The 2010 All-Star Weekend concluded, and Dirk Nowitzki was the happiest.
He efficiently scored 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists, winning the All-Star Game MVP on his home court. This script was simply too perfect.
Steve Nash was also very happy. His good brother won an award, and his 13 assists were not in vain. Dallas always held a special place in his heart, as he transformed from a league rookie to a star player during his six years with the Mavericks.
Tim Duncan was also very pleased. He only played 13 minutes, scoring 6 points with his signature iron-blooded layup, and he enjoyed slacking off immensely. Coach George Karl truly took care of the veterans' wishes.
During the award ceremony, most of the Western Conference All-Star team players were in good spirits, with the exception of Carmelo Anthony.
He went all out to rack up stats in this game, getting 28 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 turnovers, ultimately missing out on the MVP.
After all, few on the court liked passing to him. Once Chauncey Billups left the game, Anthony's ball touches would sharply decrease. Deron Williams and Kayce, who came off the bench, didn't give him face; both preferred to play their own game.
Compared to the smiling faces of the entire Western Conference All-Star team, LeBron James of the Eastern Conference All-Star team was putting on a brave face.
With 36 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 turnovers, LeBron James scored with all his might, and his individual stats were impeccable, but his team lost.
That night, Kayce was surfing the internet in his hotel and couldn't help but chuckle when he saw a post-game news photo of Dirk Nowitzki holding up the All-Star MVP trophy.
In the photo, everyone on the Western Conference All-Star team side was smiling. Steve Nash was applauding, Dirk Nowitzki was laughing and holding up the trophy, and what caught the eye were Kayce and Durant, both wearing mischievous grins.
The photographer was indeed good at capturing moments, and media reporters were also good at stirring things up.
They even specifically circled Kayce and Durant's expressions and compared them with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
The title of this news report was even more interesting: "LeBron James Expresses Dissatisfaction After Game, Young Players Should Respect League Tradition!"
Perhaps this All-Star Game was a bit boring. After the game, all news media, besides praising Dirk Nowitzki, focused entirely on reports of LeBron James's dissatisfaction.
Many also criticized the Western Conference All-Star team's bench for playing too seriously, saying they shouldn't have let the game lose its suspense in the fourth quarter.
However, when Kayce saw an entertainment news headline, he immediately read it aloud in surprise: "Shakira in Emotional Crisis, Poor Physical Condition Nearly Causes Stage Accident."
Before Kayce could finish reading the news, a pillow was thrown directly at him.
"Stop reading those boring reports! It was just a small issue with the dance moves during the halftime performance."
Kayce hugged the pillow, looked at Shakira's blushing face, and playfully called out:
"Ooh! Your figure is good enough, no need to show off. Put your clothes on, and remember to strengthen your core training. I'm really worried you might accidentally fall on the floor."
The dance for the song "She Wolf" includes a backbend move, and Shakira, having expended too much energy last night, almost collapsed during the halftime performance today.
"You're such a beast. Most of the news is fake. Many stories are even released by our own people. Antonio and I are long over. I don't want to consider marriage anymore."
Shakira put on an 'I'm free' expression, hugging her knees and sitting on the sofa, casually telling Kayce.
"Cool! The former president's son, dumped just like that! It's a shame I couldn't see your performance at halftime. During the 2006 Germany World Cup, I was actually there at the closing ceremony to watch you sing 'Hips Don't Lie.' The atmosphere was truly amazing back then."
Kayce was speaking from the heart. He had been watching games live with his family since the 1998 World Cup.
Shakira was pleased internally but showed no emotion on the surface. She walked alluringly to Kayce, sat directly on him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear:
"So, which of my songs do you like best?"
Kayce felt the soft body in his arms and couldn't help but marvel at her excellent stamina. He whispered:
"Before, I liked 'Whenever, Wherever' the most. Now, of course, it's... Ooh!"
"Ha, you really are a little rascal! Ah! Be gentle!"
While Kayce was practicing basketball all night, fans on were hotly discussing a transfer rumor: Tracy McGrady had been traded from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks.
In those days, most hard-core Houston Rockets fans were also McGrady fans.
On Reddit and Twitter, many Rockets fans were already in an uproar. Their star player was really traded? The Yao-Mac combo was completely broken up?
"Are the Rockets not trying to live anymore? Breaking up the team! McGrady has already recovered from his injury, he was benched all this time, and now he's directly traded? This is too outrageous!"
