The Cavaliers are currently on a Western road trip, playing 4 games from December 8th to December 13th. They unfortunately lost back-to-back games against the Grizzlies and the Rockets.
However, in their last game against the Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron James efficiently scored 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists on 14-of-24 shooting, leading his team to victory and ending their two-game losing streak.
Tonight's game against the Thunder is the last one of their Western road trip. The Cavaliers' morale is high, and the fact that it's a nationally televised game before they return home has the players particularly excited.
LeBron James, as a player with a Jordan-esque narrative and the league's endorsed face, handled his pre-game interview with great poise:
"The Thunder are first in the West, and they have incredible talent. Kevin, Kayce, and Russell have played exceptionally well this season, and they will surely succeed in the future!"
"Of course, tonight I will give my all to win this game and bring a victory back to Cleveland!"
Kayce thought that regardless of what LeBron James might say behind the scenes, he would at least be a qualified 'superficial brother'.
In terms of political correctness and commercial flattery, LeBron James' talent far surpassed Durant and Russell, who sometimes genuinely clashed with reporters. The Thunder's press officer had reminded them several times.
ESPN's live commentators, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, were also discussing both teams' recent records before the game.
"I admit that my previous views were somewhat mistaken. I underestimated the young Thunder players. 18 wins and 3 losses—that's an incredible record!"
"Moreover, after watching their last game against the Grizzlies, I don't think Kayce should be considered a rookie anymore. The Grizzlies' perimeter defense couldn't contain him at all."
Van Gundy directly admitted his previous mistake, not wanting to be frequently @'d by Thunder fans on Twitter anymore.
"Alright, guys, let's talk about tonight's game. Do you favor the Cavaliers to win? The combination of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal performed exceptionally well in their last game."
Mark Jackson again brought up the topic, warming up for the game.
"It depends on LeBron James' performance. When he can score efficiently and involve his teammates, the Cavaliers become unstoppable. I predict the Cavaliers will win because no one can stop James."
Van Gundy gave his pre-game prediction.
"You think Kevin, Kayce, and Jeff Green can't stop LeBron James?"
"I have a different view on that. I believe the Cavaliers' perimeter defense cannot withstand the Thunder's trio's offense. The Thunder will ultimately win the game!"
Mark Jackson began to take the opposing view; a one-sided prediction wouldn't engage the audience.
"Then let's wait and see! The starting lineups we received before the game show both teams are going with their regular rotations."
"The Cavaliers' backcourt is Mo Williams and Anthony Parker, the frontcourt is LeBron James and JJ Hickson, and the center is Shaquille O'Neal."
"The Thunder's backcourt is Russell Westbrook and Kayce Li, the frontcourt is still Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and the center is Kostić."
"Actually, the power forward matchup in this game is also a highlight. Jeff Green struggles with low-post defense, but on offense, he effectively stretches the floor. I believe this will be a very interesting matchup."
Van Gundy again brought up a point of interest: a clash of different types of power forwards.
"As Jeff said, this will indeed be a fantastic game! Both teams have taken the court! The Oklahoma City fans are incredibly passionate!"
The Ford Center's live DJ was shouting excitedly, introducing the home team's entrance.
When Kayce, Russell, and Durant entered, the atmosphere in the arena became even more fervent, as Oklahoma City fans gave their star players a huge ovation.
However, Kayce noticed something very interesting: when LeBron James of the Cavaliers entered, there were also scattered cheers from the crowd.
"As expected of the future face of the league, his popularity is truly immense!"
As soon as the singing segment ended, Coach Brooks quickly gathered his players for final instructions:
"Rebounds, protect the rebounds. I don't want to see any second-chance points for the Cavaliers. On offense, run more pick-and-rolls with the center, keep moving, guys, and make sure to move the ball."
The game was about to begin. After a brief greeting between the players, Kostić and O'Neal went to center court for the jump ball.
"Wow, O'Neal won the tip-off for the Cavaliers! It seems he's in good form for this game!"
Mark Jackson couldn't help but exclaim in surprise upon seeing O'Neal win the jump ball against Kostić.
In this game, Kayce was matched up against veteran Anthony Parker, who averaged 10.7 points last season with the Toronto Raptors, shooting 39% from three-point range.
He had just transferred to the Cavaliers this season, becoming a key guard alongside LeBron James.
