On April 26th, after the Thunder returned to Oklahoma City, they were warmly welcomed by local fans.
The series score was already 3-1, and the Thunder had a chance to close out the series at home tomorrow night, which made all the Oklahoma City fans ecstatic.
However, since there was still a game tomorrow, the fans who came to greet them still reined in some of their joy.
It wouldn't be too late to celebrate once the final result was settled!
On TNT's 24-hour NBA program, they also began reviewing the performance of each team in the first round Game 4, with host Ernie Johnson, and commentators Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley appearing together.
"First, congratulations to the Magic. They swept the Bobcats 4-0 in the first round. The combination of Dwight Howard and Vince Carter completely dominated the game.
The Cavaliers and Celtics also won their games again, while the Hawks and Bucks are about to start their pivotal Game 5.
It seems the situation in both the Eastern and Western Conferences is quite similar."
Host Ernie Johnson briefly recounted the results of Game 4.
Then Kenny Smith took over, continuing:
"Indeed, the situation in the Western Conference is also not complicated. The top-seeded teams all performed very well, winning all their road games.
The only matchup that surprised me was the Thunder versus the Spurs. Perhaps tomorrow night, the Thunder will advance to the Western Conference Semifinals."
Charles Barkley noticed the two people next to him looking at him, immediately raised his hands in surrender, and said:
"Okay, I did underestimate the young Thunder. I admit I made a wrong prediction. At 3-1, this series actually has very little suspense left. Kayce, Kevin, you really won with jump shots!"
"Haha, we like your honesty, Charles. It seems you think they will win their next game at home, and we completely agree. The Spurs have a clear matchup disadvantage on the perimeter."
Host Ernie Johnson chuckled softly, then briefly commented on the matchup.
"Manu Ginobili is almost 33 years old, while Kayce is not yet 20. If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I would find it hard to believe a rookie could perform like this in the playoffs."
Charles Barkley immediately pouted when he heard Kenny Smith's words, and grumbled in a low voice:
"Have you forgotten Michael Jordan?
His playoff performance in his rookie season was even better. There's no need for us to make a fuss. Although the Thunder don't have an excellent big man, they are still very strong. I believe they have a chance to make it to the Western Conference Finals."
"Wow! Charles's prediction has appeared again. Let's wait and see, but the recent hot topic isn't focused on the young guys.
The Heat are currently down 1-3.
In the offseason, do you think Wade will team up with LeBron James?"
Host Ernie Johnson immediately shifted the topic to the hottest topic in the NBA recently.
"Although Wade said he and James would play very well together, both of them are actually used to having the ball in their hands.
I, however, think that Chris Bosh might team up with Wade. One inside, one outside, forming a complementary pair."
Kenny Smith immediately stated his opinion.
"The Heat lost, and they will definitely strengthen their team next season, but LeBron James definitely won't go to Miami.
He is a hero in Cleveland, respected locally, and achieved a 63-win record this season. Teaming up with another MVP? That's impossible."
Host Ernie Johnson heard Barkley's words and suddenly said:
"Guys, what if these three played together on the same team?"
"Haha, the NBA would never allow that to happen!"
After returning to Oklahoma City from San Antonio, Coach Brooks gave his players another day off.
Although they were set to face the Spurs at home on the evening of the 27th, the 3-1 lead had already put everyone at ease.
A deeper reason was that the coaching staff was concerned about Kayce's physical condition. After all, he played 44 minutes in Game 4, almost the entire game, and everyone was worried that only two days of rest wouldn't be enough for Kayce to fully recover.
However, Kayce, back home in Oklahoma City, didn't know coaching staff's thoughts.
At this moment, he was fully revitalized, and through the tough battle of Game 4, another bronze badge had successfully upgraded!
Achievement Badge [Circus Three-Pointer]: 1/500
Enhances the ability to shoot difficult three-pointers off the dribble, improving shot stability.
Although the second attribute didn't directly increase the shooting percentage, the effect after the upgrade was still quite significant, and Tony Coach, who was training with Kayce at his Oklahoma City home, deeply felt this.
