The cruelty of competitive sports often lies in the fact that few people sympathize with the losers. Fans will find all sorts of excuses for their favorite star players when they lose, but most media and commentators will kick you when you're down.
At the Mavericks' press conference after Game 4, America's media reporters began to stir up trouble with all kinds of questions. Facing a dejected Nowitzki, an ESPN reporter directly asked:
"Dirk, we all know you're an excellent star player, but the Mavericks' performance has never met fans' expectations. Will you leave Dallas in the offseason? It's rumored that Nash is recruiting you to the Phoenix Suns!"
With the Mavericks getting swept, media reporters were no longer concerned about the game itself. Everyone wanted to know if Nowitzki, who had never won a championship, would team up with his old friend Nash in the offseason. This was the hot topic everyone was discussing.
A dejected Nowitzki heard the reporter's question, shook his head helplessly, and then replied:
"I don't know where those boring rumors come from, but my stance has always been clear: I want to retire in Dallas. I don't want to wear another team's jersey. I believe I will win a championship in Dallas!"
Apart from the Dallas media reporters, everyone else who heard Nowitzki's answer felt a bit disappointed. Such a definitive answer wouldn't attract public attention.
LeBron James was much more reliable. When faced with such questions, he always gave open-ended answers, which allowed everyone to freely fabricate news.
A TNT reporter continued to ask questions. Since they couldn't stir up trouble in the free agency market, they turned their attention to the Thunder:
"Dirk, can you briefly comment on Kayce's performance? He had an all-around triple-double performance in Game 4. Do you think Kayce has now become a qualified All-Star?"
Nowitzki glanced at the TNT reporter. This was truly touching a sore spot. They had been swept, what was there to comment on? He reined in his scattered thoughts, pondered for a moment, and then Nowitzki finally spoke:
"Kayce is certainly an All-Star player. In fact, we tried various methods to limit him on defense, but it's clear that we all failed. Reaching the Western Conference Finals in his rookie season is an incredible achievement. I believe he will have a legendary career."
"Dirk, what do you think was the biggest reason for the team's loss? Did Caron Butler meet the team's expectations? What are the Mavericks' plans for strengthening the team in the offseason, and will you recruit Wade? He's a free agent this year."
Nowitzki heard the black female reporter's words and almost gave her a punch. How did he lose the championship that year? And she was asking him to recruit an opponent?
"Losing is simply because we didn't play well enough. Building a team is not my responsibility; I am just a basketball player. Of course, if the team needs me to step up, I will actively cooperate with the team. As for Wade, I have no intention of recruiting him."
Compared to the Mavericks' somber atmosphere, the Thunder's side was much more relaxed. Durant, who scored 28 points, and Kayce, who achieved a triple-double, both attended the post-game press conference. With the Thunder successfully advancing to the Western Conference Finals, media reporters were all very respectful.
A TNT reporter noticed Durant carrying a small backpack, along with his bizarre red and green color scheme. Suppressing his amusement, he immediately asked:
"KD, congratulations on successfully advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Before the playoffs began, many people didn't favor the Thunder, but you've delivered perfect results in the first two rounds. Can you briefly explain the secret to the team's success?"
"You know, we have the best coach in the league, we've built an excellent winning culture in the locker room, and of course, the most important thing is unity. We are family, and that's the secret to our success this season."
Durant, who successfully made it to the Western Conference Finals, was in a great mood. He scored the highest points in this game and was delighted to wear his carefully matched outfit after the game.
Deep red casual pants, a dark green plaid shirt, a beige canvas backpack, and large black-rimmed glasses on his head. Durant felt he was super trendy! Meanwhile, Kayce, seeing his bizarre color scheme, almost spat out his drink.
A TNT reporter noticed Kayce was a bit low-key and immediately asked:
"Kayce, when you first entered the league, you said you would win Rookie of the Year, and you delivered on that promise. This season, you were also selected for the All-Star Game, and tonight you successfully advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Can you talk about your current goals now?"
"The Western Conference Finals is just the beginning, of course. My goal has actually never changed; I will always pursue a championship. If I had to set a small goal, I hope to successfully reach the NBA Finals during my rookie contract."
Kayce was dressed very modestly, Keds high-top canvas shoes with light blue jeans, and a simple black casual suit jacket over a white T-shirt.
