On March 4th, the Thunder arrived in Los Angeles for a rest. Tomorrow night, they will challenge the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. Kayce also received an invitation from Old Dunleavy. This veteran coach had always thought highly of him, inviting him to dinner every time he came to Los Angeles.
It was still the same restaurant next to Staples Center, where Kayce had his tryout with the Los Angeles Clippers. Old Dunleavy saw Kayce, dressed in athletic wear, and immediately waved to him. Although he was fired midway through the season, Old Dunleavy was in a very good mood.
"Oh! Kayce, your body looks even more muscular than a few months ago. A disciplined young man. I'm truly happy for you to see you've fully adapted to the NBA!"
Old Dunleavy looked at Kayce in front of him, growing more satisfied the more he looked. He truly hadn't misjudged him; this was indeed a rare talent.
"It's such a shame, I can't believe you've decided not to coach anymore! This is definitely a loss for the league."
When Kayce saw the news of Old Dunleavy's dismissal, he immediately sent him a message of condolence. However, the old man told him he was saying goodbye to the NBA, which shocked him a bit, as NBA coaches' salaries are quite high.
"I'm already 56 years old. It's time to make way for younger successors. The NBA now is completely different from the 90s. I admit the league's commercial development is very good, but Head Coaches my age can no longer keep up with the times."
Old Dunleavy said candidly. When one gets old, one always misses some past times.
"There are no outdated tactics, only unsuitable players. You are too modest. You can also rest for a while and then come back to work."
Kayce thought of Popovich, who was still fighting at 61, and felt that Old Dunleavy was too Zen in comparison.
"Haha, Kayce, tactics also have a shelf life. As a player, you should pay more attention to changes in league rules. Many times, the referee is the one who determines the outcome of the game."
"Illegal defense and hand-checking are already things of the past. The league is looking to the future. The era of big men will slowly end. Maintain your current playing style, wait patiently, and perhaps in three to five years, you will become a superstar in the league."
Old Dunleavy's only regret was not being able to sign Kayce in the draft. He even had a big argument with the owner over it, but he couldn't win against the stronger side. Donald Sterling still preferred Griffin.
"Thank you for your encouragement. I hope retirement life won't bore you."
Kayce said flatteringly, while winking at the server beside him, signaling that the dishes could be served.
"I'll spend more time with my family. No more flying around, I can finally enjoy life!"
Since Britney and Anne were both out of Los Angeles recently, and the team's training schedule was heavy, Kayce honestly followed the team for two days of zone defense drills. coaching staff had been on a high recently, even demanding training during road games!
Towards the end of the regular season, many Thunder players experienced fluctuations in their performance: the unpredictable Jeff Green, Russell who was good for two games and bad for one, and Kostić who was strong one game and weak the next.
Ibaka's mid-range shot off the bench also depended on the day. Thabo Sefolosha was the most consistent, as he was always reliable on defense and a bit lacking on offense.
Finally, after training ended, Russell complained painfully:
"Playing zone defense on the perimeter, I have to constantly watch two guys on the three-point line. It's too painful. Man-to-man defense suits me better."
"Russell, you also have to be considerate of our interior players. Defending big men in the low post is the most painful. Zone defense is very suitable for our roster structure."
Jeff Green wholeheartedly supported the team playing zone defense. When playing man-to-man against a power forward skilled in low-post offense, his defense couldn't hold up at all. With teammates collapsing in after switching to zone, his defensive pressure was cut in half.
"Alright, lads, for the remaining 22 games, we'll stick with zone defense. Whether it's 2-3 zone or 3-2 zone, communication on the court is the most important. We need to master this defensive style as quickly as possible."
"Of course, we also need to be flexible during games. Our goal is to disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm through zone defense. If it's not effective, we can switch back to man-to-man at any time. In short, there's still a month and a half left, everyone must persevere."
