a backpack, the same style as Durant's but a different color. Their stylists were from the same team.
"Alright, boys, no red wine. You can have a cup of hot milk before bed. Go to sleep early tonight, and remember to come to practice tomorrow afternoon. I want to see you all on time. Los Angeles is very bustling, so don't cause any trouble!"
Coach Brooks gave his instructions and then went to rest with coaching staff.
"Good night, guys. Britney is coming to see me tomorrow morning. Russell, do you want to have lunch together?"
Kayce saw that Russell wasn't in good spirits and wanted to cheer him up.
"Thanks, Bro, but I'll probably be catching up on sleep tomorrow morning. God, I have a feeling I'm definitely going to have insomnia tonight!"
Russell said with a worried expression.
"Alright, I hope you have a good dream tonight. I'm going to rest now. See you at the practice court tomorrow!"
Kayce also quickly returned to his hotel room. Although the B+ grade functional drink in the Dream Training Space could restore physical energy, it couldn't do anything about mental and psychological fatigue. He still needed to go to bed early.
After a quick shower, Kayce lay directly on the hotel's large bed, took one last look at the message from Britney, confirmed their appointment time for tomorrow, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Upon arriving at the Dream Training Space again, Kayce routinely called up the holographic projection of the control panel and found a new notification above the Achievement Room, which immediately made him feel a bit puzzled.
"I only gained a tiny bit of experience playing against the Magic. There's no reason I'd get anything from playing against the Sacramento Kings. This is truly an unexpected surprise."
Entering the Achievement Room, Kayce saw the newly generated bronze achievement badge. He stepped forward and lightly touched it to view its attributes:
Achievement Badge [Catch-and-Shoot Sharpshooter]: 5/50
Increases the hit rate of mid-range and long-range catch-and-shoot jumpers.
Upon seeing the badge attributes, Kayce immediately beamed with joy. The badge effect was simple and direct, but incredibly useful!
"It looks like I need to get Russell and Durant to play more drive-and-kick. I also need to get some easy baskets. If I always play as the playmaker, this badge experience will be hard to grind."
With this thought, Kayce began his daily basic training in the Dream Training Space. The refinement of skills requires continuous persistence.
A tall blonde woman leaned against a red Porsche 911, creating a beautiful sight.
Many men stopped to watch, but feeling that the blonde woman had a cold demeanor, no one approached her to strike up a conversation.
However, the blonde woman's actions in the next second completely surprised the onlookers.
The blonde woman first raised her hands in a cheer, then bounced and jumped directly into the arms of a tall, strong, handsome man, constantly nuzzling and acting coquettishly.
This caused many passersby to feel heartbroken. Sure enough, behind every goddess, there's... *cough* (unspeakable).
"Wow, you got a new car again! But this car's color suits you perfectly. You look absolutely stunning today, Britney!"
Kayce hugged Britney, sweet words pouring out of him.
"Hehe, Dad bought me a new car because he saw me studying hard. Let's go quickly, Anne has probably prepared lunch already, all your favorite dishes!"
Britney was overjoyed to see Kayce, especially hearing his sweet talk, which put her in an even better mood.
"Uh, have you two made up again? Weren't you arguing before?"
This news startled Kayce. He hoped there wouldn't be another big fire in the rear.
"Hmph, what argument? Anne has moved in with me. All our sisters are interning, only Anne is here to study with me. We're doing great!"
Britney rolled her eyes at Kayce, started the car, and zoomed off with a roar.
"Watch your speed, Britney, slow down! I feel a bit carsick!" Kayce, sitting in the car, couldn't help but shout.
The only answer he got was Britney's arrogant laughter:
"Mwahahaha!!!"
After returning to Britney's house, Kayce's legs were still a bit wobbly. Seeing Britney giggling, he immediately felt annoyed!
"Kayce, it seems you're doing well in Oklahoma City. You've gotten a bit stronger. But next time you send a message, remember not to send the same love message!"
Anne, wearing loose loungewear, looked at Kayce, who was slumped on the sofa, and teased him with a half-smile.
"Come on, Anne, believe me, that was just an accidental mass text. You're even more beautiful, I really miss you!"
Before Kayce could finish, Britney giggled and interrupted:
"Don't listen to him, Anne. He just said the same thing to me. I'm the one who loves you the most!"
After saying that, Britney arrogantly pulled Anne into her arms and even reached for her chest.
"Slap"
Anne slapped away Britney's wandering hand, then gave her an exasperated look and said directly:
"Alright, kids! Change your clothes, wash your hands, lunch will be ready soon!"
