What does unlimited shooting freedom mean? It means you've become a superstar on the team, and it means the coaching staff trusts you.
Everyone on the Thunder knew that Durant was the core of the team, but after Kayce joined this season, he managed to snatch away a portion of the ball-handling duties with his powerful skills.
So when the coaching staff announced that both of them would have unlimited shooting freedom, everyone had an 'I knew it' expression.
Don't assume that NBA teams are always harmonious; there are actually factions in the locker room.
Kayce and Russell both came from UCLA and formed a deep friendship in college, naturally becoming a small clique in the locker room.
Jeff Green and Durant were both rookies in 2007, and they played together for two years, forming another small clique in the locker room.
As for the other players, they didn't have the strength, so they could only choose to take sides or remain neutral.
The coaching staff was also happy to see competition among the players, so locker room issues were left for the players to resolve themselves.
After Coach Brooks announced this decision, Kayce immediately stated:
"Thank you all for your trust. Winning requires everyone's strength, and I will do my best to help the team!"
As soon as Durant saw Kayce's statement, he quickly followed up:
"Kayce is right, basketball is a five-person game. Let's all work hard together; we are family!"
Coach Brooks smiled with satisfaction. The team needed this kind of atmosphere; only through constant competition would there be better results.
"Alright, guys, cheer up! We're continuing with our tactical training session. Russell, you also need to take responsibility. Pay more attention during tactical drills and don't make mistakes on every cut."
"I'll try my best, Coach!"
Russell replied energetically. His good brother Kayce had more ball-handling duties, so his spring was also coming, after all, Kayce was not someone who hogged everything.
Durant felt an even stronger sense of urgency. Good heavens, this guy definitely wasn't here to assist him!
He had to hurry up and continue training, honing his skills, otherwise, the team might really change hands.
"I train actively within the team, I speak frequently on Twitter, and I'm still the boss!"
Kayce saw Durant training with even more vigor and immediately understood the coaching staff's intention—they wanted an internal competition!
"Then let's go. Let's see who's more competitive. I'm determined to be the most competitive one on the Thunder!"
While the Thunder's locker room had two factions, the Boston Celtics' situation was almost like a TV drama. Doc Rivers had recently been secretly worried; his pep talks weren't working anymore!
Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen's conflict was almost at the point of tearing each other apart. Garnett and Pierce naturally sided with their younger brother, so Ray Allen was gradually being isolated by his teammates.
The players even seemed to be planning a boxing match to resolve their conflict once and for all, in a man's way. Rivers' blood pressure immediately shot up when he heard the news.
"When people's hearts are scattered, it's hard to lead the team..."
"Doc, this is the game plan for tomorrow night. We need to be careful against the Thunder; their perimeter players are very talented. We want to change our defensive strategy."
The Boston Celtics' coaching staff had watched many game tapes over the past two days and had a deep impression of the Thunder's trio. Therefore, they had made very thorough pre-game plans.
"No need to change the defensive strategy. With a healthy Kevin, defense isn't an issue. What's giving me a headache right now is the locker room. Guys, who can tell me why things have escalated to this point?"
Rivers said, rubbing his forehead.
"Reportedly, Ray Allen didn't go to Rajon Rondo's celebration party, and that's when their conflict started."
"F*ck! What kind of bullshit reason is that? Are they children? We're all healthy this year, and then this crap happens again. Shit!"
Seeing Rivers becoming increasingly agitated, the coaching staff didn't dare to interrupt and silently became spectators.
In America, on December 4th, the Thunder would host the Boston Celtics tonight. The enthusiastic Oklahoma City fans had arrived early, hoping the team could continue their undefeated home record.
On the other side of the ocean, in China, the 5th was a Saturday, so CCTV also broadcasted the game, which delighted Thunder fans—they could finally watch the game smoothly!
In the CCTV studio, Yang Jian (Host) and guest Zhang Weiping were conducting pre-game analysis.
