The camera occasionally focused on Scarlett, provoking screams from the fans on site.
Scarlett’s figure was absolutely stunning, and combined with her fame, she attracted more eyes than any player on the court.
Durant was extremely excited and nervous; during warm-up shooting, he deliberately found an angle where he could steal glances.
After a few shots, he would turn his head to look.
"Scarlett actually came to watch me play?"
"Did she bathe today?"
"Hey, she’s looking at me. Does she like me?"
Seeing Scarlett, Durant went into overdrive with all kinds of wild speculation.
The cameraman also knew the bathing water joke, capturing Durant’s unfocused warm-ups and little sneak peeks at Scarlett with precision.
That damn geeky vibe of Durant was displayed live nationwide.
"Haha, that look on KD."
"KD’s going to explode tonight."
"Scarlett actually came to Oklahoma City to watch, my God."
"Did she come to reward Durant with bathwater?"
Netizens from both countries were excitedly bantering.
On the other side, Zeng Xingyang felt Scarlett’s gaze and looked over.
Scarlett gently bit her lip, then stuck out a small tongue to lick her lips, finally smiling at Zeng Xingyang.
This girl is still relishing last night!
Zeng Xingyang also saw Durant’s odd peeking behavior and shook his head.
The depths of licking obsession, the world of simps he couldn’t understand.
As a top basketball player, Durant had attended college, so his cultural level and sportsmanship were decent, plus his big contract and commercial value should have made him a golden bachelor.
But somehow, Durant always exuded a unique foreman, geeky vibe.
This vibe is something that not even a fortune or fancy stats can change.
The more unattainable, the more alluring.
If he knew about me and Scarlett already being involved, he’d likely use his burner accounts to bash me like crazy.
Other superstars might not do such a thing, but this guy actually would.
The Thunder home court crew was still stirring up highlights of Scarlett and Durant, with both appearing side by side on the big screen.
Durant was very pleased with the cameraman’s actions during warm-ups.
This home team operator of the big screen was very savvy, and he should mention it to their superiors, maybe get a raise.
Durant was very excited.
Tonight, he must blow Zeng Xingyang away!
Soon, everything in the proceedings was nervously moving along.
The game flow was proceeding tensely and orderly.
Nuggets starters: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Pope, Grant, Jokic.
On defense, Harris takes turns dealing with Westbrook, while Zeng Xingyang and Grant alternate matching up with Durant, applying double teams if necessary.
Thunder starters: Westbrook, Roberson, Durant, Ibaka, Adams.
Unlike many teams pursuing a small lineup, the Thunder’s setup is relatively traditional, still placing two big men inside.
Adams and Jokic tip-off.
Jokic tipped the ball to Harris.
Recently, Jokic had grasped some fake jump techniques, winning tips several games in a row.
Harris passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang on the right side advancing.
At this moment, the Thunder defense hadn’t fully set, and the Nuggets’ advance was swift.
Roberson was defending Zeng Xingyang, coming over to guard him.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to a meter outside the right three-point line, feinting a charge right.
Tricking Roberson’s balance shift, he immediately stepped back, pulling up for space.
Decisively shooting a three-pointer.
A seriously focused Roberson’s defense was not easy to break, but now he was relatively relaxed on court, giving Zeng Xingyang an easy opportunity.
The basketball arced a beautiful rainbow.
"First three-point shot hits, catching Thunder off guard."
"Thunder needs to boost their defensive focus; this attitude won’t stop Zeng."
TNT Studio’s Smith shouted.
"Coach Donovan needs to emphasize focus to his players, especially Andre Roberson. If he’s not defending, there’s no reason for him on the court."
"Don’t underestimate such details. If faced with Warriors in playoffs and ignoring their post-inbound threes, Thunder could pay dearly," Reggie Miller calmly said.
"Thunder’s lineup isn’t well-balanced; they have too few initiating points on offense, which makes Nuggets’ defense easier to target," said O’Neal.
The commentators precisely spotted the issues.
Last summer, Donovan replaced Brooks to lead this Thunder.
Previously, Donovan hadn’t coached an NBA team, but he led University of Florida for 19 seasons and won two NCAA Championships.
Donovan greatly respected player opinions, with a relatively lax management style, sometimes leading to less focus among players.
Westbrook brought the ball to the front court, with Durant actively posting up against Zeng Xingyang, eager for the ball, wanting to attack.
However, Westbrook signaled Durant to not hurry and passed to Adams at the low post instead.
Adams held the ball, with Thunder players on the move.
Jokic boxed out Adams, stalling his offensive move.
Westbrook cut inside, with Adams passing to him.
Westbrook’s cut looked good, but the inside was too congested, leaving no room. Realizing this upon receiving, Westbrook quickly passed out.
Ending up with a "smack!"
Pope sprang forward, completing a steal.
Pope passed to Zeng Xingyang, with Harris breaking fast down the court.
Zeng Xingyang passed to Harris for an easy layup score.
Only Westbrook can stop Durant.
That forceful dead-end pass was impressive.
Durant was quite frustrated.
Westbrook patted his chest, taking the blame.
Thunder continued on offense.
The volume at Chesapeake Energy Arena kept increasing.
After Westbrook brought the ball to the front, he finally passed to Durant.
Zeng Xingyang guarded Durant, lowering his stance, cautiously focused.
Durant tried a jab-step searching for an opening, not succeeding.
Durant began dribbling with wide in-front crossovers.
During Durant’s dribble, Adams stepped up to slow Zeng Xingyang.
Durant accelerated with a burst, driving to the free-throw line.
Slowing, he stopped abruptly for a jump shot.
Zeng Xingyang lunged to contest but couldn’t disrupt Durant’s rhythm.
After scoring, Durant provocatively sprayed at Zeng Xingyang, "You’re too short, can’t guard me. I’ll blow you up tonight."
Following his taunt, Durant glanced back at Scarlett, seeing her also looking his way, fueling his excitement.
Zeng Xingyang ignored Durant, focusing on Scarlett’s thrown kisses.
Zeng Xingyang crossed half-court this time facing Westbrook’s defense.
Westbrook’s defense carried strong aggression, making it tough for Zeng Xingyang to get past.
The usual tactic, passing to Jokic.
Jokic, at the top of the arc, took a step with the ball, spun, using his body as a wall, blocking Westbrook, then passed to Zeng Xingyang.
At a step outside the three-point line on the arc’s right, Zeng Xingyang caught the pass, astonishing fans with a smooth ultra-long three-point attempt.
The ball arced beautifully through the air.
The three-pointer was effortlessly smooth!
Even Thunder fans were amazed, stunned.
Zeng Xingyang looked as skilled in shooting rhythm and form as the Splash Brothers of the Warriors.
Zeng Xingyang saw Scarlett practically jumping with excitement.
Durant looked at her expression, his face dark with the feeling as if his spotlight was stolen by Zeng Xingyang.
Seeing Durant’s expression, Zeng Xingyang taunted back to Durant, "You’re too short! Can’t stop me, I’ll blow you away tonight!"