The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

On the court, Stephen Curry continuously makes shots, and within just five minutes of the first quarter, he has already scored 7 points.

This kid!

Tyronn Lue pointed at Curry and said to Mike Malone: "During warm-up, he couldn't make a single shot, so I thought tonight's opening match was doomed, but instead, he saved it all for the game!"

The Thunder Team's counterattack is a bit rushed.

This is reflected in Westbrook's increasingly fast breakthrough.

This is why Westbrook often becomes the "Season Turnover King."

His performance ceiling is very high.

But sometimes he's too impatient.

For example, at times like now, too eager to even the score, he often makes some ridiculous shots due to impatience.

This shot, cutting in from the side to the basket, the ball, at the moment it leaves his hand, clearly misses, directly hitting the backboard, then bouncing to the other side, not even touching the rim.

Thankfully, Ibaka makes a leap and grabs this "offensive rebound."

Turning around to find Kevin Durant, the ball lands in "Thunder God's" hands.

Paul George is the one primarily defending him today.

As soon as Kevin Durant catches the ball, he immediately sticks closely and engages in a physical confrontation.

The players who enhanced their core strength over the summer were not just Kevin Durant; Paul George also improved.

Before the preseason, Tyronn Lue predicted that this season Paul George would make a strong defensive impression on the public.

This brought Paul George some extra attention.

As for why words from a mere assistant coach like Tyronn Lue would cause such a big reaction.

No choice, after all, the New York Knicks are the "Defending Champions," and this is "The Big Apple City."

Despite the confrontation, Kevin Durant is unfazed, making the "down-ball" move under pressure, successfully forcing Paul George back.

This indicates that Paul George was trying to mimic Su Wan's strategy from last season's finals to put physical pressure on Kevin Durant. But he couldn't ignore Kevin Durant's long arms and legs, resulting in a brief retreat giving Durant space to shoot, and he doesn't hesitate, immediately raising for a three-point shot.

Hits steadily!

The noise on-site was significantly quieted by Kevin Durant.

Mike Malone reassures Paul George: "It's okay, just maintain your rhythm, Paul!"

Paul George nods, holding back a breath in his heart.

The New York Knicks counterattack.

It's clear from this round onward, the Thunder Team no longer allows Stephen Curry to shoot freely.

Su Wan astutely notices this change, seizing the opportunity, receives the ball at a 45-degree angle on the wing, shoots right away, and as it completely leaves his hand, swiftly runs back, confidently stimulating the crowd with a massive cheer when the ball hits smoothly.

Hmph!

The three-point shot Kevin Durant scored over Paul George just got a response.

The momentum swung back to the New York Knicks.

The Thunder Team continues looking for Kevin Durant.

The last round, just a "down-ball" forced Paul George back, giving Durant tremendous confidence at this moment.

A "double change direction"!

Despite Paul George's utmost efforts, Kevin Durant still manages to create space, lifts his hand and shoots, hitting a long-distance two-pointer.

Su Wan sees Kevin Durant's signature offensive score and realizes Durant has entered his absolute peak phase.

This move is truly hard to defend, Su Wan taps Paul George on the back, signaling "don't be discouraged."

Being unable to defend this phase of Kevin Durant is quite normal!

The coaching staff is focusing on encouragement.

After all...

This is just a regular season game!

Using such a game to help Paul George gain experience is actually quite good.

This season, the New York Knicks' coaching staff expects him to become the "defensive core" of the Knicks' perimeter!

This is the distinction between regular season and playoffs.

If it were the playoffs, as soon as Kevin Durant hits the first shot, they'd probably have switched Su Wan to guard Kevin Durant.

In fact...

Kevin Durant is also looking forward to this happening.

Seeing the New York Knicks still putting Paul George to guard him, after hitting again, he even gave a provocative look towards New York's bench, revealing a full-of-charisma "mysterious smile."

By the end of the first quarter, Kevin Durant scored 15 points for the quarter.

Yet, frustratingly for him:

The New York Knicks still have no intention to substitute, keeping Paul George in front of him to defend.

No choice, despite his efforts in scoring, the New York Knicks still lead.

Even though Paul George can't stop Kevin Durant.

But similarly, the Thunder Team can't stop Su Wan and Stephen Curry's relentless three-point barrage from beyond the arc.

Stephen Curry scores 11 points in the quarter, and Su Wan also scores 10 points in the quarter.

So, even though Durant scored 15 points in the quarter.

The Thunder Team is still trailing by 7 points.

Westbrook's scoring in the quarter is also decent, finishing the first quarter with 7 points.

But he only made 2 out of 6 shots, and also had 2 turnovers.

It's hard to say if he assisted Kevin Durant or just burdened him.

Obviously...

For Su Wan to be the defender, Kevin Durant's current task is to overpower Paul George on the offensive end first.