The Cavaliers attacked. Mo Williams brought the ball across half-court and immediately passed it to LeBron James to initiate the offense.
Facing Durant's defense, after a triple-threat move, he suddenly changed direction with the ball in his left hand, driving past Durant while using his body to shield the ball, accelerating his breakthrough.
After penetrating into the paint, he faked a shot and passed to O'Neal under the basket. O'Neal, facing Kostić's defense, leaned in with force, then laid the ball in with his left hand.
"Durant needs to pay attention to his defense. Once LeBron James drives into the paint, the Cavaliers will score easily!"
Van Gundy briefly pointed out Durant's defensive issue.
Ever since entering the NBA, Durant had been frustrated when guarding LeBron James; he knew James was going to drive, but he just couldn't stop him.
LeBron James simply used a quick crossover to get a small step on Durant, then used his strength advantage to keep Durant on his hip.
Durant slammed his hand in frustration after failing to stop the first offensive possession.
"Kevin, it's okay, stick to our defensive strategy!"
While inbounding, Kayce spoke up to comfort Durant. The Thunder's coaching staff naturally knew that single coverage wouldn't stop LeBron James.
Therefore, the defensive strategy for this game was to allow isolation plays but cut off James' connection with his teammates.
On the Thunder's offensive possession, Russell quickly brought the ball across half-court and immediately noticed that the Cavaliers' perimeter defense was all playing up on the three-point line, applying strong pressure on hand-offs.
Head Coach Mike Brown and his coaching staff had naturally studied the Thunder's tactics and implemented a targeted defense from the start.
Especially LeBron James' defense on Durant, using off-ball screens to push Durant out, not giving him a chance to receive the ball in the mid-post.
Kayce noticed that the team's play wasn't developing, so he directly received the ball beyond the three-point line and signaled Kostić to come for a pick-and-roll.
He drove to his left, accelerating with the ball in his left hand to shake off Anthony Parker's defense. Noticing O'Neal dropping back, he took two large dribbles, then pulled up for a jump shot from near the free-throw line.
"Swish" The mid-range shot was smoothly made.
As Kayce transitioned back on defense, he noticed LeBron James constantly communicating with Anthony Parker, likely telling him to speed up getting over screens, as the old Shark really couldn't get out.
Mo Williams quickly dribbled across half-court, then JJ Hickson immediately came up to set a screen, simultaneously creating space for O'Neal to post up inside.
JJ Hickson, drafted 19th overall by the Cavaliers in 2008, was still playing a supporting role on the team, purely a role player on offense.
Mo Williams used the screen to get past Russell's defense and immediately lobbed the ball to O'Neal, who had successfully established position in the low post.
Facing Kostić's defense, O'Neal took a large dribble to his right, then immediately spun and gathered the ball, using his body to push off the defender. With a change of pace, he easily laid the ball in.
After scoring, O'Neal even made a funny face at the camera under the basket before slowly retreating on defense.
"Boo!!!"
This somewhat provocative action immediately drew a huge boo from the Ford Center crowd.
"Wow! A well-rested Shaq still possesses immense destructive power in the paint. The Thunder's interior defense needs to be careful."
Mark Jackson, seeing O'Neal's brilliant performance, immediately sang praises for the old Shark.
"Russell, run more plays involving the center!"
As Russell dribbled across half-court, Kayce gave his teammates tactical hand signals and loudly reminded Russell that it was time to increase his aggressiveness.
It was still a pick-and-roll with the center. Kostić came up, and Russell raised his center of gravity, driving to his left. Mo Williams deftly squeezed through the screen.
But in motion, Russell suddenly made a crossover, then pulled up for a mid-range jump shot from the free-throw line.
"Swish" The shot was a bit stiff but still went in smoothly.
After Kayce's [Organization Core] badge upgraded to silver, Russell's mid-range shooting had also become more consistent recently. Therefore, Kayce felt they could start by attacking through Russell and gradually speed up the game's tempo.
"Mo Williams' defense also needs to be more alert; Russell has the ability to shoot from mid-range!"
Van Gundy believed the Cavaliers had issues defending the pick-and-roll.
LeBron James felt the Thunder's defensive strategy on offense: it was all single coverage, and the Thunder's perimeter defense on pick-and-rolls was almost entirely switch-all.
