After securing the MVP, Durant went through the ordeal of injury, and he’s becoming more menacing on the court.
This season, Westbrook is averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game, exuding the aura of a future triple-double king.
In player value rankings, Westbrook is fourth among guards, with the top three being MVP-level Curry, supernova Zeng Xingyang, and advanced stats king Paul.
As for Durant, he’s fourth among forwards, behind LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Leonard.
This immense efficiency makes Westbrook and Durant the strongest duo this season.
Under their leadership, the Thunder’s offensive efficiency ranks second in the league, just behind the Warriors.
Even though Thunder’s star duo is formidable, Zeng Xingyang noticed plenty of flaws in this Thunder team.
Because beyond the duo, they only have two Ks (Ibaka, Adams) and two Qs (Waiters and Kanter), and all other cards are low-value singles.
Such a hand finds it hard to win at a high level.
The Thunder’s backcourt and wing rotations are limited, mainly involving Roberson and Waiters, both of whom have obvious flaws.
One only plays defense, and the other doesn’t use his brain much in games.
Then there’s Kanter, signed with a large contract, yet unable to contribute enough on either end, locking the team’s operational space.
To win a championship now requires contribution from every position.
The Durant and Westbrook duo never found enough offensive space at Thunder, they have strong ball-handling offensive abilities, but aside from them, others can’t really play.
As for the series loss to the Warriors, Zeng Xingyang sees it more as a loss to fatigue.
Whether it’s Durant or Westbrook, each was heavily exhausted night after night in the playoffs, and no one can withstand such wear.
Of course, the series against the Thunder also took a heavy toll on the Warriors, ultimately allowing the Knight to enjoy the victory spoils.
If not for the Warriors, the Thunder might have won the championship.
If not for the Thunder, the Warriors would have won the championship.
In the end, they ended up hurting each other!
While Durant and Westbrook are strong, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s combination is no weaker.
Zeng Xingyang is a top-tier guard in the West, and Jokic is hailed as a potential center, his versatility is rare in this era.
There are plenty of highlights to watch in such a game.
Before entering the arena, Zeng Xingyang and Faried were stopped by reporters for an interview.
"Zeng, many people compare you with KD, thinking both of you are top scorers and will compete on the total scoring leaderboard in the future. What do you think about such opinions?" a reporter asked.
"You know, KD is indeed a very talented player." Zeng Xingyang paused before saying, "I look forward to competing with him on the court."
There’s no other way to say it: off the court, Durant has already lost completely. The unattainable dream girl, whom Zeng Xingyang is embracing.
Last night, while bathing in the tub, Zeng Xingyang asked Scarlett if she knew that Kevin Durant from the Thunder wanted to drink her bathwater.
Scarlett rolled her eyes and responded plainly.
"Babe, let’s not talk about others, I love you the most, come on....."
Compared to external wealth and a strong physique, Scarlett seeks more mental connection; she and Zeng Xingyang hit it off and have a blast together.
Zeng Xingyang accepted all those questions about Durant with a smile.
The reporter asked Faried next to him how he sees the matchup between Zeng Xingyang and Durant.
Faried enthusiastically expressed, "Zeng will crush KD! Completely crush him!"
Hearing Faried’s arrogant remarks, the reporters were thrilled.
Praising the opponent is dull; what attracts is degrading them.
Seeing the reporters aiming their cameras at him, Faried seemed to have an epiphany.
"Zeng is my good brother, I know what kind of strength he has, KD is just a kid in front of him."
"Do you know how sharp his three-point shots are? They could tear through their defense tonight."
"KD’s rookie season shooting percentage wasn’t high, and scoring was low, while Zeng surpassed him in all aspects; there’s no comparison between them."
"Michael Jordan averaged 28 points in his rookie season, I think Zeng won’t be far behind."
Faried passionately started talking about his relationship with Zeng Xingyang, claiming Zeng could crush Durant and surpass Jordan.
Looking around at the increasing number of journalists, Faried’s smile grew brighter.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t interfere with Faried’s free expression, especially since Faried was all about praising him.
Over at the Thunder side.
Durant soon heard the media’s recount of Faried’s comments.
Even though it wasn’t Zeng Xingyang himself who said it, it was enough to ignite Durant’s anger.
A reporter asked, "KD, if you compare scoring abilities between you and Zeng, who do you think would come out on top?"
Durant glanced at the reporter and said, "A real super scorer won’t fear anyone’s singled-out defense. Zeng’s offensive ability aided by the pick-and-roll is outstanding, but his independent scoring ability still needs improvement. I look forward to tonight’s matchup with him."
Durant’s words clearly stated that Zeng Xingyang is far from his level.
Deep down, Durant looks down on someone who needs constant pick-and-roll support for offense.
Durant suddenly noticed, Scarlett sitting in the front row, wearing a black low-cut gown.
Fiery red lips, elegant and dignified, a sexy enchantress.