With too much garbage time, it became a bit boring for the commentators. On Sina Sports, Ke Xiaofan and Ma Jian began discussing the Thunder's future development.
"Coach Ma, the Thunder lost this game, but they still have the best record in the league. However, other teams are gradually discovering their weaknesses. How do you think the Thunder should adjust moving forward?"
Ke Xiaofan, seeing the somewhat dull situation on the court, took the opportunity to bring up the topic.
"Actually, the Thunder's current tactics are still too simple. They are playing entirely on talent. Of course, since this is Kayce's rookie season, the synergy between the players still needs to be strengthened."
"If this current lineup wants to adjust, it can only depend on the core players. The interior lacks talent, but the core trio can still further develop their potential."
Coach Ma has always felt that the Thunder's interior was the weakest among the top teams in the Western Conference.
"Many netizens say that the Thunder don't have enough shots to go around. Coach Ma, do you think there's a problem with the Thunder's ball distribution right now?"
Ke Xiaofan brought up another hot topic of discussion.
"Actually, there's no problem with the Thunder's ball distribution. Kayce's main role on the court is to organize the offense and execute tactics. He needs everyone to cooperate with him and run the plays the coach has designed."
"Durant and Westbrook, on the other hand, need shot attempts, especially Durant, who plays the role of finishing the offense. There are enough shots to go around, but the three of them are still playing talent-based basketball. I hope the Thunder can design a suitable tactic for them later on."
Ma Jian believes that Kayce is a universal key, able to seamlessly integrate into any team. Unfortunately, the Thunder are a small market team, making it difficult to strengthen the team in the future.
"I hope the Thunder can continue to lead in the upcoming games. With a record of one win and one loss in consecutive road back-to-back games, I believe fans should still be quite satisfied with this result."
Ke Xiaofan really hopes the Thunder can make it to the Playoffs this season, because the Nets are once again aiming for the number one pick, making it very difficult for Yi Jianlian to make the Playoffs this season.
Finally, the fourth quarter quickly ended. Inside the Amway Center, the home crowd cheered happily as the Magic defeated the Thunder 110-96 at home, ending the Thunder's winning streak.
Win with smiles, lose with curses.
The happy beast, Howard, had a great game, shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 2-for-6 from the free-throw line, for a big double-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
"Hey, Bro, you've been playing great lately, really. You're definitely going to win Rookie of the Year. Charles Barkley can go to hell!"
The happy beast exaggeratedly entered PY mode, hugging everyone and complimenting everyone.
"You know, I don't care about stats. I'm your super fan, really, your dunks are so cool, just like Superman!"
Although they lost, Kayce's commercial mutual flattery couldn't stop. They were all superficial brothers, all family.
Howard, hearing Kayce's praise, immediately became even happier. The two of them went on and on, leaving Carter, who was standing nearby, dumbfounded.
Anyone who didn't know would think these two were talking about Jordan and Olajuwon, they were praising too much.
Carter was more low-key, simply encouraging Kayce a few times. Finally, in an atmosphere of mutual goodwill, the Thunder departed.
In the locker room, although they lost, everyone's mood was still good because they were going home soon and could get some rest. The day after tomorrow, they would host the Washington Wizards.
"Finally, we can go back to Oklahoma City. I never want to play back-to-back road games again. The league should cancel such a schedule."
Russell was very happy at the thought of going home. He missed his girlfriend.
"I'm going to blow them out next time, especially Howard. That guy has nothing to say after a loss, but after a win, he dragged me into a bunch of nonsense. Kayce, why were you chatting so happily with him?"
Durant felt uncomfortable after a loss. Although he lost a lot last season, he believed the Thunder had risen this season, so his mindset naturally changed.
"Everyone gets along on the surface. In future games, if they give you a few less cheap shots and trip you a few less times, you'll profit greatly. Flattering him satisfies his vanity, just consider it preventing malicious fouls!"
On the surface, they respected each other. Kayce didn't care what everyone would say behind his back. Durant was too concerned about other people's opinions, even if he heard something from a fan he didn't like, he'd retort.
"Kayce is right, Kevin. We're all players in the league, so we have to give respect. You don't need to care too much about what others say!"
Jeff Green also advised him a couple of times, fearing that Durant might get angry and directly engage in a Twitter war, which would make both sides embarrassed.
"OK, I'll pay attention. I'm not that stupid!"
Durant agreed on the surface, but in his mind, he was thinking of going home, logging into his alt account, and unleashing full online firepower to trash the other side!
The Thunder's winning streak being broken was also a minor hot topic, and TNT, always keeping up with current events, naturally had to weigh in.
After the game, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley also commented on the game.
"Kenny, you have to admit my previous point was correct. The Thunder's record will slowly decline, and this game is just the beginning!"
Barkley said with a smile.
"This is just one game, and yesterday they were still in Miami. Consecutive road games definitely affect them!"
Kenny Smith, of course, wouldn't agree with Barkley's point of view. For the sake of discussion, the two had to argue.
"No, no, no, pay attention to the stats. Durant had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Russell had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; Kayce had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists. The three of them still played well, but the Thunder couldn't win!"