Paired with his somewhat messy spiky hair, he generally gave the impression of a handsome big boy. However, the words that came out of Kayce's mouth somewhat undermined his seemingly gentle and humble demeanor.
All the reporters present were a bit speechless after hearing Kayce's answer. A 'small goal' was the NBA Finals! This was too immodest, yet they couldn't refute it. After all, he really made it to the Western Conference Finals in his first year, and was only 4 wins away from the NBA Finals.
The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward. At this moment, an ABC media reporter suddenly asked a gossip question unrelated to basketball:
"Kayce, I noticed that on April 29th, Shakira suddenly @ you on Twitter. Many people are very curious, how did you two meet?"
Kayce was immediately speechless upon hearing this question. It had been over a week, and he couldn't believe she still remembered it. But on the surface, he still replied with a smile:
"That day was the UEFA Champions League Semifinals. Shakira and I, of course, met at the All-Star Game. We even made a bet then, and I won. Inter Milan eliminated Barcelona!"
Kayce noticed that other reporters also had an interest in gossip, so he immediately gave a look to the press officer next to him. This was a post-game press conference for a basketball game, but he found that the other person was also looking at him with a gossipy expression.
"Kayce, can you elaborate on how you two met? Fans are very curious!"
"..."
Immediately after Game 4 ended, Oklahoma City fans were ecstatic. They had actually made it to the Western Conference Finals! Excited fans had already begun to spontaneously organize to pick up the team at the airport tomorrow.
On May 10th, LeBron James once again became the focus. After Game 4 of the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals, the Thunder successfully swept the Mavericks, while the Cavaliers lost last night. LeBron James only scored 22 points in this game and also had 7 turnovers, with the series score once again tied at 2-2.
Losing wasn't really newsworthy. America's media reporters were always very lenient towards LeBron James. Getting a road win meant the Cavaliers had already done their job excellently.
However, perhaps because LeBron James's performance was so poor, a beat reporter couldn't help but break the news that James had actually been playing with an injury; his left elbow had been injured in the first round!
When the media reporters, who loved to stir up trouble, heard about this, they didn't go to interview LeBron James himself. Instead, they went to interview Kobe Bryant for his opinion on the matter. When it came to stirring up trouble, they were absolutely professional!
And Kobe's response to the reporter's question about how he viewed LeBron James playing with an injury was also very interesting:
"Probably because LeBron is in Cleveland, and there's nothing else to talk about, you'd ask such a boring question!"
"I've been playing with injuries all season, everyone's probably used to it. But LeBron is different from me; this should be his first injury this season, and it happened in the playoffs, so that's why so many people are paying attention! This is just a trivial matter not worth mentioning."
The Thunder players didn't care about these gossip stories. Today, they officially returned to Oklahoma City, and as soon as they got off the plane, they were greeted with enthusiastic welcome from the fans. Many passionate fans had been waiting early outside the airport for the players to appear.
Coach Brooks hadn't expected so many fans to show up. Everyone was shouting the players' names loudly to express their excitement.
Seeing all the players eager and ready, Coach Brooks waved his hand and said directly:
"Everyone go and thank the Oklahoma City fans! They are the ones who give us the best home court in the league!"
"Ah!!!"
Kayce looked at the two little girls hugging him and refusing to let go, both amused and exasperated. He gently patted their heads and said kindly:
"Alright, girls, I'll stay right here, I'm not going anywhere. You can let go now. A photo? Of course, no problem!"
There were simply too many enthusiastic fans. In the end, the team staff arranged a big group photo for everyone, and only then did everyone leave, satisfied.
Durant noticed that Kayce was surrounded by female fans, and his heart couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He felt that his temperament was more outstanding, yet no one appreciated him. He hated this superficial world.
"That's so cool! Guys, the fans in Oklahoma City are so passionate. If one day we can win the championship, I really can't imagine what our championship parade will be like!"
Russell, who loved excitement, was even happier to see so many fans come to pick them up, and he couldn't help but imagine the scene of winning the championship.
Kayce noticed Russell's longing expression, patted his good brother's shoulder, and said firmly:
"Perhaps the whole city will turn into a blue ocean! That day will come!"
The Thunder swept the Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals, which also gave them ample rest time. Russell gave the players two days off to relax.
The opponent for the Western Conference Finals had not yet been determined. If the Phoenix Suns could continue to hold their home court tonight, then the series would be tied at 2-2, and the two teams would play a pivotal Game 5.
