Ibaka won the jump ball, and the Thunders got the first offensive opportunity.
Durant positioned himself at the top of the arc to receive the ball and, once his teammates spread to the sides, he took it to a one-on-one.
The Thunders and the Grizzlies represent two extremes; the Thunders fundamentally rely on star-led isolations.
Guy was fully set in his defensive stance, freshly replenished with confidence from his confrontation with Kobe.
However, Durant breezed past him.
Speed was the factor that limited Guy’s capabilities at both ends.
Little Gasol, seeing this, moved outward while Hansen moved in to help on defense.
Unexpectedly, upon seeing Hansen approach, Durant passed the ball to Seferosa instead.
Seferosa, decisively taking the shot, launched a three-pointer.
The scene immediately erupted with the cheers of Oklahoma City fans.
The "Swiss Army Knife" shot a career-high 43.7% from the three-point line this season.
This season’s performance and strength improvement of the Thunders were somewhat reminiscent of the Grizzlies, as every position was growing.
Of course, the more crucial aspect was Durant’s unexpected pass.
Unlike Hansen, Durant had not developed his passing; he was still primarily a top-tier terminator.
It seemed tonight he was trying to change to secure a win.
On the offensive front for the Grizzlies, Little Gasol and Randolph played high-low, while Ibaka habitually shrank inside. Seeing this, Little Gasol took the ball and drove inside.
However, Ibaka displayed his top-notch interior mobility, leaped back in defense, and disturbed Little Gasol’s shot, causing the Grizzlies’ first offensive wave to miss.
Turning back, Westbrook handled the ball for a pick-and-roll with Ibaka, and exploiting a burst of speed to create shooting space, he pulled up for a mid-range shot.
This somewhat stiff zombie jump shot went straight up and down but landed precisely in the basket.
Westbrook, thrilled with the basket, roared excitedly toward the sidelines.
The Thunders had a perfect start with a 5-0 lead.
Chants filled the air, marking a delightful night of proving the skeptics wrong!
The camera focused on the faces of the Grizzlies players, seemingly seeking some hint of panic.
However, they were disappointed, as the Grizzlies players appeared as composed as ever.
Conley gestured to organize, Little Gasol set an off-ball screen for Hansen, and when Hansen received the ball, he was met with a double from Seferosa and Ibaka.
With an average of 29+ points in the playoffs and standout performances against the Lakers, Brooks couldn’t help but favor Hansen.
Hansen gladly accepted, passing the ball without looking to Little Gasol.
Gasoline took the ball again and drove inside; seeing Perkins move in to defend, he opted to lob the ball into the air.
Catching the alley-oop, Randolph faced off Ibaka and scored.
Classic Grizzlies team basketball, breaking their scoring drought.
And during the defensive switch, Hansen and Guy exchanged some words, with Hansen switching to cover Durant.
At the sight of Hansen, a flicker of murderous intent passed through Durant’s eyes.
Yet, he quickly restrained himself.
Not just because Brooks had a long talk with him before the game, but also learning from previous missteps with Hansen—if even a pig learns from its mistakes, so could he.
Seeing Durant so composed, Hansen couldn’t resist saying,
"Actually, Scarlett was supposed to come."
After successfully drawing Durant’s attention, he continued,
"But she was too tired last night, so I had her rest in the hotel."
Murderous rage filled Durant’s eyes, a spectral scythe appearing behind him.
Han, I vow to kill you!
First Team: Kobe, Hansen, Durant, James, Howard
Second Team: Parker, Paul, Love, Griffin, Nowitzki
Third Team: Westbrook, Rondo, Wade, Anthony, Chandler
Defensive First Team: Paul, Kobe, James, Ibaka, Howard
Second Team: Rondo, Hansen, Seferosa, Garnett, Chandler Read complete versıon only at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