On May 5th, with the conclusion of Game 2 between the Thunder and the Mavericks, the America media instantly became excited, a major event had just happened!
This game was highly dramatic. The Mavericks' 2-3 zone defense completely silenced Durant in the first half, and the Thunder only managed to survive the first two quarters thanks to Kayce and Russell.
However, in the third quarter, after Kayce used his double step-back to complete a 3+1, a frustrated Caron Butler, unhappy with the referee's call, pushed Kayce down and was ejected. This led to the Mavericks' defensive collapse in the fourth quarter, ultimately costing them the game.
At the post-game press conference, Head Coach Carlisle was very dissatisfied with the referee's call, even directly stating that it was a misjudgment:
"Because of a misjudgment, our perimeter defensive ace was ultimately ejected. This is an absolute joke! I accept defeat, but the NBA should re-examine the call on that possession. I eagerly await the post-game referee's report."
Head Coach Brooks, on the other hand, was in a great mood. A 2-0 lead was absolutely a perfect start to the series. Regarding Head Coach Carlisle's comments, he simply smiled and began to defend his players:
"Misjudgment? No, no, no. The NBA just modified the traveling rule this year. Kayce's technical move was completely fine, and the referee's call was undoubtedly very correct. Caron Butler directly pushed my player down; that was absolutely not a basketball play!"
"As for Kevin's slump, that's also very normal. Don't forget, he's only a third-year rookie. The Thunder are the youngest team in the NBA, and I hope everyone can be a bit more lenient with the young men."
Once rule issues were involved, all relevant NBA personnel became alert, and Kayce's step-back jumper was repeatedly replayed. Some said it was a travel, others said it was a good shot, pushing this call directly into the spotlight.
On TNT's program that night, host Ernie Johnson and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley were also discussing the game.
"Wow! We've watched Kayce's move several times. Guys, what are your thoughts? Was this a misjudgment by the referee?"
Host Ernie Johnson asked his two partners, one on his left and one on his right, with an exaggerated tone.
"According to the new rules, Kayce actually didn't travel. 0-1-2, if we pay close attention to the timing of his gather, it completely conforms to the rules. However, we only fully saw this after watching the slow-motion replay. Based on the situation on the court at the time, it was indeed a call favorable to the home team."
Kenny Smith immediately offered his opinion after watching it several times.
"I also admit that it's a beautiful technical move, but I don't like such rule changes. Since the 90s, the NBA has started to introduce a large number of rules, and all of them favor perimeter attackers, which has made our style of play much softer."
Charles Barkley began to reminisce about the tough-guy basketball of yesteryear.
"So, the referee didn't misjudge. Kayce is indeed a genius player. I find it hard to imagine how he managed to make such a move. That's truly terrifying body coordination."
"The Thunder won a tough game. Under the Mavericks' double-team defense, Kayce scored 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, and 2 steals. I find it hard to imagine he's still a rookie. After going to Dallas, do you think the Mavericks will win a game back?"
Charles Barkley immediately spoke up when he heard Ernie Johnson's words:
"I think the Mavericks will definitely win at home. They've found a way to limit the Thunder. Although Kayce played very well and Russell also played well, just look at Kevin Durant's slump! This is the downside of relying too much on the perimeter."
"I agree with your point, but honestly, Durant himself is only a third-year rookie. Despite a sluggish first half, he still managed to score 24 points in the entire game. We shouldn't be too demanding of him; he's performed very well in the playoffs before!"
Kenny Smith has always greatly admired Durant, and upon hearing Barkley's words, he immediately began to speak favorably of Durant.
"I need to remind both of you, we might be witnessing the best perimeter trio in history. Russell scored 26 points in this game, Kevin 24 points, and Kayce 28 points. The trio once again combined for 78 points! This is very rare in NBA history! Give them some time to grow!"
Host Ernie Johnson also began to advocate for the Thunder's trio.
"OK! I'm just reminding the Thunder that they need to add an excellent big man in the offseason. In the playoffs, an excellent big man can better help the team. Look at the Thunder's clumsy screens; I really want to give their interior a good lesson!"
Charles Barkley began to criticize the Thunder's interior defense again.
"Oh! Speaking of that, our production team even edited a few possessions from this game for us. Poor Kevin, immediately double-teamed after a screen. We often saw this phenomenon in the first half."