Kayce also knew that Russell was hoping for the Phoenix Suns to win, after all, no one wanted to play the Los Angeles Lakers with their twin towers in the Western Conference Finals.
When Kayce returned to his mansion in Oklahoma City, he immediately found that Chapman was already waiting for him at home. Seeing his serious expression, he couldn't help but tease him with a smile:
"What's wrong, buddy? Suddenly so serious. I've read all the previous emails, and our R&D progress is very good!"
"Rick got reliable news that Adidas might launch their revolutionary material around 2012, which is one year earlier than we expected. If we want to seize the opportunity to expand the market, we must launch new running shoes by the end of 2011 at the latest."
"And considering that although the technology we apply bypasses the other party's patent, it may still be subject to their lawsuit. At present, time is very tight."
Kayce listened to Chapman's serious tone, thought seriously for a moment, and immediately said:
"I remember there should be no problem with the patent. Dow Chemical has guaranteed us. Are you worried that the new running shoes will not sell well? Don't worry, trust me, young people will definitely love these shoes!"
Kayce certainly knew how popular Adidas' Boost was. Future memories told him that this elastic foam material was widely used.
And the Flow technology, jointly named by Dow Chemical and Keds, had a similar feel to Boost. As long as the upper design kept up, there would definitely be no lack of market.
"I hope you are right. I have been very worried about this recently. The lawsuit problem may be easy to solve, but I am really powerless about the market problem. After all, running shoes are not canvas shoes, and in some professional fields, I am completely an outsider."
"However, Rick and you have the same view. He is very optimistic about this new material. We have recently recruited many designers from Converse, Nike, and Adidas, and re-planned the product line. As long as we get through early 2012, we might make a fortune!"
Chapman had been so anxious lately that he had insomnia. Kayce rarely rested, so he immediately came over to complain. Kayce noticed that the other party seemed to be about to enter talkative mode again, so he quickly changed the subject:
"These are small things, buddy! No need to rush, take it one step at a time according to the plan. We don't have financial pressure either. Sometimes you need to relax appropriately. How was Taylor's concert?"
"Fantastic! Hardworking girls always get rewarded. She's practically a walking ATM. God! Your rookie season is finally over. We're releasing a new album during the offseason, so maybe you can hold a few unplugged indoor concerts first."
"Keds also has a lot of activities. We plan to launch retro colorways around July. You and Taylor both need to participate in promotional activities. I should discuss with the publicity department and hype up your relationship with Shakira. How about a love triangle?"
"When you release your album, we can fully utilize this point. First, launch your and Taylor's CP combination, then hype up Shakira's news, then you break up. When you release a single, you can get back together again, and the popularity will immediately come!"
Kayce's head instantly swelled, and he immediately interrupted the other party, unable to help but complain loudly:
"Can't we change the subject? Everyone is tired of these melodramatic combinations. We should think of some high-end release methods! This will affect my image!"
"Don't forget, Kayce, the fans attracted by the songs you write love to read these melodramatic gossips. As for your image, we've always had the persona of a rich playboy, and America girls love that!"
"."
On the evening of the 10th, the Eastern and Western Conference Game 4s started again. The Magic, playing on the road, went all out from the start. Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, and Jameer Nelson continuously hit shots from beyond the arc, coupled with Howard guarding the paint, the Magic quickly established a winning lead early in the game.
The Magic, who led by 11 points in the first quarter, maintained their lead throughout. The Hawks' several attempts to rally were unsuccessful, and in the end, the Magic easily defeated the Hawks 98-84, sweeping their opponents 4-0.
In the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Coach Gentry once again resolutely used a zone defense, giving up the Los Angeles Lakers' wings. The two teams started a three-point shootout, and in the end, the Phoenix Suns, playing at home, had the last laugh, winning 106-115. The Phoenix Suns tenaciously tied the series 2-2.
Game 5, the pivotal game, might determine the direction of this series. Kayce focused on Kobe Bryant's individual performance: 15-of-22 shooting, 6-of-9 from three, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line, a total of 38 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 turnovers. Seeing such a performance, Kayce thought helplessly:
"Why is Kobe's competitive state getting better and better? Is he really playing with an injury? So terrifying!"
On May 11th, NBA fans were all focused on Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics series, but the result of this game left everyone stunned.