"Do you feel that Kayce's three-point shot after combining with the ball seems even smoother? Even though it's just practice, this kind of accuracy is too exaggerated."
Trainer Tony watched his brother Meg wave an obstacle stick and still fail to effectively interfere with Kayce, so he couldn't help but whisper to Wagner beside him.
"That's not your imagination. Kayce's shooting motion seems smoother, but further tests are needed. I've been struggling with his diet recently. His appetite is getting better and better, and his body's metabolism seems to have changed as well."
Nutritionist Wagner had already adjusted Kayce's diet three times this season, but Kayce's body was like an insatiable child, always craving more nutrition.
He even worried that Kayce might suddenly become overweight during the offseason.
At this moment, Kayce performed an In and Out with his left hand, quickly dribbled behind his back, held the ball with his right hand and dribbled at a fast pace, made two extremely quick dribbles in place, then suddenly changed direction in front of his body, and pulled up for a jump shot from beyond the three-point line.
"Swish"
The three-pointer went in perfectly.
In this low-intensity training, his accuracy was almost 100%. However, after making the shot, Kayce shook his head and said with some dissatisfaction:
"I want to reduce some of the shaking movements. Continuously attacking with the ball from beyond the three-point line consumes too much of my energy. Do you guys have any good suggestions?"
Trainer Meg wiped his sweat, then comforted Kayce:
"Kayce, this is caused by defensive pressure. Your stamina is absolutely fine. In Game 4 at the Spurs' home court, the officiating was very lenient. If they had strictly enforced the 'No Hand-check' rule, Manu Ginobili would have fouled out in the third quarter. Your current playing style is absolutely fine."
Tony, standing by, also spoke up:
"Just as we suggested to you in the middle of the season, a simple In and Out move suits you best. There's almost no difference between your left and right hands, which gives you a huge advantage when attacking. If a big man defends you on the perimeter, you have a high chance of blowing by him in one step."
"Kayce, in a normal game, it's actually rare to frequently receive the ball and attack face-up from beyond the three-point line. This current playing style is definitely the most suitable for you."
Kayce thought about it and felt that the trainers were right.
The last game was an uphill battle, so it was normal to have stamina issues, but he was still a bit unwilling, so he couldn't help but grumble:
"I wish I were like Michael Jordan. A simple In and Out to directly create offensive space would save a lot of energy."
"Uh, Kayce, although you are excellent, physical qualities are largely determined by genetics, and many things cannot be compensated for by skill!"
"…"
On April 27th, the NBA announced the winner of the Sixth Man of the Year (6OY) award: Jamal Crawford of the Hawks, who easily crushed all opponents with 52.82% of the votes.
During the afternoon practice, the Thunder's bench players heard that Crawford had won the award and secretly felt a pang of envy.
Due to Coach Brooks' preference for short rotations, the Thunder's benchwarmers were particularly miserable.
Although they had plenty of playing time in the fourth quarter of regular season games once the outcome was decided, most role players yearned to play during regular minutes.
Players at the end of the bench like Byron, I Tang Thomas, Kyle Weaver, and DJ White rarely entered the rotation, and Jamal Crawford's average of 18 points per game made everyone green with envy.
However, the coaching staff wasn't concerned about awards.
Winning Game 5 tonight would advance them to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Seeing that Kayce's stamina didn't seem to be affected, Coach Brooks still asked with concern:
"How's your stamina, Kayce? You might play a lot of minutes tonight. If you really have any stamina issues, be sure to communicate with us immediately."
"Don't worry, Coach, after two days of rest, my stamina has fully recovered. Normal rotation for tonight's game will be fine."
Coach Brooks looked at the energetic Kayce and finally felt completely relieved. Although they were back at home, the Spurs would certainly not be content with a gentleman's sweep.
Tonight's game would surely be fiercely contested by the opponent, and the team's main player had to be on the court!
Durant naturally also paid attention to Kayce's recovery. He never expected that Kayce, who was almost exhausted in the last game, would look completely recovered in just two days.