"Hahaha, buddy, are you going to run a training camp in the offseason? I'm signing up Jeff Green in advance. God, I bet Dirk must love the Thunder's interior defense! He's scored 34 points in two consecutive games!"
The Thunder didn't celebrate too much after winning at home, because their Western Conference Semifinals schedule was very tight, with only one day between home and away games.
Thinking of this, Kayce wanted to complain about the Los Angeles Lakers' schedule. Why could the Los Angeles Lakers rest for four days when they traveled for an away game? Considering the distance, this time seemed a bit too long.
When Kayce returned to his mansion in Oklahoma City, his UCLA brothers had already left. After spending half a month in Oklahoma City, everyone felt bored. After a brief discussion, everyone unanimously agreed to go to Los Angeles to wait for Kayce.
In Love's words: We firmly believe that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Thunder will play in the Western Conference Finals, so everyone should buy tickets in advance and reminisce about the wonderful life in Los Angeles back then.
Upon hearing this, Kayce immediately understood that these guys weren't impressed with the girls in Oklahoma City, which is why they all went to Los Angeles to play ball.
After a quick wash, Kayce immediately lay down on his big bed. He had to fly to Dallas tomorrow, and staying in a hotel wasn't pleasant. Plus, the away team's locker room environment was mediocre, so he had to get a good night's rest!
In the Dream Training Space, Kayce happily saw a new notification on the control panel. He quickly went to the Achievement Room and saw the newly produced bronze badge. He gently tapped it to view its attributes:
Achievement Badge [Defensive Deterrence]: 6/50
Deters opposing offensive players, making them more likely to miss shots.
The badge attributes were simple and direct, and Kayce was very satisfied with them. Although the bronze effect was certainly not very obvious at the moment, it would definitely provide a huge bonus to him after upgrading. He had already experienced that badges not only enhanced his technical application but also provided more benefits in terms of game experience.
How to better read the opponent's defense, properly use one's own skills, how to better defend the opponent's core player, combine with the team's defensive system, and limit the opponent's performance, all of these require rich game experience.
However, Kayce, with a body full of silver badges, found that he possessed an extraordinary intuition. When he played on the court, he could better read the game, as if he had already played three or four seasons in the NBA. This was the potential effect of the badges.
Thinking of the wonderful scene when the badges would be upgraded to gold next season, Kayce's mood became increasingly cheerful. He also gave himself a mental hint:
"It's a good thing to have badges produced. Although the away game in Dallas will be tough, what if the Mavericks have an off night..."
On May 6th, the NBA announced the 2009-2010 All-NBA Teams. Kevin Durant successfully made the First Team. The five players on the First Team were: Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Dwight Howard.
Kayce, with his outstanding performance in his rookie season, was also selected to the Second Team. The five players on the Second Team were: Steve Nash, Kayce Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Dirk Nowitzki.
The five players on the Third Team were: Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Joe Johnson, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol.
Adding to yesterday's announcement of the All-Defensive Teams, the First Team consisted of: Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant, Gerald Wallace, LeBron James, and Dwight Howard;
The Second Team consisted of: Dwyane Wade, Thabo Sefolosha, Josh Smith, Anderson Varejão, and Tim Duncan.
By this morning, all the NBA regular season awards had been announced.
On the plane to Dallas, the Thunder players all congratulated Kayce, Durant, and Thabo Sefolosha. All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams were considered remarkable achievements, as many role players never made such lists in their entire careers.
"Thabo Sefolosha, I told you before that you'd definitely make the All-Defensive Team. See, I was right, this is so cool! We actually have three All-NBA players on our team!"
Jeff Green was also happy for the trio. Although he himself didn't receive any awards, as long as he kept pace with the team's star players, data and contracts would surely follow.
"I didn't expect to make the All-Defensive Team either. Perhaps our record gave me a big boost. Thank you, everyone!"
Thabo Sefolosha said happily.
"It's a shame, Kayce, it would have been great if you could have made the First Team. Unfortunately, the competition at guard is just too fierce. Kobe and Wade have been firmly occupying those spots in recent years."
Russell felt sorry for his good brother. After all, making the First Team in a rookie season would have been even more legendary.