"After losing two road games, the Thunder returned home and achieved another three-game winning streak. Zhang, what do you think about this game against the Boston Celtics?"
Before the game, CCTV also prepared a short documentary about the Thunder, briefly introducing the team's recent situation. After the film, Yang Jian (Host) began his routine questions.
"I'll briefly summarize the reason for the Thunder's losses: their interior defense is not good. In this game against the Boston Celtics, they still can't solve the Garnett problem, so this game will be very tough."
"The Boston Celtics' Big Three are too experienced, so the Thunder must have a good start and hold on for the first three quarters to have a chance. This game will depend on the stars; it's hard to open up the game with interior offense."
Zhang felt that the Boston Celtics were a natural counter to the Thunder. Garnett playing against a power forward like Jeff Green would definitely be an easy win.
"Indeed, the Boston Celtics have Garnett in the paint, and Ray Allen and Pierce on the perimeter.
Plus Rajon Rondo's excellent form recently, they are balanced inside and out, fully healthy, and their condition is almost back to when they first formed the team in '08."
Yang Jian also sighed. The 2008 Boston Celtics won the championship!
"And the Boston Celtics also added Rasheed Wallace to their interior. He can play inside and out. The Thunder's bench doesn't have anyone who can match him. This game will be really tough. Let's see how the young guys perform in this game!"
Zhang added, and the Thunder fans in front of their TVs felt their hearts sink. Is the gap really that big?
"The starting lineups for both sides are out, and they're both regular rotations.
For the Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen are in the backcourt, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are on the wing, and Kendrick Perkins is at center."
"For the Thunder, Russell Westbrook and Kayce are in the backcourt, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are on the wing, and Kostić is at center. Both sides are regular starters."
Yang Jian (Host) briefly introduced the starting lineups for both teams.
At the Ford Center, the live DJ had just finished introducing the home team, and the audience was roaring. The singing segment ended, and Kayce was also quietly chatting with Durant:
"Kevin, try to play more off-ball finishes in the first three quarters. If it comes down to the end, we'll definitely need your on-ball offense. Remember to manage your stamina!"
"Don't worry, the situation from the game against the San Antonio Spurs won't happen again. I'm playing more efficiently now, and my stamina is definitely not a problem!"
Durant was full of confidence. He had also made many preparations for this game. The team's boss couldn't let them down.
Kayce saw Durant's confident look and immediately felt relieved. He wasn't afraid of his little schemes, as long as he didn't play recklessly. Seeing Russell still dancing, he immediately shouted:
"Russell, remember to control the tempo!"
He also gave Russell a gesture that only the two of them understood, reminding him not to lose his cool if they fell behind.
"The game is about to begin. Both teams are at center court for the jump ball. Garnett tipped the ball to the Boston Celtics for the first possession."
In the CCTV studio, Yang Jian (Host) and Zhang Weiping also began their commentary on the game.
"The Thunder are still playing their usual matchups at the start. Jeff Green is guarding Garnett one-on-one. It looks like they're not double-teaming."
Zhang simply stated after seeing the situation on the court.
On the Boston Celtics' first possession, after several perimeter passes, Pierce passed the ball to Garnett, who was calling for it in the low post. The Thunder adopted a single-coverage strategy, no double-team.
Garnett, facing Jeff Green's defense, quickly put the ball down after a three threat, dribbled twice with his right hand, and then shot his signature turnaround fadeaway.
"Swish!" The two-pointer went in steadily.
After Garnett scored, he seemed dissatisfied with the Thunder's single coverage, angrily pounded his chest, and took the opportunity to shout at the Thunder's bench, showing his tough attitude.
"Oh, ah!!"
Kayce watched from the side, silently complaining, "Why are you shouting so loud?"
Thunder on offense. Russell quickly dribbled past half-court. Kayce used Kostić's back screen to quickly pop out and receive the ball. Ray Allen's trailing defense was a step slow.
