In the final seconds, as Durant made both free throws, Rajon Rondo casually threw the ball over half-court, and the game clock expired.
At 110-106, the Thunder narrowly defeated the Boston Celtics by 4 points at home, maintaining their undefeated home record.
Next, the Thunder will host the Golden State Warriors. Given the Warriors' current record of 6 wins and 13 losses, some Oklahoma City fans have already begun celebrating a potential 5-game home winning streak.
After the game, the losing Boston Celtics were very friendly. Garnett praised everyone he met, and after a few words, Kayce gained a new set of 'surface brothers'.
However, there were exceptions. Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen seemed to have another argument, while the Thunder players quietly watched the drama unfold.
"It's hard to imagine that Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen's relationship is so bad. I'm curious what will happen when they get back to the locker room?"
Durant said to Kayce beside him, watching the scene with his hands on his hips.
"They can't actually fight, can they? Ray Allen's personality is too good. There were several open shots that Rajon Rondo didn't pass to him."
Kayce felt that this might be related to Ray Allen's background. His good family education made him incompatible with some grassroots players, making it difficult for him to get along.
"Garnett and Pierce are even backing Rajon Rondo. I thought their relationship was great after they won the championship in '08!"
The second-year Russell was still fantasizing about brotherhood in the NBA.
"A friend of mine told me that Ray Allen is very disciplined during games. Every time the team goes out to party, he doesn't drink. Garnett and Pierce are from a different world than him!"
Jeff Green also whispered some gossip.
As Kayce and his teammates thanked the audience, he silently thought:
"Dynasties always collapse from within."
On the Hupu Forum across the ocean, things had already exploded. Saturday, CCTV broadcast, plus the opponent being the Boston Celtics—these three conditions led to an explosion in the number of viewers today.
Especially after Kayce dunked over Garnett, the server even crashed for a while.
"That was amazing! This game was played with such toughness. Kayce directly dunked Garnett to his knees! Awesome!"
"Satisfying! Garnett always gets soft when things get tough. Why didn't he do his 'iron-blooded' push-ups after falling down this time?"
"Don't just hate. Garnett played very well in this game, 10-of-13 shooting, a big double-double of 24+10. It's all because Perkins missed two free throws."
"Blaming role players? He missed a layup himself at the end. If it were Nowitzki, this game would have been won already!"
There was a lot of debate about power forwards this year. Everyone couldn't compare to Duncan, but the 'soft vs. tough' debate was also very fierce.
"Don't derail the topic. Today, I've completely become a Thunder fan. Kayce with 28+6+6, Durant with 30+7+2, Westbrook with 22+5+5. These three are incredible!"
"Heh heh, the whistles were pretty incredible. The Thunder's three whistles."
"LeBron James' fan upstairs, please show some self-respect. They don't even call the 'Heavenly Dragon Eight Steps' and you still have the nerve to talk about referees and whistles. Tell your James to go home and practice his layups."
After this game, the Thunder gained a large number of fans. This was the power of CCTV's weekend broadcast; cable TV was the channel for most fans to watch games at the time.
After winning against the Boston Celtics, Kayce felt the biggest change in the team was increased confidence. Laughter filled the locker room after the game.
"Kayce, don't forget to post on Twitter. I remember all those critics who made sarcastic remarks before the game. We must mock them on Twitter!"
Durant had endured for a long time. Ever since losing to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Jazz, a bunch of unscrupulous media reporters and critics had started to sing the Thunder's demise.
So, after the win, Durant was exceptionally excited, almost shouting, "Keyboard, come!"
"No problem, Bro. If anyone still talks trash about this game, just @ me!"
Kayce also felt it was time for a counterattack. Online, he had to go all out and show America's critics what a true keyboard warrior was.
"This is great, guys! We have to make our voices heard tonight! Don't worry, with me here, no one can talk trash about us!"
The more Durant thought about it, the more excited he got. In reality, he didn't have enough influence, but on Twitter, he struck hard.
After driving home, Kayce first sent a text message to Stephen Curry, giving him the restaurant address.
Then he replied to messages from other 'superficial brothers,' finally took a nice bath, tidied up, and prepared for bed.