120-88, the Boston Celtics crushed the Cavaliers on the road. The Big Three performed exceptionally well, while LeBron James completely collapsed in this game, shooting 3-of-14, 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, only getting 15 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 turnovers.
America media reporters and basketball commentators were completely speechless after the game. This was Game 5, and LeBron James, playing at home, actually put on such a dismal performance. Even the media reporters who always favored James couldn't praise him anymore. This was simply a humiliating loss!
The impact of this game officially fermented the next day. Brian Windhorst, a Cleveland local reporter who had a close relationship with LeBron James, suddenly revealed that LeBron was "drifting away" from the Cavaliers during the playoffs!
"He was disconnected from his teammates during the game and no longer participated in discussions and communication. Worse still, Cavaliers players and Russell saw it but didn't understand why. The entire locker room atmosphere was very tense."
As soon as this news came out, Cavaliers fans expressed their inability to accept it. In the pivotal Game 5, as the team's star player, he should have led the team to strive for victory, but instead, LeBron James had a conflict with the team? What happened to The Chosen One?
On the evening of the 12th, Game 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns Western Conference Semifinals made everyone cheer with excitement. The Phoenix Suns, playing on the road, gave their all and consistently kept the score close. With 3.5 seconds left in the game, Richard Jefferson of the Phoenix Suns hit a clutch three-pointer, tying the score at 101-101.
After Kobe Bryant's forced shot missed, and everyone thought the game would go into overtime, the miraculous Ron Artest appeared under the basket and made a put-back with 0.8 seconds left!
In the end, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Phoenix Suns by two points at home, winning Game 5. The team's great hero, Artest, scored a total of 4 points, and the final 2 points were absolutely invaluable.
Coach Brooks and Russell naturally paid attention to this game. Seeing the Phoenix Suns' zone defense performance, everyone felt reassured. Even if the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately advanced to the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder could naturally follow suit and continue to use zone defense against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Scott, perhaps we can also use a 2-3 zone defense, shifting the defensive focus to Kobe Bryant and the twin towers in the paint. With Russell and Kayce on the perimeter, we can defend better than the Phoenix Suns."
"If we want to improve the defensive effect, we need to put in Serge Ibaka, which will affect our offense. Our defensive strategy may not need to be as rigid as the Phoenix Suns', but I am very worried about Kayce's physical condition. Putting a lot of effort into defense may affect his offensive efficiency."
"Then how about we increase Thabo Sefolosha's playing time, just like in the regular season? We can go small, with Kevin playing at the 4 and Serge Ibaka at the 5, further unleashing our offense. Perhaps we shouldn't spend too much energy on defense."
"I disagree with your point of view. If we can't limit the Los Angeles Lakers' offense on the defensive end, we definitely can't win the game. You've also seen Kobe Bryant's state, whether it's outside or inside, we should always limit one side."
Coach Brooks heard the discussions from Russell and was undecided, but considering the team's defensive resources, he personally preferred to unleash the team's offense. However, what made him conflicted was that if the players' shooting touch was poor during the game, then the perimeter offense would completely shut down.
"Let's continue to practice the 2-3 zone defense these days. We must adjust the players' condition well. As for using a small lineup, we can also briefly practice it. Everyone, please work hard these next few days. We need to prepare more game plans."
The members of Russell immediately responded with enthusiasm after hearing Coach Brooks' words:
"Don't worry! The Phoenix Suns have actually shown the defensive effect of the zone defense. If the Los Angeles Lakers really advance, we can also make targeted defensive adjustments!"
Coach Brooks breathed a sigh of relief and silently cheered himself on:
"The team is growing, and I can't fall behind!"
On May 13th, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals returned to the North Shore Garden. All Cavaliers fans were praying that LeBron James could lead the team to a comeback. As long as the series was tied 3-3, Game 7 would return to Cleveland.
But the seasoned Boston Celtics would not give the Cavaliers an easy way home. The Boston Celtics once again suddenly increased the intensity of the game in the third quarter, with a single quarter score of 18-25, and the Cavaliers' offense once again went cold.
In the fourth quarter, both teams once again engaged in a physical battle. In the end, the Boston Celtics successfully won the game at home with a score of 85-94, and the Big Three once again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeBron James quickly walked back to the player tunnel after the game and took off his Cavaliers jersey. America media reporters all believed that James was sending a signal of leaving, and The Chosen One might really be leaving Cleveland!