Feeling that the defense behind him wasn't in place, Kayce didn't hesitate and shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Good shot! Kayce used Ray Allen's style of play to hit them back. He's very decisive on offense at the start!"
Yang Jian immediately praised Kayce loudly after he made the three-pointer.
Rajon Rondo dribbled past half-court and started directing traffic. After Pierce came off a screen to receive the ball, Kendrick Perkins immediately came up to set a pick-and-roll. His thick frame made for a very effective screen.
Pierce drove right, dribbled, accelerated, shook off Durant's defense, and shot a running jumper from mid-range.
"Swish!" The two-pointer went in.
"The Thunder still have the same old problem. When playing pick-and-roll, Kostić is slow on defense, and Pierce is exploiting that!"
Zhang, after seeing Pierce make the mid-range shot, again complained about the Thunder's interior defense problem.
On this Thunder possession, Kayce had his back to the basket in the low post. Ray Allen was guarding him very closely. Durant, using Jeff Green's off-ball screen, appeared at the top of the arc.
Kayce immediately passed the ball. Durant received it, drove with a quick step, suddenly changed tempo with a wide Euro step, dodged Garnett's block, and easily made a layup.
"Oh! Wow!!"
A spectacular driving layup! The Ford Center immediately erupted in huge cheers. That was a very clever play!
After scoring, Durant pointed at Kayce, indicating that the pass timing was perfect, then flashed a smile he thought was charming.
Kayce's mouth twitched. That damned foreman vibe.
On the Boston Celtics' side, Coach Rivers noticed the Thunder's offense was flowing so smoothly at the start and immediately shouted from the sideline:
"Move! Move! Move! Get the defensive rotation going!"
After Rajon Rondo dribbled past half-court, he noticed Russell's defense was giving him a step of space and immediately felt a bit annoyed. This was a disrespect to his shooting!
Although he shot a career-high 31.3% from beyond the arc last season, the Thunder's coaching staff still didn't consider him an elite shooter, so Russell's defensive assignment was to guard against the drive and give him the shot.
After a flurry of gestures directing traffic, veteran Pierce quickly came over to receive the ball. Garnett came up to set a pick-and-roll, then rolled down to receive the ball, took a big hop step into the paint, and shot a floater.
"Swish!" Another two-pointer went in.
Jeff Green was a bit frustrated. He had tried his best on defense, but Garnett's athleticism, height, wingspan, and game experience completely overwhelmed him.
"Green, it's okay! The main thing is to respond! Believe in yourself!"
Kayce was afraid his teammate's mentality would change, so he quickly went over to encourage him. Real-life games aren't about Excel; when you're getting outplayed, maintaining your mindset is very important.
The Thunder's offense involved continuous perimeter passing. After Durant got the ball, he saw Kayce successfully establish position in the low post and immediately made a bounce pass.
Kayce found that Ray Allen's defense wasn't as strong as he had imagined, or rather, his defense was too artistic.
After a thriple threat, he quickly put the ball down, drove with his left hand, then suddenly pulled it back between his legs, dribbled twice with his right hand with his back to the basket, turned, and shot a fadeaway.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
This was the effect of combining the badges [Triple Threat Veteran] + [First Step Master] + [Control Master] + [Hot Zone Hunter] + [High Difficulty Shot King].
As long as Kayce successfully reached his hot zone, his mid-range shooting percentage was very high, and as the badges became more comprehensive, the bonus effects would become stronger.
"Play some good defense! I f*cking don't want to see you getting blown out by a rookie!"
Rajon Rondo immediately shouted loudly at Ray Allen after Kayce scored.
"Mind your own business! What right do you have to lecture me? Look at your shitty shooting; you're given a meter of space and still don't dare to shoot!"
Ray Allen immediately retorted loudly.
Kayce watched from the side, completely bewildered. What was going on? In-fighting? This was big news!