Thinking about how Oklahoma City media had been hyping up Kayce for the past two days, completely overshadowing him, Durant felt terribly bitter.
However, he had indeed been somewhat sluggish in the road games, which made him even more frustrated.
"I must add some strength training in the offseason. I am the core of this team!"
Russell, standing nearby, saw Durant staring intently at Kayce, immediately walked over and patted him, then said happily:
"Kevin, back at home, the Spurs' defensive intensity will definitely drop. Tonight's game, we can't hold Kayce back!"
Durant's mouth twitched when he heard that. How was he holding him back?
Suppressing his indignation, he finally said:
"Don't worry. After two road games, I've completely adapted to the Spurs' defensive intensity. We'll definitely win big against them!"
Jeff Green, the God of Tailwind God of War (playing well when things are going well), also said confidently upon hearing Durant's words:
"Leading 3-1, no pressure tonight. Guys, I'm going to completely destroy them with three-pointers!"
"Victory tonight!"
"I'm already thinking about our next opponent!"
Kayce nodded with satisfaction in his heart as he saw his teammates' condition. They weren't great in uphill battles, but with a significant lead, he believed his teammates would definitely perform well tonight!
Over on the Spurs' side, the morning practice session also focused on recovery training. In the afternoon, Coach Popovich and coaching staff discussed the lineup for tonight's game.
"Gregg, let Manu Ginobili return to the bench tonight. His stamina hasn't fully recovered in two days. If he continues to start, the effect might not be too good. In this state, he will have difficulty limiting Kayce's performance."
Coach Popovich immediately responded after hearing the Assistant Coach's suggestion:
"Alright, we'll let George and Parker partner in the backcourt. On the opponent's home court, we don't have an advantage in defense, so our offense must keep up. I believe George has adapted to the Thunder's game intensity, and he will perform well tonight!"
Everyone had some doubts after hearing Popovich's arrangement, but thinking of the players on the bench, they said helplessly:
"This is the only way. I hope George can deliver the offense we expect, but on the defensive end, we probably don't have many good options. We lack a player who can match up with Kayce. It's truly unimaginable that the opponent is a rookie; the Thunder are so lucky!"
"Next year, we need to make targeted reinforcements. We must add a wing player. I never want to see Kayce easily break through our defense again!"
Coach Popovich didn't pay attention to the topic everyone was discussing. For tonight's game, he wanted to give George Hill another chance.
If he still couldn't deliver a good performance, then the team would definitely make moves during the offseason. Popovich silently wished George Hill well at this moment.
"Kid, you must seize this opportunity! I hope to see you again next season."
On the evening of the 27th, Ford Center once again became a blue ocean. Oklahoma City fans were enthusiastic. Tonight, they had a chance to end this series, and they were about to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals!
With half an hour left until the game started, the atmosphere was already incredibly lively. The sponsors' warm-up activities filled the venue with laughter, and the cheerleaders were working hard, shaking their hips.
Many Oklahoma City fans arrived early just to watch Kayce's warm-up. Watching Kayce's flashy dribbling and his outside shots swish in, everyone cheered excitedly. He was too accurate, barely missing a shot!
In Ford Center, the arena DJ began to roar, passionately introducing the home team:
"Let's welcome this season's Rookie of the Year, the Thunder's All-Star, Oklahoma City's Mr. Clutch, from UCLA, Number 10, Kayce Kayce, !"
"Oh ah!!"
Kayce felt the huge roar of sound in his ears, and while making flashy gestures with his teammates, he happily thought to himself:
"Home court is the best! Oklahoma City fans are too passionate!"
On the Spurs' side, everyone was standing in the player tunnel, listening to the thunderous cheers. A bad premonition arose in their hearts. George Hill clenched his fists nervously, constantly praying that he would have a good shooting touch tonight.
For George Hill, who was in a contract year, this game was very important. He liked the Spurs, and he also liked Popovich's coaching style, but if he couldn't deliver the offense the team expected, then his contract during the offseason might be in trouble.