Coach Brooks took advantage of the break to encourage his players. No one likes practicing defense, but thinking about the strong attacks from Western Conference teams in the playoffs, coaching staff had to be strict with the players.
After all, with such a good regular season record, an early exit in the first round would be unacceptable to Oklahoma City fans.
On the evening of the 3rd, Staples Center was packed. A large number of fans came to see Kayce. In Los Angeles, Kayce has always been very popular, and many fans wore his number 10 Thunder jersey to support him.
"I envy your popularity in Los Angeles. So many fans came to support you."
During warm-ups, Durant was a bit jealous. Many fans held up signs, specifically cheering for Kayce, and many wearing UCLA jerseys also waved enthusiastically at Kayce.
"After all, I won the NCAA championship for UCLA. Many of these are fans I accumulated during my college days."
Kayce waved back while briefly responding to Durant.
"Time flies so fast, it's already March Madness again. The University of Texas is not doing so well this year, it'll be hard for them to win the championship."
Durant, thinking of his own college career, which couldn't compare to Kayce's, immediately started to change the subject.
"In a winner-take-all game, anything is possible. Kevin, you should have some faith in your alma mater."
UCLA wasn't doing well this year either. Coach Ben had even sent Kayce a complaining text message, claiming there wasn't a single player who could play.
"I hope so. Tonight is another boring game. I really want to play in the playoffs soon."
Kayce saw Durant's slightly inflated demeanor and felt a bit helpless. If the Thunder really faced the San Antonio Spurs or the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, there was no way they would get through easily, unless they encountered the Portland Trail Blazers, in which case the situation would be better.
The Los Angeles Clippers currently hold a 25-36 record, ranking 4th from the bottom in the Western Conference. With their playoffs hopes dashed, most players are busy stat-padding. The team traded Marcus Camby for Drew Gooden.
But unfortunately, this trade didn't improve the Los Angeles Clippers' record. However, Chris Kaman on the team was very happy; his big brother was gone, and all the stats were his!
However, after just over 4 minutes into the game, Chris Kaman almost swore. The Thunder, ranked second in the West, were actually using zone defense against a bottom-feeder team?
Even more outrageous, whenever Chris Kaman received the ball in the low post, Kayce would occasionally double-team him, causing him to turn the ball over twice in just over 4 minutes. Kayce also realized that Kaman had no passing options after receiving the ball, so aggressive double-teaming was definitely the right move.
The Los Angeles Clippers players essentially just went for it as soon as they got the ball, playing without any discernible strategy. Facing the Thunder's organized defense, they collapsed before the first quarter was even over.
21:34, the Thunder easily led by 13 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers fans in attendance actually started booing their home team.
"Trailing by so much in the first quarter, it's already over!"
"Refund! Refund! I'll be a pig if I ever buy Los Angeles Clippers tickets again!"
Sitting on the bench, Kayce heard the cursing from the audience and couldn't help but feel sympathy for the Los Angeles Clippers:
"Los Angeles fans are not easy to please. Looking at it this way, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves fans are the true lovers; they never complain about losing."
To reward the fans for their support, Kayce played an additional 6 minutes in the fourth quarter of this game, ultimately tallying 23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 turnovers. In what was essentially a defensive and shooting practice game, the Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 110:90 on the road.
Russell had a big double-double with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, and 4 turnovers. As the Thunder's tactical coordination became increasingly smooth, Russell was gradually able to control the game. His 13 assists, aside from simple drive-and-kick plays, mostly relied on tactical execution.
"Boring game. The Los Angeles Clippers players were just stat-padding the whole time."
Durant, who once again scored 30 points, started complaining as soon as he returned to the locker room. Against such a spiritless opponent, Durant's enthusiasm for scoring was significantly reduced.
"The zone defense effect is still good. Kaman was 5 for 17 from the field. I feel my physical strength on the defensive end was guaranteed."
Jeff Green increasingly felt that zone defense was a good defensive option, and he played more easily.
