When a game enters garbage time, most commentators, in addition to explaining the game, also start chatting about gossip.
"Man, do you think Kayce will win Rookie of the Year this year? He didn't play well in today's game and was limited by Wade."
Mark Jackson felt the fourth quarter was a bit boring, so he quickly looked for a topic.
"Of course, I'm very optimistic about Kayce. Not every team has perimeter defenders like Wade and Kobe. Kayce's skills are so mature that he doesn't seem like a rookie at all."
Van Gundy was very optimistic about Kayce, although he believed that the Thunder's style of play might slowly be completely deciphered by other teams, but that was a flaw in the roster.
"Perhaps you don't know yet, Kayce is also a singer, and his single has climbed to second place on the Billboard. Have you noticed those girls in the arena wearing Thunder #10 jerseys? They're actually all his fans."
Mark Jackson continued to chat about gossip, which was much more interesting than the situation on the court.
"Well, this is a young person's world. I really don't pay attention to these things. In fact, I can't even use Twitter properly. The messages they push to me are too crazy!"
Van Gundy also got sidetracked as he chatted.
"Hahaha, you should check out Kevin Durant's Twitter. That guy is so funny, man, you gotta keep up with the trend!"
The two chatted more and more off-topic on the sidelines. Anyway, the game had no suspense, so some gossip might even be liked by the audience.
The game time flew by, and many Miami Heat fans left early. In the end, the Thunder defeated the Miami Heat 108-90, extending their winning streak to 11 games.
After the game, the 'superficial brothers' began to embrace and greet each other. Wade even specifically found Kayce and whispered something to him.
In this game, Wade shot 8-for-19, 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was still the Miami Heat's best-performing player.
"Kayce, you need to add some strength training. Perhaps you could also consider gaining weight. I hope you won't be in such a sorry state the next time we play!"
Wade said to Kayce with a smile.
"Thank you for your advice. I'm actually already doing strength training, but the effects aren't that quick. Facing you, I've indeed learned a lot of moves! I look forward to our next match!"
Kayce also activated his commercial mutual flattery mode: you're good, I'm good, everyone's good!
The two flattered each other for a while before embracing and saying goodbye.
Beasley's stats looked good in this game: 6-for-9 from the field, 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, for 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. However, his defense on the court was truly frustrating, and Coach Spoelstra eventually just kept him off the floor.
After the game, Durant also comforted his good brother. In this game, he shot 12-for-18, 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, exploding for 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Many of his points were scored against his brother.
Fortunately, the two are childhood friends, otherwise they might have fallen out after the game. This was truly a heavy blow against a brother!
Back in the locker room, Kayce chuckled and teased:
"Kevin, it's incredible that Beasley didn't get into a fight with you after the game. It seems your relationship is really good!"
Durant burst out laughing when he heard this and immediately said:
"That guy always suppressed me when we were kids. Michael beat me many times in one-on-one back then. I guess this is my revenge, but maybe this guy will complain to my mother!"
Durant's mother had always taken Beasley in, practically raising him as her own son, so the two had a very close relationship.
"Hey, Bro, who else has something to eat? We're flying to Orlando soon, and I need to eat something before I can fall asleep. I don't want to eat hotel food this time!"
Russell had diarrhea after eating last time during a back-to-back game and developed a psychological aversion to hotel food. In this game, he shot 9-for-13, 2-for-3 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, efficiently scoring 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
In this game, only Kayce was getting beaten up; Russell and Durant were both putting on a show.
"I still have some chocolate here. Didn't Nina prepare some food for you?"
Kayce asked curiously while icing himself.
"Nina prepared some fruit for me, but I need high-calorie stuff!"
Russell said earnestly.
Kayce saw his expression and knew he was craving sweets, just looking for an excuse. He didn't expose him and told everyone to contribute snacks, but he silently complained in his heart:
"I always feel like Russell is heading down the irreversible path of a sweet tooth. I hope this guy controls himself."
For the away back-to-back game, the Thunder team flew to Orlando overnight. After getting off the plane and arriving at the reserved hotel, it was already late at night. This feeling was indeed a bit of a torment.
Coach Brooks had been thinking about the team's upcoming tactical arrangements all the way. Only when he arrived at the hotel did he briefly comfort everyone:
"Alright, boys, don't be late for tomorrow afternoon's practice. Get some rest early and watch your diet!"
Russell, with his snacks, scurried back to his room. Kayce chatted briefly with his teammates and then prepared to rest.
After a quick shower, Kayce felt a bit tired, cursed the league's schedule, and lay directly on the big bed, slowly falling asleep:
"Fortunately, there's a B+ grade energy drink in the Dream Training Space. I'll be fully recovered tomorrow!"
The Magic's home arena has an interesting name, Amway Center, which is the familiar Amway.
What made people envious was that the Magic's new arena would be put into use next year. It was said to cost 400 million and be a high-tech arena capable of accommodating over 20,000 spectators. This news made the Thunder team sour for a long time.
During the afternoon practice, everyone chatted and discussed the new arena.
"Will Oklahoma City have a new arena in the future? Honestly, I feel our home court is a bit small, and many local fans complain that they can't buy tickets."
Russell had a blast eating last night and appeared full of energy on the practice court today.