During the final warm-up phase before the game, Kayce saw that George Hill was back in the starting lineup and couldn't help but be full of questions:
"Suicide lineup? That old geezer Popovich can't be naive enough to think George Hill will suddenly explode, can he?"
When the referee signaled both players to come to the center of the court, Kayce even gave George Hill a friendly greeting:
"Good luck, buddy! I look forward to matching up with you!"
George Hill didn't speak. After a simple fist bump with Kayce, he immediately returned to the Spurs' side. At this point, Kostić and Antonio stood at the center circle, ready for the jump ball.
"Slap!"
Antonio tipped the ball to the Spurs' half. Jefferson received the ball and immediately passed it to Tony Parker. The latter first gave his teammates an offensive signal, then slowly brought the ball past half court.
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
Amidst the defensive shouts of the Ford Center crowd, facing the Thunder's zone defense, Duncan went directly to the free-throw line to receive the ball. After Tony Parker passed the ball, he immediately cut inside, and the Thunder's defense rotated accordingly.
When George Hill moved up the court to attempt a handoff with Duncan, Kayce quickly stuck to him. On Oklahoma City's home court, it was natural to increase defensive aggressiveness, which forced George Hill to receive the ball far from the three-point line.
At this moment, Antonio came up for a screen, Duncan rolled down, and George Hill drove with his right hand. Kayce agilely squeezed through the screen, continuing to provide body contact to George Hill on his side. Feeling there was no space to shoot, he tried to pass the ball to Duncan in the low post.
But just as George Hill passed the ball, Kayce, anticipating his opponent's move, precisely stripped the ball with his left hand. After gaining possession with his right hand, he accelerated at full speed, covering the opponent's half in a few large strides.
Noticing that there were no chasing defenders behind him, in a 1-on-0 situation in the frontcourt, Kayce took off from a distance for a powerful windmill dunk!
"Clang!" Steal and dunk successful.
"Ah!! OKC! OKC! OKC!"
The home crowd cheered loudly, waving their white towels wildly. This was truly a wonderful start.
When the Spurs attacked again, after a series of perimeter passes, they immediately gave the ball to Duncan in the right block. Facing Jeff Green's defense, Duncan used a triple threat before taking a mid-range jump shot.
"Swish!"
Durant didn't even have time to collapse on defense, and the mid-range shot went in smoothly.
On the Thunder's offense, Jeff Green ran from beyond the three-point line into the paint, set a cross-screen for Kayce, and immediately moved to the right corner.
When Kayce received the ball with his back to the basket on the left block, several teammates on the perimeter also began to move to the left side beyond the three-point line, aiming to draw Duncan out of the paint.
George Hill's scalp tingled the moment he saw Kayce get the ball. He had no idea how to defend Kayce. If he stuck too close, he feared being blown by; if he stayed too far, he worried about a pull-up jumper in his face.
As he was conflicted, Kayce, with his back to the basket, gave a slight shoulder fake, quickly put the ball down, and easily blew past George Hill's defense. After two big dribbles, he took off directly. Antonio's help defense was clearly a step slow, as he watched Kayce throw down a one-handed power dunk!
"Clang!" Drive and dunk successful.
"Ah!!"
The crowd immediately erupted in huge cheers for Kayce's basket. Several Oklahoma City fans courtside even yelled at George Hill:
"Go home, kid! Kayce will destroy you!"
"Look at your small frame, God! You don't actually think you can stop our superstar, do you!"
"Wow! I bet you won't score over 10 points this game. Face reality! You don't have the talent to be a starter."
Tony Parker saw George Hill looking a bit dazed and immediately went over to pat him, reminding him aloud:
"Focus! Concentrate on the game."
After only two possessions, Coach Popovich on the sideline frowned. This was not the performance he expected. Taking advantage of the baseline inbound, Popovich shouted loudly from the sideline, reminding Tony Parker to control the game's tempo.
