November 25th was a rare day off. After returning from Salt Lake City, the Thunder gave the players a day off to rest and spend time with their families.
Kayce was a lone wolf in Oklahoma City, with only three bald trainers accompanying him for daily weightlifting sessions.
After breakfast, Kayce started browsing Reddit again, looking at the various praises from Oklahoma City fans. At this point, a post caught his attention.
"Brandon Jennings believes he is the best rookie of the 2009 class, and he bluntly stated that Kayce is just a stat-padder!"
Clicking on the post, Kayce immediately laughed like a pig. Oklahoma City fans had already started to repeatedly ridicule Brandon Jennings.
"Look at this big-mouthed Mr., who slanders Kayce almost every week. He's still expressing his dissatisfaction about losing the Player of the Week award."
"The problem is, even if the Player of the Week award didn't go to Kayce before, James Harden's performance was much better than his!"
"I think Tyreke Evans's performance was also better than his. Is Brandon Jennings crazy?"
"Guys, because the Rookie of the Month selection is coming out soon, this guy is just trying to attract media attention."
"Great, I can witness Kayce receiving the award live! It's a pity Kevin Durant almost got the Player of the Week award, otherwise we could have seen two players receive awards together at home."
"F*ck, where did you guys buy your tickets? I want to watch the game live. Kayce is so handsome! I watch his YouTube channel every day. His physique is so good."
"Yes, super sexy muscles. God, I really like him so much! Is there any kind person who can sell me a ticket? I want to go get an autograph, and preferably a few more photos!"
Kayce couldn't help but check the user's profile after seeing this post. Upon seeing that the user was a muscular man, his mouth twitched, and he silently closed the post.
Brandon Jennings was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 10th pick in the first round this year, and he's playing pretty well, but compared to Kayce, he's just a younger brother.
After all, the Milwaukee Bucks still have veteran Michael Redd, so if Brandon Jennings wants playing time, he has to ask him first.
On the afternoon of November 27th, after the Thunder players completed their tactical training, they also started discussing Brandon Jennings.
This big-mouthed player had been frequently speaking to the media in the past few days, implying that Kayce was stat-padding and that he should receive more honors.
"Kayce, tonight's game, do you need us to help you teach him a lesson? Brandon Jennings said a bunch of nonsense again!"
Durant thought Kayce hadn't paid attention to the media news, so he specifically mentioned a few of Brandon Jennings's remarks.
"Tonight, we must show him who's boss. How dare he be so arrogant coming to Oklahoma City? This guy must have something wrong with his head!"
Russell had indeed just learned about this news. As a good man, he obediently accompanied Nina after returning to Oklahoma City, and their little life together was very sweet.
"Brandon Jennings is just jealous. Seeing that the Rookie of the Month award is about to be announced, he jumps out to slander Kayce. What a disgusting villain!"
Jeff Green had long been fed up with Brandon Jennings constantly slandering Kayce, but he wasn't the party involved, so he hadn't said anything.
"It's okay, guys, I'll guard him personally tonight. Russell, let's switch defensive assignments. I believe after the game, this guy will shut up obediently and never talk about me again."
Kayce said with a calm expression. Trash-talking was meaningless. Tonight, he would directly confront Brandon Jennings and let him know that basketball isn't about talking.
Tonight, the Ford Center was packed, and the atmosphere was even more electric. The Thunder still ranked first in the Western Conference, and after 5 consecutive home games, Oklahoma City fans could finally watch to their heart's content!
The Milwaukee Bucks achieved 34 wins last season, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference, and went fishing early.
This season, the Milwaukee Bucks' record is 8 wins and 5 losses, currently ranking 7th in the Eastern Conference, so Brandon Jennings has some capital for his big mouth, as his good record indeed has some of his credit.
Before the game, in the Thunder locker room, Coach Brooks simply gave a few instructions:
"Protect the rebounds, especially long rebounds. The opponent is good at outside shooting, so we must control the long rebounds. That's it, go get 'em, boys, don't let the Oklahoma City fans down!"
The live DJ began to introduce the home team players. After Kayce entered the court, he was once again warmly welcomed by the audience, and a huge cheer erupted!
Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks saw Kayce's exploding popularity, and his heart immediately filled with envy.
Before the game, the players from both sides simply greeted each other. Brandon Jennings did not take the initiative to greet Kayce. Seeing this, Kayce smiled, but secretly complained in his heart:
"Are we not even going to be 'superficial brothers' anymore? Then don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Home commentator Twin also began to introduce the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup:
"Tonight, the Milwaukee Bucks are still with their regular starters. In the backcourt, it's Brandon Jennings partnering with Carlos Delfino. The forwards are Michael Redd and Ersan Ilyasova, and the center is Dan Gadzuric."
"Before the game, rookie Brandon Jennings made some controversial remarks on social media. I'm looking forward to Kayce's response in this game!"
"The game officially begins. Kostić won the tip-off for us."
Thunder's first possession, Russell quickly dribbled across half-court and immediately passed the ball to Kayce. Kostić set a high screen, and Kayce accelerated to the right, breaking away from Delfino's defense.