After two consecutive pick-and-rolls, Jeff Green switched to defend him, with about 10 seconds left on the shot clock.
LeBron James dribbled the ball between his legs outside the three-point line, then executed a left-handed cross-over dribble.
He drove past Jeff Green's defense, holding the ball in his right hand, accelerating straight into the restricted area, then flicked his wrist delicately to lay the ball in with his right hand.
Although his dribbling looked a bit stiff, the moment he finished the layup, his fingers and wrist were incredibly soft.
"A fantastic drive! LeBron easily lays the ball in despite Jeff Green's defensive interference!"
Mark Jackson loudly praised LeBron James's drive.
Kayce watched from the side, full of envy. This was the tank-like drive he always yearned for: not needing too many fakes, just getting half a step on the defender with the first step, and then directly bulldozing to the basket.
"His physical talent is like a cheat code, driving like a locomotive, charging in with a 'woo-woo-woo,' yet his touch on the finish is exceptionally soft."
Kayce grumbled inwardly while encouraging Jeff Green.
"This is the defensive effect we want, Green, your defense is fine! If you have an open look from outside, you need to shoot it decisively!"
"Buddy, did you notice? The Thunder's offense, every time, Kayce makes the tactical hand gestures. On the court, he's the one frequently speaking. This is a very interesting phenomenon, a rookie controlling the team."
Van Gundy began to analyze the details on the court.
"Actually, Kayce and LeBron's playing styles are very similar. They can both better motivate their teammates, it's just that LeBron's physical talent is better! Oh! Look at this play, a brilliant Cross-over!"
Mark Jackson's words were cut short by a sudden exclamation.
On this possession, Kayce received a pass from Durant after his drive. After a triple-threat, he put the ball down with his left hand, adjusted his footwork, then changed direction between his legs, faking a drive with the ball in his right hand, and quickly pulled back.
The silver badges Ankle Breaker and Control Master had a significant effect; Anthony Parker was directly shaken to the ground.
At this point, Kayce drove to the restricted area with the ball in his left hand, noticed JJ Hickson's defensive recovery, faked a shot, and then, while airborne, found Jeff Green in the corner.
The latter caught the ball and shot an open three-pointer.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in.
"Oh!! Wow ah!!"
The live audience first gasped when they saw Kayce shake Anthony Parker, then, after Jeff Green made the three-pointer, they all cheered wildly. It was too exciting!
"Wonderful dribbling rhythm, expansive passing vision, Kayce toyed with the Cavaliers' defense, today's Top 10 Play has been born!"
Mark Jackson was in full praise of Kayce.
For the rest of the first quarter, LeBron James went all out, still relying on pick-and-roll offense, but no matter who defended him, he attacked with extreme determination.
Kayce also experienced the power of the tank-like drive. His Ankle Guard and Defensive Expert badges were completely ineffective. James didn't bother with fancy dribbling, and his strong body feared no contact.
He could simply overpower you with his body, making Kayce's defensive badges completely useless.
By the end of the first quarter, it was 29-27, with the Thunder leading by 2 points. Although LeBron James efficiently scored 14 points, he only had two assists, and the Cavaliers' three-pointers in the first quarter were 0-for-3.
During the break, on the Thunder's bench, Kayce, Durant, and Jeff Green were all in low spirits. Being blown up by James in one-on-one defense in the first quarter wouldn't put anyone in a good mood.
"Shit! This guy should play football, a step of defense is useless!"
Due to matchups, Durant spent most of the first quarter guarding James, and the result was, naturally, that he couldn't stop him. Additionally, James also limited him on offense, making it difficult for him to get the ball in his shooting hot zones.
"It's okay, Kevin, we can accept James scoring by himself, this is our game strategy."
Kayce quickly spoke up to comfort Durant. There were still three quarters left, and he had to adjust his mentality now.
Jeff Green no longer wanted to speak. In the past two years of tanking and bricking shots, he hadn't really cared about defense, but this year, with good results, he had turned into a small sieve.
"Alright, lads, stick to our defensive strategy, don't let James's individual offense affect you!"
Coach Brooks was very satisfied with the first quarter's performance. He believed that LeBron James alone could not defeat the Thunder.
On the Cavaliers' bench, Head Coach Mike Brown had already noticed that the situation on the court was not good; the Cavaliers had too few assists.