"You haven't been watching the games, have you? McGrady has been washed for a while. Ever since he played in the playoffs with an injury after getting a painkiller shot, his physical condition has been completely ruined."
"But the problem is, trading McGrady didn't even get them a very good player? What's the point of this trade?"
"Exactly! McGrady could even play point guard. He's definitely better than Brooks. Trash management, are they trying to save money?"
"They definitely just want to save money. They're completely rebuilding in the offseason. Yao Ming will become the absolute core of the team. Actually, this outcome isn't bad. After all, McGrady is really done. I feel like he can't even beat Kayce."
"You don't need to feel it. How many guards in the Western Conference can match Kayce? One-on-one, he absolutely dominates all guards. Considering Kayce's age, he's definitely a superstar in the future. He's too awesome."
"After all, this is McGrady after a major injury, so he's definitely no match for Kayce. Only Kobe can still put up a fight, but Kobe isn't young anymore, so he definitely won't be Kayce's opponent in the future."
"Hehe, Kobe will crush Kayce. In a few years, the West will still belong to the Lakers. At that time, they'll just trade Kayce over to take over for Kobe!"
"Don't come out to disgust people. Take over? We'll beat Kobe in the playoffs this year, so you brain-dead fans stop showing off every day. Go be someone's little brother? If Kayce really does that, I'll immediately unfollow him."
"It's better to team up with my LeBron. We'll definitely win the championship easily, and maybe even create a dynasty team."
"Get lost quickly. Team up with James? Wait on the perimeter to take the blame? Kayce has already broken the Skills Challenge record. His ball-handling skills completely dominate James. Why would he stop being the Thunder's playmaking core to go take the blame? Do you really think Kayce is a fool?"
"James didn't win the All-Star Game MVP because Kayce and Durant messed things up for him, haha, it's so satisfying. He wanted to steal the spotlight from the host Nowitzki, but this time he lost the game and got nothing. So satisfying!"
"After the game, James even said that Kayce and Durant disrespected tradition. He's just a sore loser, haha. I'll repost a few news threads later."
"My LeBron isn't wrong. Kayce and Durant went straight to scoring, which led to the fourth quarter becoming garbage time. This indeed disrespects tradition."
"Reported! What's wrong with scoring? We love watching scoring. If you're capable, then catch up on the score. Who are you subtly criticizing after the game? Besides, Kayce only scored 9 points in total, so how is that disrespecting tradition?"
"Don't pay attention to them. Brothers, hurry up and repost the news. I'm already impatient, haha, the post-game photos are so interesting!"
For a rookie like Kayce, the biggest benefit of All-Star Weekend was gaining recognition from more viewers.
Breaking the Rookie Challenge record, breaking the Skills Challenge record, and his flashy performance in the All-Star Game all led more fans to start paying attention to Kayce.
The Thunder had too few nationally televised games, and many viewers only saw Kayce in highlights. The All-Star Game further boosted Kayce's popularity.
Handsome, skilled, and almost impeccable except for occasionally being a bit immodest, more and more media began to agree with Charles Barkley's view: Kayce is the Tim Duncan of the guard position, peaking from his debut!
As for the title of 'Jordan's successor,' it was previously more of a joke, a means of attracting traffic. This All-Star Weekend, Kayce definitely gained the most among many players.
With the end of the All-Star Game, the league's trade market also officially closed. Many team rosters underwent changes, with many targeted reinforcements.
The Thunder originally had this intention, to take the opportunity to add some interior players, but GM Presti discovered a problem: very few big men were willing to come to the Thunder.
Big men weren't lacking a market, and ambitious big men wouldn't accept being the fourth offensive option on a team, playing second fiddle to three rookie players? Being a blue-collar worker? Big men with any ambition would absolutely not accept that.
Of course, if the Thunder offered more money, everyone could still sit down and talk, but unfortunately, the Thunder had no money, only the colorful visions painted by Presti.
When Coach Brooks arrived at Presti's office, all he heard was the latter's constant complaints: the team had no money, no one wanted to come, those who were willing demanded too much, this job was just too difficult!
"Can I assume that we will face the same predicament in the offseason? The coaching staff unanimously believes that if we can trade for a star big man, our roster will become very competitive."
Coach Brooks was very concerned that the team's perimeter offense would suddenly falter when facing high-intensity defense in the playoffs. A big man skilled in low-post offense could definitely raise the team's floor.