When the Spurs attacked, after several strong-side to weak-side transfers, George Hill and Jefferson both got open looks from the perimeter, but neither chose to shoot. Instead, they continued to pass the ball to Duncan in the left low post.
Noticing the Thunder's defense immediately started to collapse again, Duncan took a step up the court with his right hand, then quickly gathered the ball, turned, and made a soft left-handed floater.
"Swish!" Two points in the paint.
Coach Brooks next to him motioned for everyone to stay calm and maintain this defense. On the surface, he looked relaxed, but in his heart, he thought enviously:
"If Tim Duncan came to the Thunder, they would definitely make it out of the Western Conference this season. The Thunder just lack a big player like him."
After quickly inbounding the ball, they crossed half-court. Jeff Green and Kostić set a double screen for Durant. Jefferson, playing on the road, was more restrained in his defensive movements, but due to the Thunder's average screen quality, he still successfully stayed with Durant.
However, facing such defensive pressure, Durant drove with his left hand, using his body to push against Jefferson. After two big dribbles, he pulled up for a jump shot in the paint.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in smoothly.
When the first quarter had been played for just over three minutes, Coach Popovich already felt that something was wrong. The Thunder's offense was too easy, while on the Spurs' side, George Hill was completely invisible on offense, not even choosing to shoot when open on the perimeter.
The Spurs' offense, moving from inside to out, and from strong side to weak side with continuous ball movement, easily dismantled the Thunder's zone defense. George Hill immediately got an open look at the 45-degree angle on the left three-point line, but he didn't choose to shoot. Instead, he drove with the ball in his left hand, accelerating his breakthrough.
Kayce was waiting for him, and as he closed in, he secretly exerted force, using his side to disrupt George Hill's breakthrough rhythm.
However, with little time left on the shot clock, George Hill had no choice but to force the shot.
George Hill seemed to want to go for a reverse layup to evade the defense, but Kayce, who had jumped high, was already waiting for him in the air.
Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a textbook block.
After securing possession, Kayce powered his right arm and quickly threw the ball downcourt.
Russell received the ball, but Tony Parker was already sprinting back on defense.
Noticing Durant charging up on the other side, Russell once again lobbed the ball forward.
Although the pass was a bit long, Durant, with his long arms and powerful strides, caught the ball in mid-air and forcefully slammed it into the basket.
"Slam!" An alley-oop dunk was successful.
"Roar!"
After landing, Durant roared with excitement.
This was the first time such a fast-break alley-oop had appeared in this round of the playoffs.
Coach Popovich could no longer tolerate it and immediately called a timeout.
"Great dunk! Bro!"
"The Spurs' defense is collapsing, this is so cool, we're going to advance!"
As Kayce returned to the bench, the hype squad was already shouting excitedly.
With such a smooth start to the game, everyone was thrilled.
From Jefferson to Parker and then to George Hill, the Spurs moved the ball quickly.
This time, George Hill got an open look and immediately shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly, proving that Popovich's psychological pep talk had worked.
The Thunder players didn't mind.
After quickly inbounding the ball, Russell dribbled twice and immediately passed it to Kayce.
This time, George Hill's defense quickly closed in.
Kayce's sudden left-handed in-and-out move rapidly changed direction in front of his body.
As George Hill adjusted his defensive Center of Gravity, Kayce pulled the ball back with his right hand, then twisted his body, and with a lightning-fast left-handed crossover, easily gained half a step, accelerating into a breakthrough with the ball in his right hand.
George Hill was desperately chasing on his side, but Kayce, while on the move, suddenly executed a spin move, cleverly shaking off the defense.
Noticing Antonio coming over to help defend under the basket, Kayce faked a shot and made a real pass to Kostić, who was following up.
Kostić received the ball and slammed it down with both hands!
"Slam!" A successful basket inside.
George Hill, whose confidence had just soared after making a three-pointer, was now completely numb.
"Oh, ah!"
The Ford Center had transformed into a sea of blue and white.
The continuous dunks since the start had completely ignited the passion of the live audience, who were all shouting excitedly:
"OKC! OKC! OKC!"