"Because their interior defense was terrible. Howard tore apart their interior, and the Magic's defense was also very successful!"
Barkley said with a serious expression.
"I agree with some of your points. Our production team edited a very interesting offensive possession. Pay attention, Durant was posting up in the low block, and Carter directly pushed him out to the three-point line!"
Kenny Smith explained the clip with an exaggerated tone.
"Hahaha, if I had Durant's height, I swear, I would just back him down, drive all the way to the basket, and then dunk! You can't always just float outside and shoot!"
Barkley laughed and teased Durant. He knew Durant would respond to him; the show's effect had to be maximized!
The Thunder, flying back to Oklahoma City overnight, naturally wouldn't see the TNT show. By the time Kayce said goodbye to his teammates and drove home, it was already late at night.
After a quick wash-up and checking his phone for messages, confirming there was nothing important, Kayce immediately collapsed onto his big bed.
"Hotel beds are indeed not as comfortable as home. I hope this game also yields some rewards!"
With that thought, Kayce slowly drifted into sleep.
Arriving in the Dream Training Space, Kayce called up the holographic projection of the control panel. Seeing a new prompt appear on the achievement room, he eagerly went in to check.
Seeing the newly generated bronze achievement badge, Kayce stepped forward and lightly touched it to view its attributes.
Achievement Badge [Sticky Hands]: 4/50
Enhances the ability to catch difficult passes and quickly put the ball on the floor.
"???"
Kayce was dumbfounded after seeing these attributes. What kind of strange badge was this? Was it because he had taken too many 'hot potato' passes recently? It was basically useless!
"Forget it, some output is better than none. Tonight, I'll continue practicing post-up footwork." After sighing, Kayce began his routine training.
During the afternoon training session the next day, after completing tactical drills, the Thunder players started chatting during their break.
"A friend told me that Arenas has had some conflicts with the team, which is why the Wizards' performance has been like this since the start of the season!"
Jeff Green said, gossiping about his insider information.
"Come on, he's the Wizards' superstar, and he's been playing well recently. Everyone plays around him, so what kind of conflict could there be?"
Russell generally doesn't pay attention to player gossip and doesn't believe a superstar in resurgent form would have a conflict with his team.
"Maybe he was provoked, you never know. Star players who've been injured can easily decline. Arenas' form is far worse than in previous years!"
Kayce still liked Arenas' playing style, but injuries can sometimes ruin a player. Now, Arenas is clearly a bit past his prime.
"Fuck, I just found out that Barkley was talking trash about me last night! Ibaka was the one who cared about me. Didn't any of you notice the TNT show?"
Durant suddenly interjected at this point.
"Kevin, don't pay attention to what they said. It's all nonsense. They just want to create showmanship!"
Jeff Green began to persuade Durant. Seeing the situation, everyone else also chimed in with words of comfort.
Kayce, however, had a strange expression. He always felt that Ibaka was sly and definitely not as honest and simple as he appeared on the surface.
On the evening of November 20th, the Ford Center was still packed, and the Oklahoma City fans were even more enthusiastic.
Although they lost one game, they were still first in the league. Moreover, they hadn't lost a home game since the season started!
However, before the game, there was a situation with the Thunder: Nick Collison was experiencing back discomfort and was likely out for this game, which made their already struggling interior even worse.
In the locker room before the game, Coach Brooks was explaining new tactics.
"Kayce, after getting the ball in the low post, pay attention to the offensive space on the court. If the opponent's help defense is in position, don't force an attack.
Kevin, Russell, you two should be ready to receive the ball at any time, keep moving, and everyone else focus on screens."
This was a new tactic the Thunder had been practicing for the past two days, a 'bankrupt' version of the triangle offense, which Coach Brooks had now brought into the starting lineup.
Originally, the plan was for Durant to be the core initiator, but after a round of practice, Durant's offensive repertoire in the low post was not as rich as Kayce's.
Coupled with Durant's issues passing out of double teams, Kayce became the primary core.
This 'bankrupt' triangle offense was mainly to strengthen the connections between teammates, as Jeff Green and Kostić couldn't just be role players; eating too many easy baskets can lead to indigestion.
Russell watched Coach Brooks draw a bunch of things on the whiteboard and immediately felt a bit confused. He hadn't quite understood it during practice these past two days, and now he didn't feel comfortable asking directly.
"Alright, that's it for now. On defense, also pay attention to protecting rebounds and maintaining communication. Let's go, boys!"
Kayce saw the somewhat confused Russell and quickly leaned in to whisper:
"Don't overthink it. When I'm playing one-on-one in the low post, you just need to keep moving and use screens. It'll make sense after a few possessions on the court!"
Russell immediately felt relieved after hearing Kayce's words. After all, they had played together in college, so they still had that much chemistry.
"Coach Brooks drew a bunch of stuff, and honestly, there were some parts I didn't quite understand. Good thing I have you, Kayce!"
Kayce, looking like a boss, patted Russell's shoulder, secretly thinking:
"A 'bankrupt' Jordan using a 'bankrupt' tactic—the results should be interesting!"