"I don't want to lie to you. We will face even more difficulties in the offseason. This summer, Kevin will sign a max contract. Next summer, Russell will also sign a max contract."
"And then there's Kayce on the team. If we really sign three max players, the team will have to pay a large luxury tax. Our championship window is actually very short, Brooks, you've probably already thought of this."
GM Presti stated a very cruel fact: the Thunder might not be able to sign three max players. If they couldn't win a championship during the trio's rookie contracts, the Thunder would eventually break up.
Upon hearing this news, Coach Brooks frowned. He hadn't expected that the team didn't want to pay the luxury tax. GM Presti's meaning was clear: after signing Durant, the team could at most sign one more max player.
"I understand. I still hope we can sign another interior player. To be honest, I don't have much confidence in this year's playoffs. This is the first time the young guys are playing in such games. Only God knows how they'll perform."
"And you know the situation with the Western Conference playoff teams. Almost every team has a star interior player. Our power forward and center positions are severely understaffed."
"I hope to communicate with management. These next few years are our golden opportunity to win a championship. The team needs more support. Buddy, I understand your difficulties, but if there's a chance, I hope everyone can sit down and talk."
Coach Brooks felt a pang of worry when he thought about the Lakers, Spurs, and Mavericks' frontcourts.
Although the team's current record was good, in the Western Conference, a good record sometimes didn't tell the whole story.
"Don't worry, these next few years are crucial for us. I will fully support coaching staff's strengthening plan. Let's go, I really hope to see a championship banner rise above the Ford Center."
When Presti mentioned the championship, he also showed a look of longing.
On February 16th, Kayce bid farewell to Shakira.
Fortunately, he had the B+ level functional drink to sustain him, otherwise, he would have definitely been drained by her electric motor for the past two days.
The two got along very well, but they could only be good friends.
Kayce didn't think that after sleeping together, the petite blonde rich woman would fall head over heels in love with him.
After all, she was wealthy and well-established, completely different from those high-class gold diggers.
During the afternoon training session, Kayce noticed that Coach Brooks and coaching staff began to emphasize defense more.
They directly and sternly pointed out the mistakes everyone made in defense, and Russell was criticized several times again.
After the training session ended, Russell said dejectedly:
"It feels like the coach's demands have increased, like I'm back at UCLA. Why are we suddenly practicing defense without any preparation!"
Jeff Green was also in low spirits.
He was in terrible form during the training session and was harshly criticized by Coach Brooks.
Hearing Russell's complaint, he couldn't help but say:
"God, I really don't like low-post defense. This kind of training session is really too painful!"
"I think coaching staff should have already started preparing for the playoffs, guys. This is our first time in the playoffs, so train more, maintain good competitive form, and that way we'll be better prepared for the upcoming games."
In the same defensive drill, Durant performed much better.
He was good at grasping the situation on the court and utilizing his height and wingspan advantage.
As long as his positioning was correct, the defensive effect would not be bad.
As for Kayce, he was currently receiving special instructions from coaching staff:
"Kayce, in the upcoming games, we hope you can finish more offensive possessions. You and Russell have good chemistry, so you can appropriately increase your shot attempts and let Russell control the game more."
"The team's tactical chemistry is good at this stage, and we need to prepare for the playoffs. Russell's off-ball ability and outside shooting have some issues. I believe you will handle the ball-handling issue well. Most importantly, when it comes to the playoffs, we don't want to see our outside shooting go cold."
"We weren't able to strengthen the team's weaknesses before this trade deadline, so the perimeter players will bear more responsibility. On both offense and defense, we hope to see better performance from you."
Coach Brooks also knew that Russell's outside shooting was pretty much unsalvageable this season.
A three-point shooting percentage of around 25% in the regular season was completely insufficient for the playoffs.
Therefore, some tactics where Russell stood in the corner would be targeted by opponents.
For the Thunder to truly open up their outside game, it still depended on Kayce, their versatile player.
To allow Russell to perform better, they could only increase his ball-handling.
At this time, Kayce would lean more towards playing as a shooting guard.
"I understand, Coach. Michael Jordan has long told us how a shooting guard should play. I will defend the opponent's core perimeter player and also finish offensive possessions efficiently. Don't worry, Coach, I will definitely be fine!"
After hearing Coach Brooks's instructions, Kayce's mind was filled with Michael Jordan's playing style: execute the play and finish the offense directly within 3 to 5 seconds.
