Oracle Arena, Oakland!
"Everyone knows what's going to happen here today!!"
At the TNT commentary desk courtside, Smith passionately began his opening remarks: "The Clippers are welcoming the final opponent of their five-game road trip!"
"They are last season's champions, the Golden State Warriors!"
"This is the Clippers' toughest opponent so far this season, a truly top-tier team in the league!"
So far this season, the Golden State Warriors have compiled a record of 9 wins and 1 loss, ranking second in the Western Conference.
Although the Clippers' record is better than the Warriors', they have been in a semi-serious, semi-casual state, not fully showcasing their strength.
"It's worth mentioning that just yesterday, the NBA officially announced the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week."
"Kai Chen edged out Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to win Western Conference Player of the Week for his third straight week."
O'Neal interjected from the side: "Similarly, many fans have questioned the strength of the Warriors' two star players."
Head-to-head matchups between elite competitors often determine their standing in the fans' hearts.
For the Clippers, this game is a challenge against the defending champions.
For Curry and Durant, it is the perfect opportunity to defeat Kai and prove themselves!
Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr has emphasized the importance of this game to his team more than once.
Beyond guarding against being caught off guard in a potential playoff meeting with the Clippers,
they also need to give Kai Chen special defensive attention.
Not just them.
Far away in Los Angeles, inside the Clippers' executive office,
Jerry West, General Manager Griffin, and owner Ballmer were gathered together.
The three were watching the TNT national broadcast,
focused on this highly anticipated clash between the Clippers and the Warriors.
"We can finally see how Kai Chen performs against the Golden State Warriors!"
Griffin spoke first: "Kai Chen's growth has been incredibly rapid. He truly makes us feel it's worth going all out."
"Now we need to see what other shortcomings remain on the roster."
Jerry West smiled, then turned to Ballmer: "Boss, please allow me to make the maximum improvements to our roster before the trade deadline."
West understood clearly that although the team was undefeated, it relied heavily on Kai Chen's extreme individual performances.
If the team wanted to go further in the playoffs, relying on Kai alone would not be enough. The roster had to be strengthened.
Ballmer nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Kai warming up on the broadcast.
During pre-game warm-ups, Draymond Green occasionally shifted his focus to Kai on the opposite side.
"Give me that trash rookie across from me."
Watching Kai Chen drain shot after shot in practice, Draymond Green finally spoke: "Tonight, I'll show him what a rookie should be doing!"
"Draymond, Kai is my target!"
Beside him, Klay Thompson frowned "I want to see how much strength the one hailed as the successor to Jordan and Kobe truly possesses."
"I guess, Klay. Then he's yours first."
After a brief pause, Draymond Green reluctantly agreed.
What exactly is Klay Thompson insisting on?
It seems his pride is consuming him.
The more he tries to prove himself, the more he loses his rhythm.
What exactly does he want to prove?
"Kai, you need to be careful of Draymond Green today."
On the Clippers' side of the court,
Grayson Allen kept his eyes locked on Draymond Green: "He has a lot of dirty moves!"
"I know. That's nothing."
Kai showed little concern.
In truth, Draymond Green is very smart.
Against softer opponents, he strikes hard, showing no mercy and fully embracing his villainous image.
But against tougher players, true big bosses like Carmelo, he becomes timid and limits himself to trash talk.
"Kai, I know Curry, Thompson, and Durant very well."
Unlike Allen, Carmelo Anthony spoke seriously: "Their offensive firepower cannot be underestimated."
"We have to be extra cautious defensively."
There is no need to explain how dangerous the "Splash Brothers" are on offense. Everyone knows.
But that wont matter today…
"Beep!"
With the referee's whistle, both starting lineups took the court.
For the Clippers, the starters remained unchanged.
Beverley + Carmelo + Jeff Green + Lopez + Kai Chen!
On the other hand, the Warriors' lineup caught Smith's attention.
"If I'm not mistaken, Steve Kerr chose not to start McGee tonight."
Smith glanced at the roster: "Iguodala replaces McGee in the starting unit!"
The Warriors' starters were: Curry + Thompson + Iguodala + Durant + Draymond Green!
The unexpected adjustment surprised both commentators: "I didn't expect Steve Kerr to deploy the Death Five right from the opening tip."
Courtside, Doc Rivers shot a glance at Kerr, who sat smiling on the bench.
These two were old rivals.
Back then, didn't the Warriors' rise come at the expense of the Lob City Clippers?
Now, they meet again.
Doc Rivers, coaching Kai Chen, challenges the five superstars under Kerr's command!
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