"This result is also good; I'm already very satisfied. Congratulations, Kevin, on winning the scoring title this season and successfully making the All-NBA First Team. A big contract will definitely be waiting for you in the offseason!"
Durant's mood became even more cheerful upon hearing Kayce's words. Who was the core player? Thinking of the happy moment, he directly leaned back in a tactical recline and then excitedly said:
"Thanks for all your support, guys! Wait for my good news! This offseason, I'm going to make a lot of money! And then I'm going to throw the biggest party in Oklahoma City!"
"Maybe I can even invite Scarlett. She's about to be single again. What do you guys think!"
"Ugh! Forget it, Kevin, Hollywood women aren't for you! Let's just invite some small models; that way, we'll have more fun!"
"Scarlett isn't divorced yet. Maybe that's just a show, and their marriage is fine."
"No, I believe the media reports. Her current married life isn't suitable for her. She needs more freedom. I have a feeling she'll be single this year!"
Kayce was speechless when he heard Durant's words. Still deluding himself! He'd end up with nothing after all that simping.
After the plane landed, the Thunder quickly arrived at the hotel. The inconvenience of playing on the road is that all your training time has to accommodate the home team. The Thunder had about two hours of training in the afternoon, so after lunch, everyone had to quickly go to the American Airlines Center to start training.
During the training session, the Assistant Coach organized everyone for simple passing and cutting drills. In the last game, facing the Mavericks' double-team defense, the Thunder played too passively. Playing on the road, the coaching staff naturally wanted to prevent the situation from the last game from happening again.
Coach Brooks frowned on the sidelines. The Thunder is currently a team that relies heavily on screens, but when playing on the road, Jeff Green and Serge Ibaka are easily caught by referees for subtle movements, resulting in moving screen fouls. This has already proven true in the first round of the playoffs.
Thinking about playing on the road and the screening quality decreasing again, Coach Brooks was extremely frustrated. Knowing the team's weakest link but being unable to strengthen it felt terrible.
"Scott, maybe the situation isn't as bad as you think. Both we and the Mavericks are teams that rely on outside shooting, and the opponent's shooting percentage will also fluctuate. In the playoffs, I still believe more in the role of star players. Kayce greatly raises our floor."
Coach Brooks listened to the Assistant Coach's words and responded helplessly:
"What I'm worried about is the referee's whistle. Coming to Dallas, the referees will definitely be more lenient with some defensive actions, which is very unfavorable for us. Unlike the game against the San Antonio Spurs, Rick Carlisle is a big gambler; he might test our role players again."
"I believe the boys will perform well. If we look at the regular season data, Jeff Green's shooting percentage will definitely rebound slowly. We've already prepared two contingency plans. Most importantly, we only need to win one game on the road."
Thinking that they were already leading 2-0, Coach Brooks no longer dwelled on the issue of screening quality. Winning one more game would give the Thunder match point, which was definitely the best news for them.
"Just win one game!"
The Mavericks' front office also received notification that Caron Butler was not suspended and could play as usual in tomorrow night's game. This was great news for the Mavericks, who were stretched thin on perimeter defense.
Head Coach Carlisle also breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this news. Unless absolutely necessary, he really didn't want Jason Terry to guard Kayce; their size difference was too great, making it essentially a free pass on defense.
"Rick, for tomorrow night's game, should we continue with the 2-3 zone defense? I'm a bit worried that the Thunder's outside shooting might suddenly heat up. You know, Jeff Green's three-point percentage is 33.6%. Although he didn't play well in the first two games, the zone defense is still too risky."
"But we must prevent Kayce from catching the ball and shooting from the mid-post, and we also need to limit Durant and Russell's drives. Dampier cannot protect the rim with his individual defensive ability, and we cannot expend Dirk too much on defense. The zone defense is the best option."
The Assistant Coach thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. Seeing Head Coach Carlisle's serious expression, he immediately said:
"Butler didn't produce the offense we expected. His offensive efficiency is too low under Kayce's defense. Perhaps next season we should change our approach to strengthening the team."
Head Coach Carlisle pondered for a moment before stating his idea for strengthening the team:
"I hope to bring in another three-point shooter. Outside shooting is becoming increasingly important in games. All right, enough about that. Call the players over; we'll continue to drill our defensive rotations. We must win tomorrow night's game!"
