On November 21st, the Thunder departed for Los Angeles. On the evening of the 22nd, they would challenge the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. Unlike their previous encounter, Gasol had returned, and the Los Angeles Lakers' roster was complete.
After getting off the plane, the bus went straight to the Party venue. The afternoon was for the entire team's gathering, while the evening was for the players. Kayce arranged everything clearly, and basically everyone was satisfied.
Kayce had lived in Los Angeles for six years, so it was the place he was most familiar with.
NBA teams don't just focus on hard training; regular parties, community outreach, and volunteer activities are held almost every month. This time, it was mainly to celebrate the team's excellent performance since the start of the season.
This party, from the venue to the food, was meticulously prepared. As long as enough money was provided, the variety of services here was more than one could imagine.
"Thanks for the hospitality, Kayce. The reason we've played so well this season is because of your addition. You've changed the spirit and temperament of this team!"
Coach Brooks liked Kayce very much. He was meticulous in training, executed tactics without compromise on the court, and most importantly, he could unite the team. Who wouldn't love such a player?
"Don't praise me, Coach. We are family. This is everyone's credit. Let's raise a toast to the Coach!"
As Kayce spoke, he took the opportunity to push Coach Brooks forward, stirring up the atmosphere.
"Cheers!!"
The afternoon's leisure time passed, and then it was time for the evening's fun.
To reward his teammates for their strong support, which helped him achieve a triple double, Kayce also put in a great effort this time, even bringing in some Hollywood actresses.
This was thanks to his agent Chapman's connections. Having many friends is great; you can always find suitable girls.
"Wow wow wow! Kayce, this is incredible, you sly dog!"
Jeff Green was having a blast. Whether it was the latina girls he liked or the big-booty girls he adored, they were all there tonight.
"Glad you're having fun, Bro. There'll be a champagne dance later, just don't drink too much like last time."
Kayce also put his arm around a curvaceous Latina girl. He still had to dance a bit later to officially kick off tonight's Party.
"Let's all raise a toast to the handsome Kayce, whoa!!"
Jeff Green started shouting loudly, and everyone howled along with him.
As night deepened, everyone fully entered the stage of wild revelry. Tonight, they all practiced their dribbling skills and also practiced ball-handling breakthroughs. Everyone's enthusiasm for training was unprecedentedly high!
In the champagne bath, Kayce also reviewed his Spanish, while holding the ball with one hand, he sighed in his heart:
"Practicing basketball every day, the life of an NBA star is just so dry and boring."
During the training session the next afternoon, the Thunder players were refreshed. Although tonight's game was at the Los Angeles Lakers' home court, everyone was still full of confidence, after all, the Thunder were currently the league leaders.
After Gasol's return, the Los Angeles Lakers also went on a winning streak, currently holding a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, ranking third in the Western Conference.
"A nationally televised game. I really envy the Los Angeles Lakers' broadcast schedule. Tonight is another prime-time game, and there must be many viewers!"
Durant was once again green with envy during training. He also wanted to play nationally televised games every day.
"If we had won the championship last season, perhaps the number of nationally televised games would have increased a lot. But I prefer playing at home; I like the Oklahoma City fans."
Russell was still relatively loyal. After staying in Oklahoma City for over a year, he had basically become one with the local fans.
"Haha, Kevin, perform well tonight. Maybe if you play well, you'll gain a lot of followers on Twitter.
Of course, if we win, it's best not to check Twitter. Some of the Los Angeles Lakers' fans, you know how they are!"
As soon as Kayce said this, everyone burst into laughter. Los Angeles Lakers fans have a strong sense of superiority; they are all smiles when they win and curse when they lose, that's them.
For the national broadcast, TNT sent their renowned commentator Kevin Harlan, and the on-site analyst was Reggie Miller.
Before the game, the two also warmed up the broadcast on site.
"Whoa, I noticed Kayce's shooting form during warm-ups. It seems like he hasn't missed a shot. Reggie, did you anticipate the Thunder achieving such a record this new season?"
Kevin Harlan was a veteran commentator and naturally knew what the audience liked to hear.
"Of course, I didn't, man. They only won 23 games last season, and their core players were all rookies. Then this season, they're playing like this. It's incredible!"
Reggie Miller wasn't a bigmouth; his commentary style was quite rigorous.
"Alright, actually, we're all the same. I know you really like Kayce, don't deny it. I remember you followed him when Kayce played in the NCAA his first year and even spoke up for him. Can you explain why?"
Kevin Harlan posed a question that the audience was curious about.
"Alright, I'll keep it brief. It's because Kayce is truly a talented player. The media didn't believe in him at the time, even though he had already put up excellent numbers. So, I will speak up for him. We need to let go of our biases."
Reggie Miller's expression grew serious as he spoke.
"OK, let's talk about this game again. Do you favor the Thunder in this match? They are currently the league's top team, and the young men are in great form!"
Kevin Harlan then shifted the topic back to a lighter game prediction.