Kayce watched, dumbfounded. What was going on? He felt like something was off.
When they returned to Staples Center for practice that afternoon, Durant noticed Kayce's abnormality and asked curiously:
"Kayce, did you also have insomnia last night? You seem a bit strange today."
"It's nothing, Kevin. I ate a bit too much at lunch. I'll be fine after some exercise. Let's play a few rounds of one-on-one later!"
Kayce quickly pushed the strange situation he witnessed that morning out of his mind. There was a game tonight, so he couldn't dwell on it.
"No problem. This time I'll definitely win back the money I lost last time. I've practiced a few new moves, you definitely won't be able to defend me!"
The team's one-on-one training usually had Kayce and Durant in one group, as others were no match for them. This training benefited Kayce in that he could collect Durant's data.
The Dream Training Space also had one-on-one training. Collecting Durant's data helped with the system's simulation. Anyway, the simulated Durant was ridiculously strong... Kayce was abused every night.
"I also have some new ideas. Let's start after coaching staff's tactical training session is over!"
Kayce replied with a relaxed expression. The real Durant was not as strong as the simulated one; after all, touch is something that fluctuates.
The Los Angeles Clippers were also unlucky this season. During the draft, Head Coach Mike Dunleavy's preferred Kayce was vetoed by the team owner, and they ended up drafting the White Beast, Griffin.
This result was actually not bad, but unexpectedly, Griffin fractured his bone, essentially ending his season!
This made Mike Dunleavy quite depressed, especially seeing the Oklahoma City Thunder's current situation. He was inwardly seething with envy.
Looking at his own team, a bunch of old guys, all just collecting salaries and padding stats, one more slick than the next. Then looking at the Thunder's youth storm, Mike Dunleavy was broken.
The atmosphere in Staples Center was lively tonight. In fact, there weren't many genuine Clippers fans. Many people came to see Kayce, as UCLA won the championship this year, and Kayce was very popular in Los Angeles.
Plus, the tickets weren't expensive, so everyone came to see Kayce. Of course, many young female music fans also came to the venue, as Kayce's single had already risen to second place on the Billboard.
Agent Chapman's aggressive chart-topping efforts were quite effective; the money wasn't wasted!
Before the game, in the player tunnel, Kayce looked at the worried Russell and asked with concern:
"Russell, do you feel better? You should have eaten something this afternoon."
Russell had terrible luck; first insomnia, then diarrhea. His physical condition was very poor now.
"No problem, I can hold on. After the game, I want to go back to Oklahoma City. I want to eat Nina's cooking!"
Russell rubbed his head, clearly very tired. Kayce stepped forward and patted his shoulder. In this situation, he was also helpless.
The live DJ was yelling, and both teams began to enter. When Kayce appeared, there was a burst of cheers from the crowd.
"Kayce, over here! Over here!!"
Kayce saw many Chinese fans, female music fans, and some UCLA fans. Feeling that there were truly many people present, he quickly stepped forward to wave and greet them.
The Clippers' veterans naturally noticed the situation on the court. After exchanging glances, they chuckled.
The home announcer began to introduce the starting lineups for both sides;
The Clippers' starting backcourt was Baron Davis and Rasual Butler, the forwards were Al Thornton and Marcus Camby, and the center was Chris Kaman.
This lineup, putting aside everything else, certainly matched the Thunder in terms of physique and was more experienced.
For the Thunder, it was still Russell and Kayce in the backcourt, with Durant and Jeff Green at forward, and Kostić at center.
When the live announcer introduced the Thunder, he couldn't help but say sourly:
"I have to say, the Thunder are in excellent form right now, starting the season with a 7-game winning streak. Kayce might be named this year's Rookie of the Year. We actually had a chance to get him!"
"Alright, the game begins! Chris Kaman tipped the ball for us. Let's go, guys!"
On the Clippers' first possession, Rasual Butler and Baron Davis ran a handoff, then Marcus Camby came up to set a screen. Kayce was about to squeeze through the screen when Marcus Camby stuck out his backside and moved his feet.
He directly knocked Kayce off balance. Jeff Green was about to complain to the referee when Rasual Butler shot a jump shot from beyond the arc.
"Swish!" The ball went through the net cleanly, a 3-pointer.
After scoring, Rasual Butler looked at Kayce with a smile and said, "Rookie, welcome to the NBA!"
Marcus Camby also shrugged at Kayce triumphantly and slowly retreated on defense.
Seeing this, Kayce inwardly complained:
"Don't these old guys have any new tricks? Always these old-fashioned provocations... I hope you don't get frustrated later!"