"After all, the opponent's strength was a bit lacking. To test the effectiveness of zone defense, we should still play against strong teams. Only then can we find deficiencies in our defense. Green, a few times, you let the opponent's cuts go unchecked on the baseline."
Kayce reminded Jeff Green not to get too carried away. Playing against a weak team wouldn't reveal too many problems.
"Don't worry! I know what I'm doing!"
On March 7th, the Thunder flew to Sacramento, where they would challenge the Sacramento Kings, whom they had just played recently. This game became another opportunity for Coach Brooks to experiment with lineups.
Under the Thunder's full-court 3-2 zone defense combined with 2-3 zone defense, the interior duo of Landry and Hawes was completely silenced. If the game hadn't been decided by halftime, it would have been difficult for these two to even score in double digits.
The Thunder's trio combined for 70 points, winning 110:96. The Thunder, in their usual dominant fashion against weaker teams, continued to hold their second-place position in the Western Conference.
After this game, the Thunder also concluded their road trip. James Harden, as a local, naturally hosted the Thunder players, throwing a big party at his house.
Kayce felt his vision filled with various full-figured women. Harden's taste was as consistent as ever; all the women shared a common trait: big butts.
"Kayce, I'm your loyal fan. You're much more handsome in person than in posters. God, can we take a photo together?"
Kayce looked at the slightly plump woman who wouldn't let go of him, and his scalp tingled a bit. Girls being too enthusiastic wasn't always a good thing.
"Of course, come, smile together, cheese!"
"Ah!! I must put this photo on my bedside table, I really like you so much!"
The commotion immediately attracted the attention of the women present. Seeing Kayce being so approachable, everyone became excited. Our chance has come.
"Kayce, are you releasing a new album? I saw your Keds endorsement poster, you look so cool in a suit!"
"I want a photo too, Kayce, please grant me this wish. Come to my room later and help me choose a suitable outfit."
"You little bitch, don't be so horny here, Kayce won't be interested in you."
"F*ck, where did you come from? We're mutually attracted, it's none of your business to meddle?"
While everyone's attention was drawn to the two bickering women, Kayce quickly slipped away. Harden was really unreliable; he should at least find some more reserved girls. Who could handle this?
Back in Oklahoma City, the Thunder players simply adjusted their condition and immediately resumed zone defense training. Morning video sessions, afternoon training sessions.
This kind of life was a bit dull, but no one complained. Everyone knew that if they wanted to go further in the playoffs, offense alone was far from enough; defense was what would bring the team victory.
On March 9th, right after training ended, Russell suddenly said to Kayce beside him:
"Kayce, have you seen the recent news reports? Darren had 20 assists and 16 points in last night's game, incredible stats!"
"Wow, perhaps the Charlotte Hornets no longer miss Chris Paul. Who were their opponents, and how many turnovers did he have?"
Kayce was also very surprised. In an NBA game, dishing out 20 assists is not an easy feat.
"It should have been against the Warriors. If I remember correctly, he had 7 turnovers. Darren might really establish himself as a starter for the Charlotte Hornets. All of us from UCLA are doing pretty well."
"If it weren't for practicing zone defense and adjusting my condition, I would definitely fly over to watch the game. I wonder if anyone else will make it to the NBA this year."
Russell's character was absolutely impeccable. After leaving college, he would go back to watch games every time, and he would also train at UCLA during the offseason when he had time.
"It seems last night's game must have been an offensive battle. Coincidentally, Darren is coming over tomorrow, and we can have another small get-together. coaching staff mentioned to me before that UCLA's situation isn't looking good this year, and it's basically impossible to defend the title."
Opportunities are for those who are prepared. Darren Collison's patience finally paid off. When Kayce went home to browse the internet that night, he also found crazy reports from the media. This was a hometown hero, so they had to hype him up!