Mo Williams, facing the Thunder's infinite switching defense, found it difficult to organize effective offense. Most of the Cavaliers' few assists were for easy dunks or layups inside.
Faced with this situation, Head Coach Mike Brown directly employed his ultimate tactic: give the ball to James, while also increasing James's playing time.
"LeBron, manage your stamina well, we need you to play more minutes. Come on, guys, we are Family!"
Head Coach Mike Brown first offered a bowl of thick chicken soup, then pulled out his tactics board to draw and gesture, but the core tactical idea was simply to give the ball to James.
The subsequent game made Kayce almost doubt life. Was this LeBron James? Was 1.0 James so terrifying?
Perhaps the Thunder's one-on-one defensive strategy completely enraged the opponent. LeBron James went all out, efficiently scoring 12 points in the second quarter, with both drives and outside shots, and even made a three-pointer.
The third quarter was even more terrifying, with 4-of-5 from three-point range, scoring another 15 points. After three quarters, the score was tied at 80-all.
LeBron James exploded for 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in three quarters. James, with the pass button seemingly removed, was terrifying.
Head Coach Mike Brown watched from the sidelines, his heart stirring. What do you call a tactical master?
"Give the ball to the best player on the court, this tactic is so damn effective!"
During the break, Kayce drank water in big gulps while sighing inwardly:
"How did this turn into Three Heroes Fighting Lu Bu? This script isn't quite right, I feel like I've become the villain!"
The Thunder's trio still maintained their output: Kayce 16 points, Durant 18 points, Westbrook 16 points, combining for 50 points, holding their own against James's terrifying individual performance.
"LeBron James's ultimate individual performance, his outside shot is hot today, he alone has successfully withstood the Thunder's trio!"
Mark Jackson had been singing praises for James throughout this game, with the Thunder completely turning into the big villains in his words.
"But LeBron's stamina will be an issue in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers need others to step up and share James's offensive burden."
Van Gundy also began to speak up for James; a perfect individual offensive performance always wins over everyone.
In the fourth quarter, both teams made some minor changes to their lineups. The Thunder substituted Kostić for Ibaka, and the Cavaliers substituted O'Neal for Anderson Varejão. Both teams increased their interior mobility.
Cavaliers' offense: LeBron James and Anderson Varejão's pick-and-roll. Anderson Varejão's roll was successfully defended by Ibaka. They had no choice but to pass it back outside to reorganize the offense.
Finally, James, seeing the shot clock winding down, took a step-back three-pointer over Kayce's defense.
"Bang!" It was a brick.
Ibaka secured the rebound, and the Thunder players breathed a sigh of relief. If that had gone in, they really couldn't have handled it. The audience at the Ford Center had their emotions completely drained by James.
Kayce felt that this was the time for the team's leader to step up. Therefore, on the offensive possession, after a pick-and-roll, he got James to switch onto him, and at the same time signaled his teammates to clear out the space.
At the top of the arc outside the three-point line, after continuous dribbling between his legs, Kayce suddenly exploded, lowered his center of gravity, and accelerated with a left-handed dribble, directly shaking off LeBron James's defense.
Facing Anderson Varejão's block, he didn't dodge at all, jumping with both feet, arching his body like a great bow, and threw down a dramatically powerful one-handed tomahawk dunk!
"Slam!" Anderson Varejão was knocked flying in the air.
"Oh!!! I think this will be a candidate for Dunk of the Year!"
Van Gundy and Mark Jackson simultaneously exclaimed when they saw Kayce's poster dunk.
"Roar!!!"
After the successful dunk, Kayce first pounded his chest and roared, then immediately went to the sideline, signaling the live audience to get hyped.
"Ah! Wow ah!!"
The Ford Center was completely ignited by this dunk. Such an exaggerated poster dunk has always been a crowd favorite.
After the successful dunk, the Thunder players on the court were also extremely excited. Westbrook and Durant also jumped around, energizing the live audience, and the atmosphere crew on the bench threw several towels into the air.
In the subsequent game, the Thunder's passion was ignited. Their perimeter defense became increasingly oppressive, and most importantly, everyone felt that LeBron James's stamina was starting to decline.
After tank-like drives, he also started missing shots continuously. After leading by 6 points, Kayce breathed a sigh of relief:
"You can have the stats, I'll take the win. The tank-like drive is truly terrifying, how on earth do you defend against that?"