On the evening of May 7th, at the American Airlines Center, enthusiastic Dallas fans entered the arena early. Tonight, the Mavericks' front office also handed out white cheering T-shirts. The venue, which can hold 19,200 people, had now turned into a sea of white.
In the player tunnel, the Thunder players felt the heated atmosphere of the away game and were all a bit nervous. Although they were leading 2-0, everyone knew that the previous games were not easy wins, and in an away playoff game, the whistle would also favor the home team. Tonight was destined to be a difficult game.
"Luckily, my mother didn't come with me to Dallas. Honestly, I don't really like some Dallas fans!"
Durant could faintly hear all sorts of chaotic jeers in the player tunnel. This place was actually quite unfriendly to Black people, which is why many Black players don't want to go to the Mavericks.
"Whatever, I'm just here to play. I've gotten used to the playoff atmosphere. Actually, seeing them so flustered is really interesting!"
Russell had recently gotten another haircut and looked even fiercer. Hearing Durant's words, he immediately responded with a smile.
"Alright, Green, quickly throw away that broken talisman of yours. Maybe your terrible shooting touch in the first two games was caused by that talisman. Didn't the previous psychic run away overnight already?"
Kayce saw Jeff Green clutching the talisman next to him, muttering to himself, and couldn't help but complain.
"No, it has become my spiritual sustenance, just like Michael Jordan likes to wear the No. 23 jersey. I can't live without this good luck charm anymore!"
Hearing Jeff Green's words, all the Thunder players were speechless. Superstition truly kills people.
When they heard the arena DJ start introducing the visiting team, the Thunder players quickly ran out of the player tunnel. The game was about to begin!
After the entrance ceremony, both teams conducted their final warm-ups. Kayce noticed Caron Butler staring intently at him and couldn't help but say to Russell next to him:
"If I continue to dominate that guy tonight, what do you think his reaction will be?"
"Haha, Bro, then I'll have to keep an eye on him for you. He better not try to touch you. If Kostić hadn't stopped me last game, I would've given him two solid punches."
The excitable Russell actually enjoyed this kind of head-to-head feeling. Unfortunately, his matchup with old Kidd lacked any passion; the opponent was a complete veteran who ignored him no matter how he provoked him.
Seeing Caron Butler looking like he was ready to fight, Russell was already getting excited.
"No! No punching! Throwing punches on the road can easily get you suspended by the referees. If a conflict happens, just trip him. Then, watch my signal!"
Kayce also prepared in advance. Tonight, he had to dominate the opponent. If they won this game, the series would be completely different.
"Don't worry! I've got this!"
At this moment, the referee signaled both players to come to center court. Kostić and Dampier went to the center circle for the jump ball. The audience at the American Airlines Center, led by the arena DJ, began to shout loudly:
"Let's go Mavs! Let's go Mavs! Let's go Mavs!"
"Slap"
Dampier, fueled by the home crowd's atmosphere, successfully tipped the ball to the Mavericks. Kidd took the ball and immediately dribbled it across half-court. Dampier went to the free-throw line, received the pass, and with a simple high-low post combination, immediately passed the ball to Nowitzki on the left low post.
Facing Jeff Green's defense, he used a triple threat, a jab step, and then quickly released a fadeaway pull-up jumper.
"Swish" The mid-range shot went in cleanly.
"Ah ha!!"
The American Airlines Center crowd began to cheer for Nowitzki's basket. The arena turned into a sea of white. Seeing Nowitzki score, team owner Mark Cuban, sitting below the basketball hoop, also clenched his fist and cheered.
The Thunder quickly inbounded the ball. Russell dribbled across half-court and immediately noticed the opponent was playing a 2-3 zone defense from the start. The Thunder's coaching staff was also prepared for this. Jeff Green quickly ran to the right corner.
Russell quickly passed the ball to Kayce on the left side outside the three-point line. Kostić also moved towards Kayce's direction. Before the screen was set, Kayce suddenly dribbled with his left hand and executed a crossover step to break through. Noticing that Dampier had put all his defensive attention on him, he quickly passed the ball back to Russell at the top of the arc.
Kidd's help defense was half a beat late, causing Marion to quickly collapse inside. Russell didn't force an attack and immediately passed the ball to Durant on the right side outside the three-point line. The latter caught the ball and shot a jumper.