For the next three minutes or so, the Boston Celtics' situation on the court was very interesting. Kayce was guarding Ray Allen in this game, so he naturally stuck close to him on defense.
Twice, Ray Allen had shaken off his defender and gotten open, but Rajon Rondo actually didn't pass the ball! Instead, he continued to give the ball to Garnett in the paint, making Ray Allen run for nothing twice.
When the game reached 6 minutes and 37 seconds in the first quarter, Coach Rivers proactively called a timeout. Rajon Rondo had crossed the line and needed to be reprimanded!
Currently, the score was 14-14. Thanks to the excellent play of Kayce and Durant, even though they couldn't defend the paint, they still kept the score close.
"F*ck, that Rajon Rondo guy is giving me a step of space, and even going under screens!"
During the timeout, Russell couldn't help but complain.
"Russell, be patient! Don't mind their provocative behavior. Don't force shots. Stay steady. Only shoot when the rhythm is right. You're doing a great job on defense against Rajon Rondo right now!"
Kayce comforted Russell. This was also a very interesting thing in the game: both teams' point guards couldn't shoot from the perimeter, and their defenders were both given a step of space. Neither of them could do anything to the other.
When they returned from this timeout, the ball was finally passed to Ray Allen, who came off a screen. He received the ball and quickly shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"What a quick release! This is Ray Allen's first three-pointer of the game. He had two good opportunities earlier, but Rajon Rondo didn't pass him the ball. Rivers' timeout was well-timed!"
Zhang praised Ray Allen's quick release and also complimented Coach Rivers.
"The Boston Celtics' locker room must have some problems. Earlier, on one play, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen were complaining to each other. This is quite rare in the NBA!"
Yang Jian also mentioned what happened in the previous few possessions.
"Haha, that's good news for the Thunder! They need to seize this opportunity!"
Zhang laughed heartily, enjoying the drama. If they really started fighting, the game would be even more entertaining!
On offense, Kayce had the ball and signaled Kostić to come up for a screen. He faked a drive to the right, then suddenly changed direction in front of his body, causing Ray Allen to collide directly with Kostić.
Kayce took the opportunity to accelerate with the ball in his left hand, facing Perkins' defense. He executed a nimble Euro step, intentionally exposing the ball, and Perkins, as expected, fell for it and tried to steal.
"Ah!!!" "My bowl!"
Kayce first let out a tragic roar, then made a left-handed layup.
"Squeak."
"Bang swish."
The whistle blew and the shot went in. The bonus from [Hot Zone Hunter] allowed Kayce to easily complete a 2+1 play.
"Nice job, Kayce! Hehe, that guy has three fouls! I've been keeping track."
Durant excitedly high-fived Kayce in celebration. While Perkins didn't contribute much on offense, he perfectly played his role as a meat shield on defense, making things tough for Kostić.
"Kayce played that ball very smartly, scoring a 2+1. Most importantly, Perkins' third foul means he has to come off early, which will make it easier for the Thunder inside!"
Zhang started praising Kayce again.
Coach Rivers was helpless and could only bring in Rasheed Wallace early. He felt he had been a bit careless and should have made more targeted arrangements before the game.
Letting a young team get into rhythm at the start was not his intention.
For the rest of the time, without the 'stirring stick' Perkins in the paint, Kostić continuously scored easy buckets, and Jeff Green also hit a three-pointer. The Thunder withstood the pressure.
By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 30-30. Durant had 10 points and Kayce had 9, with the two of them carrying the Thunder through the difficult opening stage.
During the break between quarters, in the CCTV studio, Zhang also began to summarize both teams' performance in the first quarter.
"The Celtics' offense was very clear: 'inside out,' constantly driving in and kicking out. Garnett and Pierce both performed exceptionally well."
"The Thunder, on the other hand, were quite interesting. They started by having Kayce and Durant continuously attack, and the young man was incredible, scoring repeatedly! They kept the score close, and once Perkins came off, the interior also came alive."