At midnight, Kayce entered the Dream Training Space, directly called up the control panel, and sighed contentedly upon seeing the three upgrade prompts in the Achievement Room:
"As expected, playing against strong teams gives more experience. If I played games like this every day, reaching purple in two years wouldn't be a dream!"
Kayce unhurriedly went to the Achievement Room, saw the three upgraded silver achievement badges before him, and eagerly reached out to touch them:
Achievement Badge [Quick Stop Master]: 4/500
Improves the player's ball-handling initiation and stopping ability, reducing stamina consumption from movements.
Achievement Badge [First Step Master]: 8/500
Provides explosive initiation for triple-threat stances and fancy dribbling moves, reducing stamina consumption from movements.
Achievement Badge [Organization Core]: 3/500
When this player is on the court, teammates receive an offensive attribute bonus.
Kayce rejoiced upon seeing the attributes of the first two badges. The 'reduce stamina consumption' attribute was very practical, as these were his frequently used moves, and the more stamina, the better.
But seeing that the [Organization Core] badge had only changed color and hadn't gained a second attribute, he immediately felt a bit shortchanged. This badge didn't give him much personal benefit, and its effectiveness depended on his teammates' performance.
"At this rate, I should be able to get most of the badges to silver during the regular season, and I can also reap a wave of experience in the Playoffs. The progress is pretty good!"
After checking the experience status of his other badges again, Kayce, feeling increasingly pleased, finally left the Achievement Room contentedly and began his daily basic training. This is how a 'King of Grinders is made!
After the game against the Boston Celtics, the Thunder had two days off. On the afternoon of the second day, the team had a film session to review last night's game.
"Kevin, you need to continue to strengthen your physical training. Last night, you were forced to receive the ball beyond the three-point line several times, and such offense will greatly deplete your stamina."
"Kayce, you did very well in the first two quarters, able to score in your shooting hot zones. However, your low-post offense disappeared after the opponent changed their defensive strategy in the last two quarters."
"Russell, you need to pay attention to off-ball movement. When the opponent double-teams, you need to step up in time to receive the ball and reorganize the team's offense."
"Green, your performance last night was excellent. Have confidence in yourself. When you have an open shot, take it decisively. Also, increase some off-ball cuts. You need to play more roles in offense."
"Finally, guys, give Kostić and Ibaka a round of applause. They were definitely our heroes in last night's win, with excellent rebounding. Maintain this form and keep up the good work!"
"Oh!! Well done, Bro!" *Clap clap clap*
Coach Brooks and Coach Ben thoroughly reviewed last night's game with everyone, pointed out deficiencies, and finally offered a generous dose of encouragement.
"Kayce, I want to increase some low-post offensive training in the future, and I might also need to add some three-point shooting training. I think you can help. Your low-post skills are excellent."
For the basketball fanatic Durant, he wouldn't allow himself to have any technical shortcomings. Therefore, after discovering his deficiencies, he decided to increase his training volume and expand his arsenal.
"No problem. I think in the Playoffs, post-ups and three-pointers will definitely help us. Russell, you also need to increase some shooting practice. Hopefully, Rajon Rondo won't give you a step next time."
Kayce, of course, couldn't forget his good brother when it came to training. If Russell's pull-up jumper could become more consistent, the Thunder's offense would be even more efficient.
"I will definitely stabilize my shooting. The next time I see that guy Rajon Rondo, I'm going to blow him out!"
Russell was angered by Rajon Rondo last night. The opponent constantly challenged his shooting, which made him lose face a bit.
Coach Brooks and Coach Ben smiled slightly at the team's atmosphere. Get to work, young men!
On December 6th, Kayce met his 'surface brother' Stephen Curry. It must be said that with his baby face, even past the legal drinking age, Curry would still be stopped at the door by security.
"Hey, Bro, congratulations on getting the starting position. I told you so, didn't I? Nelson likes you so much, he would definitely make you a starter!"
Kayce's treat today was at a private restaurant, emphasizing privacy. Thunder players loved coming here, and most importantly, the steak here was especially delicious.
"I actually hoped to start from the bench. Congratulations, Kayce, Rookie of the Month. Your performance in the last game against the Boston Celtics was outstanding!"