"Swish" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
After scoring, Durant excitedly thumped his chest. In the last game, he was 0-for-5 from three-point range. In this away game, he had to prove his scoring ability.
Kidd quickly dribbled the ball across half-court. Nowitzki came to the left elbow area of the free-throw line. After receiving a pass from Kidd, Marion first cut inside, drawing away Durant's defense.
Nowitzki, facing Jeff Green's defense, quickly put the ball down with his right hand, suddenly spun, accelerated directly, took three big steps, and scored with a left-handed underhand layup.
Jeff Green was a bit confused. Starting a dribble drive from such a distance was quite unexpected for him; he was completely caught off guard.
On the Thunder's ensuing possession, they ran the same play again. After Kayce received the ball, Kostić again came up to set a screen. Caron Butler was now tightly guarding Kayce.
Noticing that Dampier's defense wasn't coming up too high, Kayce quickly put the ball down with his right hand, suddenly changed direction in front of his body, and used Kostić's screen to temporarily shake off Caron Butler's entanglement. Just a step past the three-point line, he pulled up for a long two-point jump shot.
"Swish" The two-point shot went in steadily.
"Oh!!"
The audience at the American Airlines Center also let out a gasp. Many fans had seen the highlights from the last game, and Kayce's unreasonable long two-pointers left a deep impression on them.
Caron Butler's scalp instantly tingled. He once again remembered the fear of being dominated by Kayce's long two-pointers in the last game. It was the same spot again. These annoying two-pointers kept going in, which was a real test of a defender's mental state.
On the sidelines, Head Coach Carlisle quickly gave his players a hand signal, indicating for them to maintain their defensive composure and stick to their current strategy.
The Mavericks' offense also made adjustments for this game. coaching staff shifted Caron Butler's ball-handling duties, starting to give the ball to Nowitzki more often. After two games, both sides had laid their cards on the table: they were going to play star-centric basketball.
As Nowitzki received the ball on the right block, Marion quickly cut inside again, drawing Durant to the other side. Noticing Nowitzki release the ball, Kostić immediately stepped up to double-team him. Nowitzki flicked his wrist, and Dampier, who received the pass in the paint, scored with a right-handed floater.
This 35-year-old veteran's ability to serve as the Mavericks' starting center naturally meant he had some skills.
Seeing the somewhat active Dampier, Kayce immediately gave Russell a hand signal, while also shouting loudly to his teammates on the court:
"Move!"
The Thunder's subsequent offense began to involve more in-and-out plays, constantly moving the Mavericks' defense around. This was also the game strategy formulated by the coaching staff before the game. Dampier, after all, was a veteran; he could hold his own in the first half, but he was bound to falter in the second.
The Thunder were actually very good at driving and dishing. Not only did all three of their main players have ball-handling ability, but Jeff Green could also make some moves at times, breaking into the paint to draw fouls. After a series of drives and dishes this time, Kayce received a pass from Russell in the right corner.
Caron Butler's defense immediately rotated into position. Kayce first faked, causing the defender's weight to shift forward, then quickly put the ball down with his left hand, accelerated to drive, and suddenly pulled the ball back between his legs while in motion, completely shaking off Caron Butler's defense, and shot a mid-range jumper.
"Swish!" With perfect offensive rhythm, the two-point shot went in steadily.
Because the Thunder's several outside shots all connected after the opening, the Mavericks' defense dared not collapse too much. With the offensive space on the court opening up, the Thunder's offense flowed more smoothly. The Mavericks were also doing the same, relying on Nowitzki's excellent performance, and the score seesawed back and forth.
This made the American Airlines Center crowd extremely nervous. Both sides had very high offensive efficiency. Both were shooting teams, and once they found their rhythm, the outcome of the game could be decided in just a few possessions.
With 2 minutes and 58 seconds left in the first quarter, the Thunder made their first rotation. Thabo Sefolosha replaced Kayce, and Serge Ibaka replaced Jeff Green. Coach Brooks felt that this game might be exceptionally intense, and wanted to let the starters rest in the first half.
In the remaining two minutes, Durant played a bit frustrated. The offensive space on the court instantly shrunk significantly, causing the Mavericks' defense to gradually collapse again, and he couldn't drive in anymore.