Kayce saw all sorts of exaggerated praise articles, his expression a bit strange. Thinking that Darren Collison would face the Thunder's zone defense tomorrow night, he could only quietly send his blessings in his heart:
"I hope your stats aren't too bad tomorrow night. Russell won't go easy on you."
Coach Brooks found that the Thunder's zone defense was much better than he expected. Russell, Kayce, and Durant all had explosive athleticism. Whether it was a 2-3 zone or a 3-2 zone, they did an excellent job controlling the perimeter defensive areas.
Especially Kayce, with his forward's build and excellent wingspan, didn't easily lose his defensive position and always effectively controlled the opponent's core players. Coupled with Ibaka on the bench, coaching staff already felt that the team's defense was steadily improving.
Of course, this was also thanks to Kayce's [Defense Core] badge. With a structured defense, all players on the court received passive bonuses, which made the Thunder's zone defense grow stronger by the day.
In tonight's game, the visiting Hornets were extremely uncomfortable defensively. After the tip-off, they had a few open looks from the perimeter, all of which clanked off the rim, and the Thunder completely committed to their 2-3 zone.
Kayce and Russell, on the top line, consistently defended inside the three-point line. As soon as Collison tried to drive, the Thunder's defense would collapse, and if the perimeter shots didn't fall, the defensive rebounds were easily secured.
Six minutes into the game, Collison initiated the offense with the ball. David West moved up to the free-throw line to facilitate. After several passes, the ball moved from the strong side to the weak side, and Maurice Peterson got an open look from the perimeter. He caught the ball and confidently shot a jump shot.
"Bang!" Another miss.
Durant secured the rebound and immediately passed it to Russell. The latter received the ball, used a screen to accelerate, and pushed a fast break. Although the retreating Collison defended desperately, Russell drove past him and scored a left-handed layup.
"Ah!!"
The Ford Center crowd once again cheered for Russell. This scene had already occurred four times since the start of the game, with the Thunder's transition offense coming in waves.
The Hornets could only rely on David West's mid-range shots to barely hold on. Emeka Okafor was completely stifled by the Thunder's defense in the paint.
Collison smiled bitterly. Just at noon, he was at Russell's house, celebrating a big double-double with Kayce, but in the evening, he was hit hard by Russell.
The disadvantage of a small guard is that when the team needs to score, you might also go cold. Collison found himself in such a predicament in the first quarter. After all, he was still a rookie and didn't have the offensive prowess of Chris Paul.
His perimeter shooting was off, he couldn't effectively penetrate against the Thunder's tall defensive lineup, and the Thunder also changed their defensive rhythm from time to time. Sometimes, Kayce, who switched onto him, would even full-court press him.
After this combination of punches, Collison was completely shut down.
On the Thunder's offense, Kayce and Jeff Green executed a cross-screen at the baseline, and Kayce easily received a pass from Russell at the left elbow.
Julian Wright, a 2007 rookie who had switched onto him, used his forearm to press against Kayce's body while lowering his center of gravity to prevent Kayce from driving.
Kayce felt the defender's movement with his back, leaned back forcefully, and simultaneously subtly shimmied his shoulder, quickly turned, and swiftly put the ball down with his left hand, driving along the baseline. Julian Wright reacted quickly and immediately followed Kayce's steps.
But after two dribbles, Kayce suddenly pulled the ball back with his left hand, faking a spin, which momentarily stunned Julian Wright. Seizing this opportunity, he accelerated his drive with the ball in his left hand, took two big steps, and then took off directly.
Contesting Okafor, who had come over to help, he slammed it down with a one-handed left-handed dunk!
"Clang!" A successful driving dunk.
"Roar!!!"
Before Kayce even landed, the crowd at the Ford Center had already erupted in cheers.
"Oh! My God! I feel like I'm watching Michael Jordan! Kayce's incredible poster dunk! Okafor should be thankful, after all, he wasn't knocked to the ground like other players!"
The home commentator, Twin, once again started his Kayce praise mode.