"Our team owner doesn't have that much money to invest in a home arena. At most, he'll just add some seats."
Durant said casually while shooting hoops.
"It should be said that building a new arena is something most team owners can't afford, and it's even harder for small markets. Breaking even is considered a profit; large investments are definitely out of the question."
Kayce felt that if the Thunder's owner could just stick around and not bail, that would be a victory. As for an arena or luxury tax, those were pipe dreams.
"Kayce, let's play a couple of one-on-one games later. Your post-up moves are really good, I want to try them too!"
Durant had been thinking about post-up moves since yesterday's game, itching to try them.
"No problem, I'm ready anytime!"
Jeff Green and Ibaka quietly watched the two show off. They really couldn't learn such skills.
The Orlando Magic had a very good record after the start of the season, currently 8 wins and 3 losses, temporarily ranking first in the Eastern Conference, especially after Vince Carter joined the team, they went on a small winning streak.
The Amway Center was packed today, buzzing with noise. Howard's ticket sales were absolutely top-notch, and with the addition of the high-flying Carter, local fans felt the tickets were definitely worth it.
Head Coach Stan Van Gundy had prepared for this game for a long time. After being crushed by the Thunder in Oklahoma City last time, he had to get his revenge.
Before the game, in the locker room, Van Gundy repeatedly reminded the players to strictly follow the tactical arrangements:
"Jason, when defending Russell, be sure to communicate and remind Dwight to help defend in time."
"We can't let the opponent get easy opportunities from hand-offs. The defense must keep up, we'll try to switch on the perimeter, squeeze through all screens, and if there's an opportunity on the perimeter, we must shoot decisively!"
Van Gundy was determined to win this game. With Howard inside and Carter outside, a core of one inside and one outside, this was his ideal lineup.
At the same time, Rashard Lewis also returned for this game, guaranteeing offensive firepower.
The game was held on the 18th in America, so when it was broadcast in China across the ocean, it was the 19th, a Thursday. Sina Sports had obtained the broadcasting rights for this game.
Before the game, hosts Ke Xiaofan and Ma Jian had been discussing the Thunder's games and Kayce's performance.
"Coach Ma, the Thunder have an 11-game winning streak to start the season, and the Magic's form has also picked up. In this game, which side do you think is more likely to win?"
Host Ke Xiaofan threw out the pre-game topic.
"I think the Magic have a better chance of winning because Howard is incredibly destructive in the paint. I saw the starting lineup given by the front, and the Magic are also playing a one-big, four-small lineup, which will make the Thunder's interior defense very difficult."
Ma Jian spoke his mind as always, not catering to the fans' expectations.
"Indeed, we just received the starting lineups from the front. For the Magic, the backcourt is Jason Williams and Vince Carter, the forwards are Michael Pietrus and Rashard Lewis, and the center is Dwight Howard."
"Compared to their last encounter with the Thunder, this starting lineup clearly matches up better in height. Carter also plays as a wing swingman. Last time the two teams played, the Magic were too short!"
Host Ke Xiaofan also lamented the changes in the Magic's lineup.
"Jameer Nelson was probably also playing with an injury in the last encounter. He's not in the team's main roster for this game. The Thunder's starting lineup is the same as usual. If they want to win, Kayce and the perimeter players must hit their shots."
Ma Jian felt that if the Thunder wanted to win this game, they had to open up from the outside. Kostić was destined to be swallowed whole by Howard.
"Alright, this game is about to begin. Let's switch the screen to the game venue!"
In the Amway Center, the live DJ started shouting and introducing the teams. When Howard and Carter appeared, the audience immediately erupted in huge cheers.
Kayce naturally knew that the Magic's lineup had changed, and he had already prepared himself for difficulties.
Jameer Nelson was out with an injury for this game, but perhaps this wasn't a bad thing for the Magic. Although Jason Williams' lateral quickness wasn't great, his playmaking and passing were still on point.
During the final warm-up, Kayce noticed the Magic players swishing three-pointers, and his heart immediately sank:
"We're not going to get out-shot by them, are we? How come everyone seems so accurate..."
The referee signaled both sides to the center circle. Kostić and Howard both slightly bent their knees, ready for the jump ball.
"The game officially begins! Howard wins the tip for the Magic's first possession. His jumping ability is truly excellent!"
In the Sina Sports studio, host Ke Xiaofan also immersed himself in the game.
The Thunder's starting lineup for this game was still their regular one: Russell and Kayce in the backcourt, Durant and Jeff Green at forward, and Kostić at center.
At the start of the game, Kayce was matched up against Carter. After several passes on the perimeter by the Magic, the ball came to Carter's hands. He didn't stop the ball, directly passing it to Howard in the low post.
Howard got the ball in the low post, and the four Magic players on the court immediately spread out beyond the three-point line.
Kostić desperately defended Howard in the paint, but after Howard received the ball, he immediately started backing down hard. His immense strength directly pushed Kostić away, creating space for a shot, and then he easily laid it in.
"Swish!" Two points in the paint.
Kayce saw the situation on the court and felt helpless. Interior defense was the Thunder's Achilles' heel, and Van Gundy's strategy was to relentlessly attack that point from the start.
"I hope everyone doesn't go into 'Brick Brothers' mode this game, otherwise it's really easy to collapse in one quarter..."