"This game is interesting. It's impossible for the Boston Celtics to win easily now; the Thunder have built up momentum!"
Zhang felt very relieved, seeing that Kayce had completely established himself with the Thunder.
"Maintain this offensive rhythm, Ibaka. When you get on the court, protect the rebounds well and don't give them opportunities for transition offense!"
Coach Brooks replaced Russell with Thabo Sefolosha in the second quarter. Kayce, Durant, and Jeff Green remained on the court. For this game, he wanted to maximize his starters' minutes.
Coach Rivers had the same strategy, replacing Rajon Rondo with Eddie House, so all five players on the court had outside shooting ability.
The Boston Celtics' Garnett and Wallace scored with low-post offense, while the Thunder's Kayce and Durant scored with mismatch isolations. The two sides went head-to-head, the game became increasingly intense, and defensive actions grew more aggressive.
In the latter half of the second quarter, the referees frequently blew their whistles, drawing shouts from the Oklahoma City fans:
"Refree sucks! Refree sucks! Refree sucks!!!"
This was the scene after Ibaka picked up his third foul near the end of the second quarter. Garnett was getting frustrated; he hadn't expected the Thunder to still be holding on.
60-60, both teams played with high-efficiency offense. The fans at the Ford Center were already ecstatic; they were tied with the Big Three Boston Celtics at halftime!
During halftime, in the Thunder locker room, Coach Brooks once again went into 'chicken soup' mode:
"Guys, keep it up! We played great in the first half. Trust me, their shooting percentage will definitely drop in the second half. We need to capitalize on transition opportunities, we need to speed up our offensive pace!"
"Look at those passionate Oklahoma City fans in the arena. We have to win this game for them!"
After drinking the rich 'chicken soup,' the Thunder players were fired up! Before the second half began, Kayce whispered to Russell:
"Russell, play more pick-and-rolls with the 5, intensify your drives, and seize transition opportunities!"
After speaking, Kayce gave Russell a knowing look, and Russell also made a gesture, indicating he understood.
As soon as the Boston Celtics started missing shots, Russell's transition ability would shine.
The second half began with the Thunder on offense. Russell quickly brought the ball across half-court. Kayce came off an off-ball screen, received the ball beyond the three-point line, and after a triple threat, quickly put the ball down with his left hand.
After a crossover dribble, he executed a series of in-and-out dribbles, breaking through Ray Allen's defense. Garnett's help defense was very quick, but Kayce didn't force the shot. While moving, he made a subtle behind-the-back pass with his right hand.
Jeff Green received the ball in the corner and, with an open look, shot a three-pointer.
"Swish." The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Ah! Oh, roar!"
Jeff Green was exceptionally excited after the basket. He had been completely suppressed by Garnett in this game, and hitting this three-pointer felt like a release of pent-up frustration.
"The Thunder's three-pointer goes in! Jeff Green hits a three-pointer for the first time since the first quarter. This shot is a response to Garnett. The young man has really been through a lot, constantly defending him!"
Yang Jian also sighed, acknowledging Jeff Green's defense in this game.
The Boston Celtics continued their offense unhurriedly. After several passes and cuts, Rajon Rondo saw that Russell was still giving him a step of space, so he directly shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
"Bang." It was a hard miss.
Kayce, quick-witted, grabbed the long rebound directly. Seeing Russell already sprinting past the opponent's half-court, he immediately delivered a precise long pass. Russell received the ball, took two large dribbles, and then took off for a one-handed tomahawk dunk!
"Slam." The Russell ascended, scoring with a powerful dunk.
"Ah!!!"
Russell jogged back on defense, flexing his muscles to the audience, which sent the fans into a frenzy.
Perhaps this dunk completely enraged the Boston Celtics. In the following plays, both teams devolved into a physical brawl. The Boston Celtics fully unleashed their physicality.