In the following minutes, George Hill once again disappeared, but fortunately, Parker and Duncan remained reliable, and the Spurs stubbornly kept the score close.
The bald, tough guy Jefferson also started desperately chasing Durant.
With 3 minutes and 11 seconds left in the first quarter, he picked up his second personal foul.
The home whistle was no joke; if you extended your arm, the referee would actually blow the whistle.
Both sides started making substitutions.
The Thunder took out Kayce and put in Thabo Sefolosha.
The Spurs took out the underperforming George Hill and put in Manu Ginobili.
As soon as Kayce sat down on the bench, Serge Ibaka immediately showed his eagerness, handing Kayce's water bottle over.
"Kayce, I really didn't expect our offense to suppress the Spurs again. After returning to Oklahoma City, their defensive intensity has indeed dropped quite a bit."
"That's why everyone likes to play at home. Don't worry, pay attention to open opportunities later, I'll find you."
Kayce rehydrated and gave Serge Ibaka a simple instruction.
"Thanks, Bro! I feel great back at home, I'll make those open shots!"
Serge Ibaka's face immediately lit up; the boss was indeed still thinking of him.
In the remaining minutes of the first quarter, Russell, who was in good form, suddenly exploded, making three consecutive unreasonable pull-up jumpers from mid-range, giving the Thunder the lead.
26:30, the Thunder led by 4 points at the end of the first quarter.
During the rotation phase of the second quarter, the Thunder still had Kayce playing point guard, with Thabo Sefolosha, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, and Collison rotating in.
The Spurs' rotation lineup also became George Hill, Manu Ginobili, Jefferson, Blair, and Antonio.
As the second quarter began, George Hill breathed a sigh of relief; he finally didn't have to guard Kayce.
The Thunder attacked first, and Kayce signaled Serge Ibaka to come up for a screen, then accelerated into a breakthrough with the ball in his right hand.
Manu Ginobili squeezed through the screen very quickly, constantly applying physical pressure to Kayce's side, while Blair's defense also started moving towards Kayce.
Noticing the change in the Spurs' defense, Kayce made a hidden behind-the-back bounce pass to Serge Ibaka at the free-throw line while on the move.
Serge Ibaka received the ball and immediately shot a jumper.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot went in steadily.
After the Spurs inbounded the ball, Thabo Sefolosha immediately took over guarding George Hill.
As a player who suffered greatly from Kayce's torment in team training, Thabo Sefolosha believed he should have no problem defending George Hill.
Under the somewhat lenient officiating at home, the Thunder's rotation lineup almost switched on every screen.
The Spurs passed the ball inside, and the Thunder immediately made bold attempts to strip the ball.
As soon as Antonio received the pass, Collison went for a cheap shot, stripping both the ball and his hand forcefully.
After gaining possession, Collison immediately passed the ball to Kayce.
The Thunder quickly launched a transition offense.
The Spurs players, before they could complain to the referee, immediately retreated on defense with full effort.
Kayce dribbled at lightning speed, noticing Blair had already stepped up to defend.
He quickly executed an in-and-out with his right hand, changing rhythm and accelerating into a breakthrough.
Just a step beyond the three-point line, he suddenly dribbled behind his back, stepped back, and shot a jumper.
"Swish!"
The clumsy Blair was left standing still, watching the transition three-pointer go in.
"Oh, oh!"
The fans at the Ford Center jumped up excitedly.
Here it comes, here it comes, Kayce's signature transition three-pointer, a scoring run is about to begin!
Everyone wildly waved their white handkerchiefs, cheering for Kayce's basket.
Popovich yelled furiously from the sideline, signaling his three perimeter players to stick with Kayce.
Serge Ibaka, back at home, also played with more freedom on defense.
When the Spurs drove to the paint, Serge Ibaka's sweeping defense would follow.
Blair, after receiving the ball, seemed to want to force his way to the basket with his weight, but was easily blocked by Serge Ibaka.
The Spurs quickly retreated on defense.