Kayce also knew about Russell's issues, but he really didn't expect that even with the [Organization Core] badge bonus this season, Russell's three-point shot was still so bad.
The badge bonus was all added to his mid-range and finishing at the rim.
"..."
Coach Brooks was somewhat speechless.
Kayce was indeed right.
Summarizing all of coaching staff's requirements, Michael Jordan's playing style was indeed a perfect template.
"Ahem, I will have the Assistant Coach find you some of Jordan's game footage, and your trainers can also participate in the team's training plan, as they are the ones who know you best. Kayce, don't be content with the status quo, you must demand more of yourself!"
"Thank you for your guidance, I will continue to work hard."
Kayce immediately expressed his stance, indicating that he completely obeyed coaching staff's arrangements.
His assist numbers might decrease a bit, but overall, it wasn't a big problem.
He understood coaching staff's intention; they were already worrying about the playoffs.
Seeing Kayce finish his conversation, Durant asked with curiosity:
"Kayce, what did Coach Brooks talk to you about? Your training state was very good just now, so it shouldn't have been a criticism, right?"
"I'm about to become Michael Jordan of the Thunder, you need to work hard too, Kevin!"
"???"
Durant was completely bewildered.
Seeing Kayce turn and leave after speaking, and start his dribbling training again, the sense of crisis in his heart resurfaced:
"It can't be that he's really going to become the team's core, can it...?"
On the evening of the 16th, the Ford Center was still packed.
This was the Thunder's first game after the All-Star Weekend, and they would host the Dallas Mavericks, who had a record of 37 wins and 15 losses.
The Thunder currently had a record of 41 wins and 10 losses, only leading their opponent by 4 wins.
The Thunder, Lakers, Mavericks, Suns, and Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference were very close.
The top 4 were fiercely contested, and one wrong step could lead to falling into the bottom half.
Before the trade deadline, the Mavericks made targeted reinforcements.
They traded away Josh Howard and Drew Gooden, acquiring Caron Butler from the Washington Wizards.
This was a good trade, bolstering the Mavericks' wing firepower.
However, the arrival of new players was also a test for the team.
Whether their playing styles fit would only be known through actual combat.
CCTV Sports had announced this game early.
Fans during the Spring Festival were very happy, and Yi Jianlian's recent form was also very good.
They could watch Nets and Thunder games alternately!
In the CCTV studio, Yang Jian (Host) and guest Xu Jicheng first wished the audience a happy new year, and then discussed the roster changes of the two teams.
"The Mavericks replaced Josh Howard with Caron Butler, Xu, do you think this trade strengthened some of the Mavericks' weaknesses?"
Yang Jian (Host) asked a question that many Mavericks fans were concerned about.
"Caron Butler's ability is absolutely fine. He could average 20 points for the Washington Wizards, but basketball is a five-player game. The two teams have completely different tactical approaches, and there might be an adjustment period after he joins a new team."
"I am still quite optimistic about this trade. With Caron Butler playing at the 2-guard spot, the Mavericks have greatly improved on both offense and defense."
Xu Jicheng believed that even at his worst, Caron Butler, paired with Kidd in the backcourt, would at least not be at a disadvantage defensively, given his height of 201cm, which was a head taller than Barea.
"Compared to the Mavericks, the Thunder remained inactive before the trade deadline, and did not, as we had guessed, add a big man to increase their rim protection. Xu, what do you think of the Thunder's moves?"
Yang Jian (Host) had also always thought that the Thunder should add a big man for rim protection, but nothing happened.
"Perhaps the Thunder's front office believes that the current roster is gelling well, so they didn't change the team's structure. After all, with a big man joining the team, many tactical approaches would have to change, and coaching staff of the Thunder should have considered this point."
"Although there might be some issues on the defensive end, as long as they maintain their previous offensive firepower, there definitely won't be too many problems during the regular season."
Xu Jicheng was still very optimistic about the Thunder, as the talent of the big three was simply too strong, making it difficult for other teams to limit their performance.
"Thank you for your comments, Xu. We have also received the starting lineups from the front. Caron Butler will start this game.
The Mavericks' lineup is Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and Erick Dampier."
"The Thunder still have their familiar starting lineup.
The backcourt is Kayce and Russell Westbrook, the forwards are Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and the center is Nenad Kostić."
"The All-Star Game has just ended, and we can also see how both teams are performing. The game is about to begin, so let's switch the screen to the live broadcast."