Off-ball screens involved physical contact, on-ball defense featured constant small fouls, and the rotation speed on pick-and-roll defense also increased. However, with more contact, both sides started missing shots frequently, and Russell's transition offense ability was fully unleashed.
Ray Allen missed a three-pointer, and the long rebound was controlled by Durant. He immediately made an outlet pass to Russell, who, after receiving the ball, accelerated in a straight line. Rajon Rondo tried to block him but was shrugged off by Russell's body while he was in motion.
He took three big steps, launched himself, spun the ball in the air, and slammed it fiercely into the basket!
"Slam." A windmill dunk went in.
"Ah!!! Ah!!!"
This dunk completely sent the Ford Center crowd into a frenzy. The Thunder had taken the lead in the third quarter!
Coach Rivers immediately called a timeout. He was very unhappy with his team's last two possessions.
"Rivers' timeout was very timely. The Thunder were about to build momentum, and at this point, the Coach had to break that momentum. The Boston Celtics should still get the ball into the paint!"
Zhang believed that as long as the ball went inside, the Boston Celtics still had a huge advantage.
Coming out of the timeout, after several passes by the Boston Celtics, Garnett received the ball in the low post. Facing Jeff Green's defense, he executed a triple threat before taking a tough fadeaway jump shot.
"Swish." The pull-up jump shot from mid-range went in.
Kayce saw Garnett pound his chest again after the basket and sighed helplessly in his heart:
"At 211cm with an excellent wingspan, the tough jump shot style is indeed very suitable for Garnett."
In the following plays, both teams entered a fierce, white-hot stage. The Boston Celtics slowed the pace, constantly feeding the ball inside, not giving the Thunder opportunities for transition offense.
Russell also completely exploded in the third quarter, constantly driving to the paint and drawing fouls. By the end of the 3rd quarter, both Garnett and Perkins had four fouls, and the score was tied again at 88.
"This game is so exciting! It's practically a showdown between new and old Big Threes, the Thunder's Young Trio against the Green Team's Big Three!"
Yang Jian's remark became widely circulated after the game, and the name "Thunder's Young Trio" completely spread across the Pacific to China.
The experienced Boston Celtics brought in Wallace at the start of the 4th quarter. Two three-pointers put them directly ahead, after which both sides once again engaged in a physical battle.
Until there were 3 minutes and 16 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the Boston Celtics still held a 6-point lead.
At this point, Coach Brooks called a timeout. This shot had to go in, otherwise, all their efforts in this game would be for nothing.
"Guys, don't hesitate. If an open shot appears, take it directly. Green, Russell, believe in yourselves!"
Several opportunities in the fourth quarter appeared on the perimeter, but the Thunder hesitated. Kayce and Durant were heavily guarded, not given any outside shooting opportunities, so other scoring options needed to step up.
Russell patted his chest, indicating he understood.
Coming out of the timeout, the Thunder had possession. As soon as Kayce received the ball beyond the three-point line, Rajon Rondo immediately came over to double-team him. This was the Boston Celtics' strategy in the fourth quarter: double-team Kayce and Durant, and let other players shoot.
Kayce quickly passed the ball out when double-teamed. Russell, after receiving the pass, shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc without hesitation.
"Swish." The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
"Oh ah!!! Oh!!"
The fans at the Ford Center cheered excitedly. Only 3 points separated them, there was still a chance. The arena DJ immediately started to stir up the atmosphere, leading rhythmic defensive chants:
"Defense! Defense! Defense!!!"
"Russell, maintain good defense!"
Kayce first high-fived Russell hard in celebration, then loudly reminded him, "Don't get carried away now!"
The Boston Celtics' next possession put the ball in the hands of their key player, Paul Pierce.
No screen was used. Facing Durant's defense, he executed two consecutive in-and-out dribbles, then took a step-back jump shot from the free-throw line.
"Bang." It was a miss!