Stephen Curry immediately switched into commercial mutual praise mode.
"Awards are all superficial. If you can start, of course, you have to seize the opportunity. You haven't made anyone jealous, have you?"
Kayce noticed Stephen Curry's expression and pretty much guessed what was going on.
"You know, Monta Ellis and I actually have some overlapping positions."
"But Coach Nelson put me in the starting lineup, and many people on the team expressed dissatisfaction behind my back. Actually, I can accept a bench role!"
After Steph sat down, he took a big gulp of juice from the table.
"Don't mind those gossiping trash behind your back. They're just unhappy with the team's preferential treatment of you, but star players naturally have these privileges, Steph, you have to get used to it."
"And, you should also express your attitude and tell them you're not to be trifled with. Many people are just bullies who pick on the weak. Who told you to have such a baby face!"
Kayce offered his inspirational advice, and then jokingly teased Steph.
"Thanks for the advice, Bro. I wish I could have gone to New York back then! Let's not talk about that anymore. Ayesha also asked me to say hello to you. She was pestering Annie to teach her how to cook again a while ago. God, good thing I made an excuse that the team doesn't allow us to eat whatever we want!"
"Haha, skills get better with practice. You can look forward to the offseason, maybe Ayesha has a talent for cooking!"
During the afternoon training session, Kayce felt the harmonious atmosphere within the Thunder, and he also sighed in his heart:
"It's so important to have a good brother on the team!"
Seeing Russell clanking iron over there, Kayce couldn't help but twitch his mouth. This shooting shouldn't be like this; the badge just upgraded.
"Russell, you need to pay attention to your shooting mechanics. Trust scientific training, don't just shoot by feel, your feel isn't accurate!"
Russell glanced at Kayce, and while shooting, explained:
"I don't know why, but today my shooting feels really good, but it's just clanking iron when I release it!"
Kayce felt a little guilty, wondering if it was caused by the badge upgrade, and quickly went over to practice with Russell.
Durant on the side actually had the same problem, but to maintain his cool leader image, he just silently increased his shooting practice.
The leader's position must be mine!
On the evening of December 7th, Oklahoma City fans arrived early at the Ford Center. Tonight was the last of the Thunder's five home games, and everyone was hoping the team could win and achieve a five-game winning streak.
The warm-up activities were also ongoing, and the atmosphere was electric.
Steph was doing his final warm-up on the sidelines, swish, swish, swish, continuously hitting three-pointers, drawing gasps of admiration from the audience. He was shooting from further and further away!
Russell on the side kept shaking his head. He had never been very interested in three-pointers:
"Steph should do more strength training. He's too thin right now, Kevin, you should also increase your training. I and Kayce never see you in the gym!"
"You know, I've been practicing my post-up moves lately. I actually think Steph will make a name for himself in the future, as long as his three-point shooting stays this accurate!"
Durant greatly admired players with excellent shooting ability.
"Alright, guys, the opponent is a fast-paced team. We can't give them too many transition opportunities. Attack the basket more, Kayce, you can add some low-post offense!"
Coach Brooks took out his tactics board and began to explain the final tactical arrangements.
The game was about to begin, and the Thunder's home commentator, Twin, was introducing the Warriors' starting lineup:
"The Warriors' starters tonight are Monta Ellis, Steph, CJ Watson, Vladimir Radmanović, and Mikki Moore. Crazy Nelson has put out a three-guard lineup!"
"Hope the boys can win tonight. The game starts, Kostić jumped the ball for us."
Thunder's first possession, after Russell dribbled past half-court, Kayce came off a screen and received the ball at the top of the arc. He smiled slightly at Steph, who was guarding him.
Two in-and-out dribbles in place, then a sudden acceleration with the ball in his left hand, successfully getting half a step on Curry. After two dribbles, he pulled up for an easy jump shot.
Swish, the mid-range shot went in.
After the Quick Stop Master badge upgraded, the explosive start felt even easier. Most importantly, Curry's defense was indeed terrible right now; there was a huge physical difference between the two.
"Kayce easily scored two points. Does the Warriors not have any frontcourt players?"
The home commentator, Twin, was speechless when he saw this matchup. A small guard guarding a frontcourt player, this was too ridiculous.