On May 14th, several gossip media outlets broke news of a scandal within the Cavaliers. The news stated that LeBron James's abnormal performance in the game and the team's fractured locker room were all due to Delonte West.
And on the evening of Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Phoenix Suns, playing at home, were finally shot down by the Los Angeles Lakers' perimeter. Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Ron Artest had 25 points, and the entire team shot 10-of-24 from three-point range. The Los Angeles Lakers responded to the Phoenix Suns' zone defense from the perimeter.
111-103, 4-2 in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers successfully advanced to the Western Conference Finals, and Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will start on the 17th.
On May 15th, in the afternoon, at the Ford Center, the Thunder players were completing their daily defensive training session.
The Assistant Coach reminded his players: "Kevin, pay attention to your defensive positioning. Everyone, communicate more on the court, just as we've discussed in film sessions these past few days.
Against the Lakers' offense, we need to be more flexible defensively, constantly observing the status of players on the court."
"Playing on the road, we need to pay attention to the officiating. Serge, watch your moving screens; the referees will definitely be cracking down on your small fouls.
Don't try any clever tricks; control your fouls."
Once everyone finished training, the energetic Russell immediately began to shout loudly: "I've been wanting to play at Staples Center for a long time!
As long as we can win one road game, we'll have the advantage when we return home.
I'm confident we can win in Oklahoma City!"
"The Lakers still advanced after all, it's a shame we were only one win behind them in the regular season. If only we had more home games, playing on the road in Los Angeles will definitely be tough.
It reminds me of the Boston Celtics' road trip in 2008."
Durant felt both excited and a little nervous.
The Western Conference Finals would attract a lot of attention, and if he performed poorly, it might really affect his contract in the offseason.
But deep down, Durant was still very confident; he believed the Lakers' perimeter defense simply couldn't limit his performance.
After hearing Durant's words, Jeff Green added: "Perhaps the league is more eager for the Lakers to come out of the West. After all, the Boston Celtics also made it to the Eastern Conference Finals over there in the East, so it's another Yellow-Green battle!
Fans still really like to see this kind of old-fashioned script."
"Whatever, we don't rely solely on whistles to play. The Lakers are very unlikely to play a zone defense. On offense, we can run more pick-and-rolls, and we'll teach the Lakers a good lesson from beyond the arc!"
Kayce said confidently from the side.
At this moment, he absolutely couldn't back down; he had to keep talking.
If his teammates lost confidence, then the game would truly be over.
"I completely agree with Kayce. We also beat the Lakers in the regular season. Kobe is not young anymore and is playing with an injury, so we have an even greater advantage!"
"The Lakers' perimeter defense is completely shot. They played 6 games in the semifinals, and only one game had a decent three-point shooting percentage. We're definitely going to win."
"This is so cool, we're going to the Western Conference Finals!
All NBA fans will be watching our games."
On May 16th, the Thunder team flew to Los Angeles, and that night, Eastern Conference Finals Game 1, the game between the Boston Celtics and the Magic, officially began.
The final result of the game surprised many.
The Magic, playing at home, actually lost the game.
Howard was completely silenced against the interior combination of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, shooting 3-for-10 for the entire game, scoring only 13 points.
Although he performed well on defense, he couldn't lead his team to victory.
Although Kevin Garnett's offense was struggling, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce played excellently, and the Boston Celtics won the first game on the road, 92:88.
America media raved about Doc Rivers after the game, calling it the strength of a championship coach.
The Boston Celtics' defense was too good, completely limiting Howard's performance.
Many people were already fantasizing about the Yellow-Green battle.
Some arrogant local Los Angeles media even completely ignored the Thunder and began promoting a so-called "revenge battle."
Clearly, everyone remembered the Lakers' loss in 2008.
The Magic and the Thunder, like two suffering brothers, were completely ignored by some media.
Durant was furious when he saw these news reports.
He had been fantasizing about reaching the Western Conference Finals and attracting a lot of attention, but before the game even started, the media had already begun hyping up the Yellow-Green battle.
"Shit! These shitty local Los Angeles media, arrogant and conceited.
Why do they think the Lakers are guaranteed to make it to the NBA Finals?
We were only one win behind them in the regular season!"