"Unfortunately, I think the Los Angeles Lakers will win easily. Gasol is unstoppable in the paint. He can pass, he can post up. I don't know how the Thunder are supposed to defend him. And don't forget, there's Kobe!"
Reggie Miller said with a smile. Although he admired Kayce, he still had to be honest about his game predictions.
"Alright, then I'll support the Thunder's young men. I'm betting on them to upset the Los Angeles Lakers. The starting lineups before the game are also out, no suspense, both sides are using their regular lineups!"
"Alright, let's go to one last commercial break, and then the game will begin immediately!"
Tonight at Staples Center, many celebrities looking for buzz had arrived. Tickets for courtside seats were basically impossible to buy, having long been divided up by the agents behind the stars.
Blonde bombshell Britney couldn't get front-row tickets, so she angrily dragged Anne and flew straight to London to visit Beth.
Kayce's attention, of course, wasn't on the celebrities courtside. He noticed Gasol, looked at his height, and then his long arms, and couldn't help but envy Kobe. Finding such an inside partner was incredibly difficult.
The game was about to start. Before taking the court, Coach Brooks gave his final instructions to the players:
"Protect the rebounds! The Los Angeles Lakers' twin towers are very good at crashing the offensive glass. Every one of us needs to focus on boxing out! When rebounding, you must box out!"
When Kayce saw the Coach mention rebounding again, he knew it was due to concerns about Kostić's rim protection, but this problem was unsolvable.
The referee made a gesture, and the players from both sides briefly greeted each other. Kostić and Bynum prepared for the jump ball at mid-court.
"The game officially begins. A jump ball without suspense; Bynum easily tips the ball to the Los Angeles Lakers."
Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller at the venue also officially began their game commentary.
On the Los Angeles Lakers' first possession, they found Gasol in the low post. Receiving a pass from Fisher, he faced Jeff Green's defense, went high-low, backed down twice, and easily made a hook shot.
"Swish" The two-point shot in the paint went in.
"Whoa! Gasol is going to completely dominate the low post this game. The Thunder can't contain him. The young men need to be careful!"
Kevin Harlan exaggeratedly commented on the Los Angeles Lakers' first possession.
Kayce observed from the side that Kobe became stationary after Gasol got the ball, which showed contempt for the Thunder's interior.
On the Thunder's offensive possession, after Russell dribbled past half-court, Kayce called for the ball in the low post with his back to the basket, under the cover of his teammates. The ball arrived as he moved. At this moment, Artest also switched onto him.
Kayce, receiving the ball with his back to the basket, noticed that the Los Angeles Lakers' twin towers had too much defensive coverage. The two big men completely blocked the paint. Seeing this situation, he quickly turned around, executed a triple threat, and put the ball down.
The badge boosts of First Step Master and Quick Stop Master made Kayce's initial burst very fast. After one dribble with his left hand, he crossed over between his legs, pulled back with his right hand to fake, then pulled it back again, and shot a fadeaway.
"Swish" The mid-range shot went in.
"Excellent footwork, a beautiful fadeaway. Li completed a spectacular offensive play!"
Kevin Harlan immediately sang praises for Kayce.
On the way back on defense, Kayce also began to loudly remind his teammates.
"Power forward, guys, move!"
Jeff Green had to respond. If he couldn't stop Gasol's offense, he had to make sure the opponent couldn't stop him either. Only then could they trade blows; otherwise, if they were unilaterally beaten, the game would be over!
The Los Angeles Lakers' offense was still initiated by Gasol. Kobe came off a screen to receive the ball. Gasol executed a hand-off at the free-throw line. Jeff Green quickly switched, but Kobe didn't hold the ball, passing it to Gasol who was cutting down.
The latter received the ball, went high-low, never bringing it down, and Kayce could only watch as he easily made the layup.
The Los Angeles Lakers' twin towers were simply unfair, especially against the Thunder's interior. As soon as Kostić came to help, Bynum could easily dunk from behind, and Gasol's passing was also excellent.
Seeing that the interior couldn't hold up from the start, Kayce decided to execute coaching staff's plan early: let the interior lie flat, just single-cover, activate the trading-blows mode, and see who gives up first.
On the offensive possession, while Russell was dribbling, Kayce gave his teammates a hand signal, indicating that the plan was to accelerate the offense.
After continuous passing on the perimeter, Jeff Green moved up to set a fake screen for Russell, then quickly popped out. Russell changed direction in front of his body, shook off Fisher, accelerated in a straight line, and drove into the paint.
By the time Bynum reacted, Russell had already taken off, driving through the defense, and after an aerial contest, he made a left-handed scoop shot to score.
After the score, Russell excitedly pounded his chest and let out a strange cry:
"Hoo-ha!!"
Kayce clapped while retreating on defense, signaling a good play, and then also gave Durant a look, indicating, "Let's go, brother!" At the same time, he secretly vowed in his heart:
"Let's see if you guys will smash us in the paint, or if we'll be the first to stab you to death from the perimeter!"