In motion, a right-handed In & Out, a change of pace, a sudden stop and go, instantly accelerating past Gadzuric, driving into the restricted area, and then a reverse dunk!
"Slam!" A lightning-fast drive and dunk successful.
"Ah!! Oh!!"
The atmosphere in the Ford Center instantly exploded! Kayce's spectacular opening dunk completely ignited the audience's passion, and huge cheers and shouts erupted.
Milwaukee Bucks' offense. After Brandon Jennings dribbled past half-court, he saw Kayce directly guarding him. He immediately waved his hand, showing off that he would take this shot!
His other teammates also understood Brandon Jennings's intention and cleared space for him. Grievances are resolved with on-court performance; America loves these grudge matches.
As a 185cm small guard, Brandon Jennings's proudest asset was his speed. Facing Kayce's defense, he used every crossover and in-and-out dribble he knew, but he found that Kayce didn't fall for the fakes.
Kayce completely dominated him in height and wingspan, and Brandon Jennings was at a disadvantage in speed and agility. Coupled with the Ankle Guard and Defensive Expert badges, Brandon Jennings's tragedy was already sealed.
Seeing Brandon Jennings attempting another in-and-out dribble after a behind-the-back dribble, Kayce seized the opportunity and stole the ball.
Then, he accelerated madly, sprinted across half-court, took one step past the free-throw line, jumped with both feet, and slammed a one-handed tomahawk dunk!
"Slam!" Steal and dunk successful.
"Kayce stole the ball from Brandon Jennings in a one-on-one. Perhaps he already regrets it now. He should have shut his big mouth earlier!"
Home commentator Twin was already hyped up and began to relentlessly criticize Brandon Jennings.
The excited Russell saw Kayce returning on defense and enthusiastically chest-bumped him, while also howling and cheering, inciting the live audience!
In the next few possessions, Brandon Jennings honestly started playing pick-and-roll. It only took one possession for him to realize the gap between himself and Kayce; their bodies were not on the same level.
But there was still a lot of time left in this game, and in the Thunder's subsequent offensive possessions, when Kayce was guarded by Brandon Jennings, he would use the special move Kobe had taught him during a game.
"Uncle is going to post up now!"
After a few forceful post-ups, a shoulder shimmy fake completely shook off Brandon Jennings's defense, followed by a fadeaway.
"Swish!" The 2-point shot easily found its mark.
With continuous post-ups, step-back threes, and dribble drives after pick-and-rolls, Kayce was on fire at home, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, 2-for-3 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, exploding for 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in a single quarter.
The Thunder led 36 to 22 in the first quarter, a 14-point lead over their opponent.
Coach Brooks on the sidelines was stunned, home commentator Twin exclaimed 'Oh my God,' and the Ford Center was completely boiling!
During the quarter break, Brandon Jennings's eyes were lifeless. He was held to 0-for-4 by Kayce's defense, with 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, and 2 turnovers in the first quarter. At this moment, he only had one thought:
"Let this game be destroyed and end quickly."
Unfortunately, in the remaining game time, not only did Kayce deliver heavy blows, but Russell and Durant also showed no mercy, scoring points like crazy!
By the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was 94 to 74, with the Thunder already leading by 20 points.
The 4th quarter completely turned into garbage time, and in the end, the Thunder won a massive home victory against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 120 to 92.
After the game, the Oklahoma City media, who loved to stir up trouble, interviewed Brandon Jennings again.
"Buddy, do you have anything else to say about this game?"
"Kayce completely destroyed me. Everything I said before was bullsh*t."
Brandon Jennings was completely subdued by Kayce. In this game, under Kayce's tight defense, he scored 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers. Both were rookies, yet the gap was so huge!
Kayce finished the game with 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, with no turnovers. His free throws also broke a new season high, going 12-for-12, completely showcasing his aggressiveness.
Durant also efficiently scored 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, almost never missing a shot. Plus, Russell's 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists, the trio combined for 80 points, making Oklahoma City fans cheer with delight.
A day later, the Thunder hosted the Houston Rockets at home.
The Rockets had terrible luck in the game; Luis Scola was injured and left the court early, which left no suspense for the rest of the game.
This season, Russell gradually regained the defensive feel he had at UCLA, completely transforming into an elite perimeter defender.
Ordinary small guards facing the Thunder's backcourt combination were basically free points. Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry were both thoroughly beaten by Russell.
Finally, the Thunder won the game 110 to 95, without breaking a sweat, maintaining their undefeated home record.
After the game, the Thunder players in the locker room were all smiles, teasing Kayce:
"Kayce, after this game, Rookie of the Month is definitely yours!"
Kayce chuckled. In this game, he once again efficiently scored 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. With the data from this game, the Rookie of the Month award was already firmly in his grasp.
"Haha, thanks to the support of my brothers, this award belongs to all of us!"
"Wow!! Ah!!"
Upon hearing this, everyone started cheering and howling. Kayce also smiled happily:
"Receiving the award at home, Rookie of the Month, this feeling is really great!"