Garnett crashed the boards and grabbed the offensive rebound. Jeff Green desperately interfered, causing him to miss the layup. Perkins then grabbed another rebound.
"Squeak."
The referee signaled that Kostić had fouled while rebounding, sending Perkins to the free-throw line. The Thunder were now in the penalty.
"If both free throws go in, it will be very difficult for the Thunder to come back in this game. With 1 minute and 51 seconds left and a 5-point lead, the Boston Celtics won't let victory slip away."
Yang Jian sighed, feeling that the Thunder had already played very well.
"Oh, the first free throw actually missed! They're giving them a chance!"
"Both free throws missed!! The Thunder secured the rebound and called a timeout!"
Yang Jian and Zhang both shouted in unison, and the situation on the court instantly changed again.
Perkins, who missed both free throws, was very frustrated, hitting himself on the head twice. With the game at this point, no one wanted to lose, especially since the initiative had always been with the Boston Celtics!
Coach Brooks took out his tactics board at this moment, repeatedly instructing his players:
"When Kayce is double-teamed, Russell must come over to receive the pass. Kevin, this is when you can demand the ball in the low post. After receiving it, attack the rim directly. If they double-team you, kick the ball out. Guys, if you have an opportunity, don't hesitate!"
Coming out of the timeout, the Thunder were on offense. Kayce was again double-teamed. Russell received the pass and quickly gave it to Durant in the low post. Garnett immediately came over to help defend. Durant quickly passed the ball out to Jeff Green in the corner.
After receiving the ball, the latter adjusted slightly and shot an open three-pointer.
"Swish." The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
"Three-pointer goes in! The Thunder have tied the score! With 1 minute and 18 seconds left, this game is too exciting!"
Yang Jian exclaimed excitedly.
The Boston Celtics once again put the ball in Paul Pierce's hands. Still no screen, facing Durant's defense, he changed rhythm after a between-the-legs dribble, drove past Durant, took three steps, and shot a right-handed floater.
"Slap."
"Pierce's floater was directly blocked by Durant!"
Yang Jian exclaimed.
Russell controlled the ball, immediately dashed forward, accelerating wildly. Rajon Rondo also sprinted back on defense, constantly interfering with him from his side. Noticing that Kayce was already at the corner three-point line, he flicked his wrist and passed directly to Kayce.
After receiving the ball, Kayce first faked, making Ray Allen, who was rushing to defend, jump. Then he accelerated along the baseline to drive. By this time, Garnett had already recovered on defense.
Facing Garnett's block, Kayce jumped with both feet and delivered a powerful one-handed tomahawk dunk!
"Slam." Garnett, who jumped half a beat late, was directly dunked on by Kayce.
"Kayce dunked on Garnett! With 42 seconds left, the Thunder lead by 2 points!"
This dunk made Yang Jian (Host)'s blood boil, and he commentated loudly and excitedly.
Coach Rivers called another timeout. This was their last timeout; if they didn't score, the game was essentially over.
After Kayce completed the dunk, his teammates excitedly rushed to him, cheering. They were going to win!
With 42 seconds left, Coach Brooks brought in Ibaka, replacing Jeff Green, to strengthen the defense and protect rebounds.
The Boston Celtics' next possession was very patient. Pierce and Garnett continuously ran pick-and-rolls, eventually getting the ball to Garnett in the low post. Ibaka defended with full concentration.
After two consecutive post-up moves, he turned and shot a fadeaway!
"Sha."
"The shot was blocked! Ibaka completed the block with his fingertips!"
Durant immediately controlled the ball, and the Boston Celtics had no choice but to foul.
"Yeah!!!"
Ibaka roared passionately. The Ford Center had turned into a sea of jubilation. Everyone was screaming wildly, venting their excited emotions.
Kayce also clenched his fists tightly at this moment. This was a team victory! At the same time, his mind was invigorated:
"The [Organization Core] badge should be upgraded! Double happiness!"