Kayce brought the ball past half-court, made a gesture to Jeff Green, immediately passed the ball to him, and then faked a handoff.
Manu Ginobili and Blair's attention was focused on Kayce.
At this moment, Jeff Green suddenly put the ball down, accelerated into a breakthrough with the ball in his right hand, and, facing Antonio's help defense, threw down a powerful one-handed dunk!
"Slam!" A successful driving dunk.
As long as the score was in the lead and there was no pressure, Jeff Green would brilliantly display his full array of skills.
After the dunk, he roared excitedly from the sideline:
"Ah!"
The fans in attendance also cheered loudly.
This was the Thunder's offense, full of various drives and dunks that got everyone's blood pumping.
Popovich called another timeout; he was going to put Duncan back in.
If they didn't fight hard now, the game would be over.
On the Thunder's bench, Coach Brooks was also a bit excited.
He hadn't expected the game to go so smoothly.
Seeing the rotation players performing well, he didn't make any more substitutions, only loudly admonished:
"Kayce, go all out on offense, protect the rebounds on defense. Let's try to get a big lead going into halftime!"
Returning from the timeout, Tony Parker used Duncan's high screen-and-roll to hit a long two-pointer from the top of the arc, helping the Spurs stabilize the situation.
But the Thunder quickly inbounded the ball, and Kayce used Serge Ibaka's screen to accelerate into a breakthrough with the ball in his left hand.
Noticing Duncan's defense collapsing inwards, he flicked his wrist and made a bounce pass to Serge Ibaka at the free-throw line.
Serge Ibaka received the ball and, without hesitation, immediately shot a jumper.
"Swish!" The mid-range shot hit again.
After the basket, Serge Ibaka also clenched his fist and roared excitedly.
In road games, he was always plagued by fouls, and his playing time was fragmented.
Back in Oklahoma City, he finally found his offensive rhythm again.
After more than 6 minutes of play in the second quarter, the Thunder's role players, orchestrated by Kayce, unleashed their energy and successfully suppressed the Spurs' offense.
When Kayce went to rest, the Thunder were already leading by 12 points.
Russell and Durant, who had rested well, continued their excellent shooting touch, fending off the Spurs' comeback attempt.
52:62, the Thunder led by 10 points at halftime.
The Oklahoma City fans were completely hyped; they were going to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals!
As the third quarter began, both teams returned to their starting lineups.
The Spurs also put in Manu Ginobili; this was the moment of truth!
The Thunder started the quarter with an up-screen cross-cut play for Kayce.
When Kayce received the ball at the 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line, Duncan immediately switched to guard him.
Kayce immediately drove with a crossover step, noticing Duncan's defense shifting back.
He immediately pulled the ball back with a right-handed between-the-legs dribble, simultaneously faking a pump-fake that made Duncan shift his weight forward.
In that instant, he quickly changed direction in front of his body with his left hand, pushed off with his feet, and shot a step-back jumper.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Oh, ah!"
The Oklahoma City fans, seeing the lead grow to 13 points, immediately roared with excitement.
As long as they had a big lead in the third quarter, the Thunder had never lost a game!
At this point, everyone on the court was completely relaxed.
Screen shots and off-ball cuts were all being executed.
Durant completely exploded, and with the help of the home whistle, he scored both inside and out.
Jefferson already had 5 fouls in the third quarter.
By the time the fourth quarter began, Russell, who was a streaky player, became even more energized, hitting consecutive pull-up jumpers.
Ultimately, 96:118, the Thunder showed no mercy, delivering a powerful blow.
This also caused the Spurs players to simply shake hands after the game and leave immediately.
Losing to such a young, rookie team was truly a blow to their pride.
The Ford Center had now become a joyous ocean, with Oklahoma City fans wildly celebrating their team's victory.
This was truly an incredible season!
Kayce finished the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 turnovers, 3 steals, and 1 block.
Although his stats were unremarkable, he was also extremely excited at this moment, shouting loudly with his teammates:
"Western Conference Semifinals!! Here we come!"