Fortunately, Serge Ibaka, after coming on, contributed two mid-range shots, and with Russell's long two, the Thunder managed to hold on for the final few minutes. It was 30-32, with the home team Mavericks temporarily leading by two points.
Head Coach Carlisle was also going all out in this game; Nowitzki was not subbed out until 42 seconds remained in the first quarter. In this game, the Mavericks were determined to maximize their starters' playing time.
In the second quarter's rotation, Jason Terry and Barea both entered the game. Caron Butler, Marion, and Nowitzki were also all on the court, with the Mavericks deploying a complete small-ball lineup with one big man and four small.
On the Thunder's side, it was five forwards, with Kayce continuing at the point guard position. Jeff Green had a good feel in the first quarter, hitting a three-pointer, and coming on now was also to open up some offensive space.
As the Thunder started their offense, the live audience began to shout loudly for the Mavericks' defense:
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
After Kayce brought the ball over half-court, he quickly passed it to Thabo Sefolosha on the right side beyond the three-point line. Utilizing Collison's screen, they executed a simple UCLA cut. The Mavericks' defensive attention was entirely focused on Kayce, while Collison seized the opportunity to quickly cut to the basket.
After receiving the pass from Thabo Sefolosha, the Mavericks' defense was a half-step slow, and Collison immediately shot a floater near the paint.
"Swish!" The two-point shot in the paint went in.
The Thunder's rotation lineup changed their strategy from the previous two games, starting to incorporate more off-ball cuts, sometimes even some chaotic, random movements. After all, this tactic was unfamiliar to everyone, and miscommunications were quite normal.
The Mavericks' offense, on the other hand, began to rely on the performances of Jason Terry and Barea. Nowitzki moved more to the three-point line to facilitate from the high post. At the same time, the two smaller guards also extended their offensive range, even starting to initiate pick-and-rolls from two steps beyond the three-point line.
But the effect was indeed good. Barea, using Nowitzki's screen from beyond the three-point line, changed direction in front of his body with his right hand, then accelerated and drove with the ball in his left hand. After shaking off Kayce's entanglement, he continued to accelerate at full speed, charging towards the Thunder's restricted area.
Facing Collison's block, he scored with a clever floater. Serge Ibaka was drawn to the three-point line by Nowitzki, instantly weakening the Thunder's rim protection. The opponent completely used speed to overpower the Thunder's defense.
After quickly inbounding the ball, Kayce brought it over half-court and immediately passed it to Serge Ibaka at the free-throw line. He faked a move to the left, then suddenly pushed off his feet and quickly reversed, receiving the pass from Serge Ibaka. From beyond the three-point line, a convincing pump fake sent Marion flying.
He accelerated and drove with the ball in his right hand, noticing that Nowitzki had already come over to help on defense. While in motion, he suddenly made a behind-the-back bounce pass with his right hand, accurately finding the cutting Serge Ibaka, who received the ball and easily slammed it down with both hands!
During the second quarter's rotation, Kayce intensified his off-ball movement and also expanded his receiving range. This caused him to expend more energy, but he successfully revitalized the team. After more than four minutes of play, both teams brought all their starters back onto the court.
Both sides completely launched into an offensive battle, with three-pointers constantly falling, causing the home fans to let out continuous gasps of surprise. Such a game was too exciting, and both teams continued to exchange leads.
At halftime, it was 62-64, with the home team Mavericks still leading by two points.
During halftime, Coach Brooks didn't say much about tactical arrangements. The Thunder's offense in the first half was excellent, and they capitalized on several open three-pointers. Being down by two points only indicated that the Mavericks' offense had also fully opened up.
"Guys, tonight is a great opportunity. Ignore the two-point deficit; there's still half a game left. We absolutely have a chance to win this game. Shoot with conviction; their zone defense can't collapse too much. We need to utilize the offensive space on the court!"
"Come on, win this game, and we'll lead 3-0. There will be no more suspense in this series, guys, we're going to the Western Conference Finals!"
Upon hearing Coach Brooks's inspiring words, the Thunder players were instantly thrilled, after all, it was the Western Conference Finals! Kayce was also a bit excited; it was rare for his teammates to be so effective. They absolutely had to win this game!
"Woah! One, Two, Three, Family!"