The intense home team entrance atmosphere had just ended, and the players from both teams were doing their final pre-game warm-ups.
Dirk Nowitzki found Kayce and sincerely thanked him:
"Thanks to your performance in the All-Star Game. If we had fallen too far behind in the first quarter, Nash and I would have given up on competing for MVP.
Thank you very much, Kayce. If you have a chance to come to Germany, be sure to call me."
"Wow, that's not my credit. Putting the ball in the hoop is the most important thing. Your MVP is absolutely well-deserved. Last time I went to Germany, I mainly went to watch the 2006 World Cup, and I was deeply impressed by German cuisine!"
Dirk Nowitzki saw Kayce's nostalgic expression and said with a chuckle:
"You can come to Germany during the offseason. Nash also loves soccer very much, so we can chat about it if you have the chance. If you like the Bundesliga, I can also take you on a tour of the Bayern Munich club."
"Haha, I can't wait!
I'm a Ribéry fan!"
Durant, watching the two chatting happily from the side, felt a pang of jealousy.
He particularly envied Kayce's social skills; he could talk to anyone, and the media also favored him.
They had both scored a lot in the All-Star Game, but only he was heavily criticized by LeBron James's fans.
However, on Twitter, Durant expressed, "Come at me all at once, what do I, Durant, have to fear!"
Seeing Russell beside him clanking another shot, Durant shook his head helplessly, then began to instruct him on his shooting:
"Russell, the force of your shot should extend upwards from the bottom, relying more on the power of your torso. You need to adjust your force application."
"I understand the theoretical knowledge, but every time in a game, my shot slowly deforms. It seems three-pointers are destined to be out of my reach. However, in this game, I will control the team more. The coach wants Kayce to finish, Kevin, you need to work hard too!"
"???"
Durant was greatly surprised by Russell's words.
Was the sky about to change?
But then he thought, finishing offensive possessions was what he was best at, and Kayce shouldn't be better than him.
"That's good, this way the fans will see whose finishing ability is stronger!"
After the game began, the Thunder were immediately met with a fierce attack from the Mavericks.
After a pick-and-roll, Kidd quickly passed the ball to Dirk Nowitzki on the perimeter, who caught the ball and quickly shot a jump shot.
"Swish" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
Jeff Green, who was defending, watched Nowitzki's high-post jump shot, as the basketball arced high in the air before dropping cleanly into the basket.
This kind of high-arching shot was indeed very difficult to defend.
Head Coach Carlisle was also inspired by the Thunder's tactical approach and began to gradually increase outside shooting.
Many tactics also started to favor outside finishing. Three-pointers were indeed a winning weapon, and this game was his experiment.
The Thunder's offense was still the familiar old routine.
Kayce first set a screen for Jeff Green in the paint, Jeff Green ran to the corner, and Kayce quickly moved towards the top of the arc.
Using Kostić's screen, Kayce received a pass from Russell at the top of the arc outside the three-point line.
After catching the ball, he faked a shot, causing his defender Caron Butler to shift his weight forward.
Then, holding the ball in his right hand, he accelerated and drove, pulling up for a jump shot from the right elbow area near the free-throw line.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in cleanly.
This was also a result of Kayce breaking the three-point record in the Rookie Challenge; everyone knew his three-point shooting was incredibly accurate, so now defenders were pressing up very close.
In previous games, many teams hadn't strictly guarded his three-point shot, often allowing Kayce to take one or two. This situation would rarely happen again, and his triple-threat moves had gained significant power as a result.
The Mavericks' offense also ran a high-screen cross-cut tactic. Nowitzki and Dampier continuously set screens for Caron Butler at both free-throw line elbow areas.
The latter received a pass from Kidd on the left 45-degree arc outside the three-point line. Facing the help defense from Jeff Green, he executed a cross-step drive with the ball in his left hand, then immediately pulled back. Feeling that Jeff Green's defense was perfectly in position, he instantly passed the ball back to Nowitzki at the top of the arc.
Nowitzki faked from the outside, causing Durant's defensive center to shift forward. Then, with the ball in his left hand, he accelerated and drove, using his body to push past Durant's defense and making a left-handed layup.
Kayce was momentarily stunned seeing the Mavericks run such a tactic. The opponent hadn't played like this before; Head Coach Carlisle had clearly increased their outside shooting and drives to the basket. It had to be admitted that this tactic was very suitable for Nowitzki's play.