Warriors' offense, team leader Monta Ellis took the ball and drove in, catching Russell off guard. Facing Kostić's interior defense, he dodged in the air and laid the ball in.
"Ellis is indeed fierce, this speed, this explosiveness. No wonder the Warriors chose him as their core", Kayce thought admiringly.
However, when the Thunder attacked again, Kostić set a screen up high, and Russell drove to his right, accelerating. Facing Mikki Moore's block, he faked a shot and made a true pass, allowing Kostić to cut to the basket and successfully score an easy layup.
Kayce finally understood why the Warriors kept losing when he saw this situation on the court.
A paper-thin defense... easily broken!
In the first quarter, both sides played faster and faster, entering a run-and-gun state. The Thunder loved this fast-paced offensive and defensive transition.
Durant could shoot over the small guard, Kayce also had several successful post-up plays for easy scores, and Russell even started playing with drive-and-kick passes, continuously setting up easy scores.
The audience at the Ford Center was thoroughly entertained. The fast pace, many scores, three-pointers, and dunks were all there. This game was truly exciting!
Throughout the first half, both sides called very few timeouts, and the game flowed exceptionally smoothly. The Thunder had multiple players scoring, while the Warriors relied solely on Monta Ellis taking many shots.
As a result, Ellis shot 8-for-18 in the first half for 18 points, while poor Steph only took 5 shots, making 3, becoming a complete spot-up shooter. The offense simply didn't involve him.
Without exerting much effort, the Thunder led 56-50 at halftime, a 6-point lead.
"In the third quarter, we need to bring out our defensive intensity, guys, show your best defensive state, we want to end this game in this quarter!"
During halftime, Coach Brooks simply gave the players a brief reminder.
At the start of the second half, Russell, Kayce, and Durant all increased their defensive pressure, constantly increasing physical contact using their physical advantages.
Taller than you, stronger than you, and not inferior in agility, the limitations of small guards facing frontcourt players immediately became apparent.
Kayce was already completely familiar with Ellis's drive-and-kick routes. Seeing him contest with Russell and then jump outwards to pass, the prepared Kayce seized the opportunity and made a steal.
The badge bonus of Conversion Master made Kayce's dribbling speed incredibly fast. Noticing that Durant had already sprinted to near the opponent's three-point line, he immediately delivered a precise long pass.
Durant caught the ball with both hands and completed an alley-oop dunk!
"Ah!! Roar!"
The audience at the Ford Center immediately erupted in huge cheers. The five-game winning streak was coming!
"A tacit understanding, a spectacular alley-oop dunk! The boys suddenly intensified their defense in the third quarter, catching the Warriors somewhat off guard!"
The home commentator, Twin, became more and more excited as he spoke.
Sure enough, after intensifying their defense, Ellis made consecutive turnovers, and the Warriors' shooting percentage plummeted. The Thunder seized the opportunity to go on a 14-6 run, extending their lead to 14 points.
There was no more suspense in the rest of the game. The Thunder's fair-weather Warriors all came out swinging.
Finally, the game ended 110-92, with the Thunder winning decisively at home against the Golden State Warriors, achieving a five-game winning streak.
After the game, Kayce found a dejected Steph. In this game, Curry only got some touches during garbage time, finishing with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 turnovers.
"Come on, Bro, don't show your frustration. You need to express your opinion in the locker room!"
Monta Ellis shot 28 times, scoring 31 points, and also had 9 turnovers, still holding the ball in garbage time.
"You're right, Kayce, I need the ball. I don't want to be a spot-up shooter. Thank you very much, Bro."
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before embracing and saying goodbye.
Checking out after three quarters, Kayce easily scored 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists in this game. After reaching 20 points, he transformed into a ruthless assist machine, but unfortunately, he still couldn't achieve a double-double.
Still have to continue supervising Russell's shooting practice; that guy didn't make a single open outside shot!
After this game, the Thunder will have three days of rest, and then face a busy schedule again, first an away game against the Grizzlies, followed by back-to-back games against the Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets.
In the locker room after the game, Kayce was laughing and joking with his teammates, while secretly thinking to himself:
"LeBron James of Cavaliers 1.0? The upcoming games are truly exciting!"