After the third quarter began, both teams went completely wild. The Thunder started on offense, Russell dribbled over half-court, and immediately passed the ball to Jeff Green in the left elbow area of the free-throw line. Kayce faked going to receive the ball, then suddenly made a reverse cut.
He received the pass from Jeff Green about a step beyond the left three-point line, and without hesitation, immediately jumped up and shot!
"Swish!" The long-range three-pointer went in steadily.
"Oh!!"
The American Airlines Center crowd erupted in a huge gasp. Such a shot was terrifying. The Thunder had taken the lead again. On the return possession, Nowitzki again came out to the three-point line to set a high screen. After the pick-and-roll, Kidd drove with his right hand, then passed the ball back to Nowitzki.
With a slight fake, Jeff Green instantly jumped up. Nowitzki dribbled one step with the ball in his left hand, then quickly gathered it, faked again, and made Durant jump. He adjusted his posture and shot a long two-point jumper.
"Swish!" The two-point shot went in steadily.
In the third quarter, both teams once again showcased their perimeter firepower, with long twos and three-pointers falling consecutively. At this point, the American Airlines Center crowd could only cheer loudly for the home team. This game was too exciting; the fans were almost overwhelmed, their hearts pounding.
The starters for both teams played almost the entire second half, and in the fourth quarter, they played without a break. The Mavericks brought in Haywood, and the Thunder brought in Serge Ibaka. With 42 seconds left in the game, it was 112-113, with the Mavericks still leading by one point.
Head Coach Carlisle called a timeout at this moment; this possession was crucial.
"Spread the floor for offense. About 12 seconds left on the shot clock. Cross screen. Dirk gets the ball at the elbow or block, create a one-on-one opportunity. Haywood, set a good screen, no fouls!!"
After the timeout, Kidd carefully managed the clock, letting the offensive time tick down second by second. With 30 seconds left, Haywood and Nowitzki executed a cross screen in the three-second area.
Afterward, Nowitzki successfully received the ball at the left elbow of the free-throw line. His other teammates quickly spread out. The Thunder did not double-team at this point; the Mavericks' outside shooting was too accurate tonight.
Nowitzki, after receiving the ball, faced Serge Ibaka's defense. After a triple threat, a pump fake, he quickly put the ball down with his right hand, then suddenly turned, accelerated and drove with the ball in his left hand. Facing Serge Ibaka's block, he shot a fadeaway floater.
"Swish!" The two-point shot went in.
"Ah!!"
At this moment, the American Airlines Center was already in an uproar. Mark Cuban, the team owner sitting under the basketball hoop, was also flushed with excitement. Leading by three points with 20 seconds left, victory was in sight!
Coach Brooks quickly called a timeout, rapidly drawing up the tactical arrangement on the whiteboard, while loudly signaling to his players:
"This is the last timeout, guys. Our first option is, of course, a three-pointer. Move the ball patiently; we have enough offensive time. Of course, if a quick two-point opportunity arises, be sure to take it!"
The high-intensity game had made the Thunder players a bit sluggish in their reactions, but the strategy was simple and clear, and everyone immediately nodded, indicating they understood.
With 20 seconds on the shot clock, the Thunder first moved the ball around the perimeter. When there were about 8 seconds left in the game, Russell at the top of the arc suddenly made a crossover. Before he could make another move, Kidd immediately fouled him.
Head Coach Carlisle still opted for a free-throw battle.
Russell at the free-throw line calmly made his first free throw. He adjusted his breathing for the second, shot steadily, but the ball hit the back rim and bounced out. At this moment, several players under the basket scrambled for the rebound. Jeff Green also gave his all, desperately boxing out Haywood.
Serge Ibaka was pushed around, instinctively batting the ball out. At this point, the court was in chaos, and the crowd screamed continuously. Russell seized the opportunity, pouncing like a hungry tiger, securing possession, and instinctively flung the ball to Kayce beyond the three-point line.
Kayce, upon receiving the ball, acted purely on instinct. Without hesitation, from a step beyond the left three-point line, he directly jumped up and shot.
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
"Oh!!!"
The American Airlines Center crowd collectively let out a gasp. With only 2.3 seconds left, the Thunder had taken a one-point lead.
"Ah!!"
Before Kayce could even show off, the Thunder players all rushed towards him; this shot had practically sealed the game.