Kayce, inbound the ball, muttered to himself, "This is an upgraded tactic. Jeff Green can't play like Nowitzki. Three-pointers are truly a love-hate relationship."
In the subsequent game, Nowitzki completely erupted. Outside long-range shots, drives with the ball, strong low-post attacks, and an incredibly high shooting percentage led the Mavericks to a 13-6 run. After more than 6 minutes of play, it was 16:8, with the Mavericks easily leading by 8 points.
The Thunder's offense had actually created plenty of opportunities. Jeff Green was intentionally left somewhat open by the Mavericks in this game, but unfortunately, several open three-pointers all clanked off the rim.
Coach Brooks immediately called a timeout. The tactical execution was fine, and opportunities were completely created. If they couldn't make the shots, then a substitution was needed first.
"Green, come off the court and adjust your form. Ibaka, make sure your defense keeps up and don't give Nowitzki any open three-point opportunities."
"Our offense is fine; maintain this offensive rhythm. On defense, communicate and support each other. Kostić, you need to direct everyone's defensive positioning on the court."
Kayce and Durant both saw Coach Brooks's gaze and immediately nodded, indicating they understood. The offense had to respond.
After the timeout, the Thunder ran a double-screen tactic. Under two consecutive screens from Ibaka and Kostić, Durant received the pass at the 45-degree arc outside the three-point line. Without adjustment, he immediately jumped and shot.
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
But the Mavericks' offense was also very clear. After a baseline cross-screen, Nowitzki received the ball in the low post. Facing Ibaka's defense, he executed a reverse pivot, one-legged fadeaway jump shot.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in cleanly.
Ibaka wasn't afraid of physical, driving offensive players, but he was afraid of a technical player like Dirk Nowitzki, a high-post shooter who was impossible to guard.
On the Thunder's offense, Russell's high pick-and-roll didn't work out, and he passed the ball back to Ibaka at the top. Kayce quickly went over for a handoff pass, observing that Nowitzki and Caron Butler seemed to want to double-team him immediately.
He quickly released the ball, a right-handed bounce pass, accurately finding Ibaka at the free-throw line. The latter caught the ball, adjusted slightly, and took a mid-range jump shot.
"Bang!" It was a brick.
The long rebound was grabbed by Kidd, who immediately pushed the fast break. His first pass found Caron Butler streaking downcourt. The latter caught the ball and drove straight to the basket, intending to throw down a one-handed dunk.
But he greatly underestimated Kayce's athleticism. Kayce, trailing on defense, had already taken off early, waiting in the air for Caron Butler. Seeing the opponent about to wind up for a dunk, he immediately delivered a pin-block.
"Splat!" Caron Butler lost his balance in mid-air and crashed to the floor.
Kayce secured possession and immediately launched a counterattack, charging across half-court. With a 5-on-4 opportunity, at the top of the three-point arc, he used a hesi shot fake, easily shaking off Shawn Marion's defense, and drove with the ball in his left hand.
In motion, he flicked his wrist, finding Durant unguarded outside the three-point line. The latter caught the ball and easily shot a jump shot.
"Swish!" The open three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Ah!"
Ford Center immediately erupted in huge cheers. Kayce's chase-down block and Durant's open three-pointer ignited the atmosphere among the live audience. This was the Thunder's offensive rhythm.
In the latter half of the first quarter, the two sides traded leads. Kayce was subbed out with 1 minute and 33 seconds left, and Thabo Sefolosha came in. However, this substitution allowed the Mavericks to seize an opportunity.
Kidd suddenly sped up the pace of the game and sank two consecutive three-pointers. Kayce sat on the bench, watching the Mavericks' three-point barrage, and suddenly remembered the 2011 Mavericks from another world.
"Don't tell me, this is also the butterfly effect?"
Kayce was right. The Thunder had led the Western Conference all season and were naturally a subject of study for every team. Head Coach Carlisle agreed to the Caron Butler trade because the latter was a 'bankrupt version' of Kayce.
Compared to Kayce, Caron Butler's skills were almost entirely weakened, but he could space the floor and distribute the ball. Although he was still in the adjustment period, Head Coach Carlisle had high expectations for him.
When Kayce led the bench unit out in the second quarter, Jason Terry and Jose Barea were shooting lights out. The Mavericks almost perfectly replicated the Thunder's various screen tactics, with even more freedom!
In Kayce's opinion, some of the opponent's plays were just wild shots that, surprisingly, went in.