When the Hornets attacked, Okafor finally managed to toughly put the ball into the basket from the low post. The Thunder quickly inbounded the ball, and Russell dribbled it across half-court before immediately passing it to Durant beyond the three-point line.
The latter received the ball, drove with a crossover step, and then, in motion, suddenly gathered the ball and spun, driving to the basket. Under David West's defense, he twisted his body and deftly scooped the ball with his left hand into the basket.
"And one!!"
As he was about to fall, Durant shouted to alert the referee that this play deserved a free throw.
"Whistle!" The referee blew his whistle. The basket counted, and an additional free throw was awarded.
"You softy who only knows how to play by the whistle, you fall at the slightest touch. You should go to WWE, they'd welcome you there!"
The team's turmoil, Chris Paul's injury, and the collapse of the game completely made David West lose his composure, and he started to verbally attack Durant, who was lying on the ground.
"Hey! Watch it, buddy. That's just a normal call. If you have a problem, you can go directly to the scorer's table, or play it back next possession. Keep your bullshit to yourself!"
Kayce saw that David West still wanted to continue, so he immediately stepped forward and pushed him away. Trash-talking was his specialty.
"Rookie, you should show some respect to veterans! Without the league's favoritism, you're nothing!"
Russell, who was nearby, saw David West pointing fingers at Kayce and immediately rushed over, wanting to give the opponent a direct Russell punch. Fortunately, Jeff Green, who was next to him, was quick-witted and quickly held back the agitated Russell.
Collison also immediately stepped forward and pulled David West away. At this point, the referee also reacted and quickly separated the players from both sides. The Thunder were already leading by a large margin, and such a situation should not have occurred.
"Boo!" "F*ck you!" "Get out of Oklahoma City!"
The crowd at the Ford Center also started to unleash their anger, and the atmosphere in the arena suddenly became incredibly noisy. The referee took the opportunity to confer with Coach Brooks, implying that it was enough and they should make some substitutions.
"Kayce, Russell, go take a rest. Kevin, stay calm. We're leading by a large margin, there's no need to argue with them."
"I understand, Coach."
Durant immediately nodded to indicate his understanding and also fist-bumped Kayce in greeting. Competition is competition, but as a teammate, Kayce was definitely the best he had ever encountered.
Sitting on the bench, Kayce watched Durant calmly sink the free throw and whispered to Russell beside him:
"Next time, don't throw punches. While the opponent isn't paying attention, go for a tackle instead. The effect might be better."
"Haha, if I had your physique, I'd take your advice. Darren's stats for this game are definitely going to be miserable!"
Russell also grinned at Kayce, starting to gloat. Although they were all good brothers, Russell still had some dissatisfaction about his experiences in college, so of course, he had to hit hard during the game.
After the first quarter, it was 22:38. The Hornets' offense couldn't get going, and their perimeter shooting was also blown up by the Thunder. Durant alone contributed three three-pointers, so David West's breakdown was understandable.
In the rest of the game, the Hornets completely collapsed, and the game quickly entered garbage time. Ultimately, 90:110, the Thunder decisively defeated the Hornets at home.
Coach Brooks was somewhat dissatisfied. Such a game couldn't fully train the team's defense.
Kayce, who checked out after three quarters, once again quietly recorded 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Seeing the bitter smile on Collison's face, he immediately stepped forward to comfort him:
"Losing is a rookie's necessary path. Only by constantly losing can you grow better. Keep it up, Bro!"
Collison, who had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 turnovers in this game, felt utterly depressed hearing this. You win every day, but then you tell me that you can only grow by losing.
"Don't worry, my mindset is great. I'm very satisfied to get a starting opportunity. I'll be there in Oklahoma City to cheer during the playoffs!"
"I guarantee you'll receive a ticket near the bench!"
On March 11th, the Thunder team flew to New York to challenge the Nets, who were last in the Eastern Conference. It was a welfare game, and everyone left a day early to also have a chance to sightsee in New York and relax.