Kayce laughed and teased after hearing Durant's words: "Championship teams always act a bit more arrogant. Just think about some of those overly superior Lakers fans, and you should be able to understand the local media's behavior."
"If we hadn't relaxed in the latter half of the regular season, we even had a chance to achieve around 65 wins. We also performed better in the playoffs. The Lakers almost lost the pivotal game; I really don't know where they get all that confidence."
Russell also chimed in with a complaint.
This situation had actually happened in 2008 as well, when the Spurs, who made it to the Western Conference Finals, were also ignored by the media.
Coach Brooks cleared his throat at this point and instructed his players: "Alright, boys, get a good rest tonight. Turn all that resentment into motivation for the game. We'll let our basketball do the talking.
I believe in tomorrow night's game, we'll teach the arrogant Lakers a good lesson!"
"Ohh!"
May 17th, the day the Western Conference Finals began, but on this day, LeBron James once again successfully stole the headlines.
Some media reported that LeBron had begun contacting several stars, including Derrick Rose, Wade, Bosh, and Brook Lopez, among others.
Many media even vividly described the process of LeBron James's recruitment.
It was said that LeBron explicitly told Derrick Rose that he greatly admired him and the Chicago Bulls, and hoped for an opportunity to be his teammate.
And the Chicago Bulls indeed had over $20 million in cap space during the offseason.
As soon as this news broke, Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls fans simultaneously erupted.
Was LeBron James really leaving?
Was Derrick Rose going to team up with LeBron James?
All the media reporters in America began to dig deep into the players LeBron James had contacted by phone.
They wanted to find out the truth of the matter.
Many people were still unwilling to believe that James would actually leave Cleveland.
After seeing this news, Kayce was also a little surprised.
Teaming up with Derrick Rose?
Upon closer thought, this rumor actually seemed somewhat plausible.
But considering Derrick Rose's ambition, Kayce didn't think he would be content to play second fiddle to James.
Before the game, in the Thunder's locker room, Coach Brooks no longer overly emphasized tactical arrangements.
At this moment, motivational speeches were most effective: "This is the first time we're starting on the road in the playoffs, but what I want to say is that the Lakers are under more pressure.
They are the defending champions, while we are just a young team.
Having made it to the Western Conference Finals, we should now truly enjoy the game."
"Go out and fully display your talents!
The Western Conference Finals is the perfect stage for you!"
"Oh oh!"
In the player tunnel, Kayce didn't feel the fervent atmosphere of the Staples Center fans.
Los Angeles and Oklahoma City fans were indeed completely different; the fans here seemed more gentlemanly.
After the live DJ finished the home team's entrance with low-pitched shouts, the Thunder players slowly ran out of the player tunnel.
Russell also noticed that the atmosphere wasn't particularly heated and couldn't help but mutter: "Why does it feel like a regular season game?
It's just that a lot of media reporters have indeed come."
Durant also complained: "The atmosphere in Oklahoma City is still better. Perhaps the tickets are too expensive; big stars and rich people won't shout loudly."
It wasn't until the final warm-up phase before the game that the atmosphere gradually heated up.
The Staples Center began to be filled with noise.
When the referee signaled both teams' players to come to the center of the court, everyone exchanged brief greetings.
Kostić and Bynum now stood at the center circle, ready for the jump ball.
"Clap"
Kostić successfully tipped the ball to the Thunder, and Russell Westbrook quickly dribbled past half-court.
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
Led by the live DJ, the Staples Center crowd also began to cheer for the home team's defense.
Russell, who had crossed half-court, naturally noticed that the Lakers hadn't chosen a zone defense and quickly signaled an offensive play to his teammates.
Artest tightly guarded Durant from the start; Kostić's screen didn't create an opportunity.
At this point, Jeff Green quickly ran to the right corner and executed a cross-screen with Kayce in the paint.
Kayce quickly popped out and successfully received Russell's pass from beyond the three-point line.
At this moment, Kostić quickly moved to the three-point line to set a screen for Kayce.
Facing Kobe's defense, Kayce directly accelerated with the ball in his right hand to drive past him.
Kostić's screen quality was good; after briefly shaking off Kobe's entanglement, Kayce pulled up for a jump shot just beyond the three-point line.
"Swish" The long two-pointer went in steadily.
"Boo"
Kayce heard the boos from the crowd, smiled at Kobe beside him, and then quickly ran back on defense.
The show had officially begun!