After the All-Star Weekend, the Thunder players hadn't fully recovered their form, while the Mavericks were completely pumped up. Kayce's bench lineup was blown out by the Mavericks.
This was the frustrating part about three-pointers: if you made three in a row, the score difference would instantly widen.
At halftime, it was 68:59. It was a complete offensive battle, but the Mavericks were in better form tonight.
During halftime in the locker room, Durant loudly exclaimed, "Believe me, they can't stay that accurate forever! Jason Terry was 4-for-4 in the first half, scoring 12 points. His shooting percentage will definitely plummet in the second half! The same goes for Barea!"
"Kevin, I remember you said something similar before, and then we got shot out of the building by them."
Russell was very frustrated with his play in the first half. Due to the Mavericks' incredibly high shooting percentage, the Thunder only managed two transition offenses.
When forced into half-court sets, the opponent would give him mid-range and long-range shots. Although he made those open shots, Russell wasn't happy without transition opportunities.
Coach Brooks tapped the whiteboard at this point and then spoke, "Stick to our offense; our tactical execution has been excellent. But on defense, we need to speed up our rotations on switches after screens. Their three-point percentage is very high tonight, so we need to extend our defense in the second half."
"Kayce, your containment of Caron Butler has been very successful. Everyone else needs to maintain that kind of defense. Guys, their shooting percentage will definitely drop. All we need to do is patiently wait for our opportunity!"
However, after the second half began, the Thunder's shooting percentage started to decline. Jeff Green had a strong stretch in the second quarter, but in the third quarter, he started clanking shots again.
Coach Brooks watched as the Mavericks continued to swish shots, their outside shooting percentage refusing to drop. He could only smile bitterly and shake his head; he was truly experiencing the terror of the three-point shot.
The 'Mavericks' Madness' unleashed a torrent, completely collapsing the Thunder. Kayce didn't even get a chance to showcase his Michael Jordan-esque play before being shot down by the Mavericks' 'musketeers'.
During garbage time, Kayce sat on the bench, extremely frustrated. This game was too annoying; they were shot down by the opponent's wild shots. Watching the Mavericks' bench players come in and also play incredibly well, still making threes, he cursed under his breath:
"Shit! I hate three-pointers!"
119:106. The Mavericks shot 15-for-32 from three-point range, most of which came in the first three quarters. The Thunder suffered a disheartening loss at home.
Oklahoma City fans were not affected by the loss and still applauded their home team after the game. Kayce put up 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Durant had 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. Russell had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Big Three played well, so Oklahoma City fans naturally had no complaints.
After all, Nowitzki exploded for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, combined with the bench's breakout three-point shooting. No one could have predicted such a performance.
On February 20th, the Thunder played an away game against the New York Knicks. This game had been long-awaited by Chinese fans, as they would finally get to see McGrady play again.
However, to the fans' disappointment, the Thunder, who always came out strong against weaker teams, were firing on all cylinders in this game, seemingly wanting to vent their frustration from the previous loss to the Mavericks.
The interior combination of Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and David Lee was shredded into a sieve.
In his matchup against the small guard Chris Duhon, Russell completely dominated, exploding for 31 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 turnovers. The vast majority of his assists were generated through Kayce.
Facing McGrady's defense, Kayce truly played like Michael Jordan, effortlessly making various difficult mid-range fadeaway shots and easily tallying 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
He also held the less explosive McGrady to 3-for-17 shooting, with McGrady only reaching 11 points thanks to free throws.
Coupled with Durant's 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, the Thunder easily defeated the New York Knicks 114-96 on the road.
Many Chinese Rockets fans were completely devastated after watching this game. Kayce had thoroughly shattered their illusions; McGrady was truly past his prime.
Back at the hotel, Kayce went to bed early. There was another back-to-back game tomorrow, and although it was against another 'fish belly' team, mental recovery could only be replenished through sleep.
He routinely entered the Dream Training Space and was surprised to see a new notification in the Achievement Room. Getting badges for 'bullying' weaker teams?
Looking at the newly generated bronze achievement badge, Kayce touched it lightly:
Achievement Badge [Bronze Wall Iron Wall]: 2/50
Reduces the likelihood of being bypassed and evaded by an attacker, and rapidly depletes the opponent's stamina upon physical contact.
A very practical dual-attribute badge, but Kayce's expression was strange at this moment. Thinking of the badge's effect, he couldn't help but mutter softly:
"Physical contact, man-to-man?"