Chapter 128 Meeting of Enemies

The Thunder were in good shape. With Kevin Martin integrated into the team after the trade, he successfully filled the scoring void left by Harden.

In addition, Durant and Ibaka had visibly improved this season, making their strength in the West not to be underestimated.

Currently, their record was closely following the Spurs, making them the second-best team in the West.

On this day, before the game against the Rockets, the players were chatting and laughing in the locker room.

However, when Durant walked into the locker room, the temperature instantly dropped to freezing.

The laughter in the locker room gradually disappeared, and the players stopped talking one after another.

Westbrook didn't go to talk to Durant at this time either.

The recent buzz about Tang Tian and Scarlett filming an advertisement was all over the place, and even if his EQ wasn't that high, he could guess the reason with his toes.

When Brooks came in, he also noticed that Durant's mood was off, but he didn't say anything.

No one wanted to run into the line of fire at this time.

What Brooks was thinking now was hoping that this mood wouldn't affect the game tonight.

This game was held at the Rockets' home court, the Toyota Center.

Because Harden was traded away from the Thunder, this game was also highly anticipated.

Many Rockets fans were hoping that Harden could lead the Rockets to defeat the Thunder and slap them in the face.

But after the game started, they realized one thing.

Harden wasn't the main character tonight.

Durant was on fire from the start, pull-up jumpers after dribbling, dunks after breakthroughs, and contested shots from beyond the three-point line.

Parsons, who was guarding Durant, felt very suppressed.

He had made significant progress this season and was in contention for the Most Improved Player award.

But he was directly reduced to cannon fodder.

The Thunder crushed the Rockets 124-100.

With 48 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, Durant set a new season-high personal score on this night.

Harden was directly reduced to a supporting role.

Brooks' worries were completely unnecessary. Durant's mood actually made him even more terrifying.

"Durant is really strong! This is already the second time this season that he's scored close to 50 points. He really deserves the MVP title this season!"

"After Kobe, Durant is the strongest scorer, there's no doubt about it!"

"It's obvious that the burts.bees brand has angered Durant a bit. They knew about the feud between Durant and the Godfather, but they still made such an advertisement on purpose. It's really a bit too much!"

"Isn't this normal? Didn't you guys know that burts.bees approached Durant for an endorsement before, but didn't even give him a chance to meet, and then turned around and found the Godfather?"

"Oh right, I almost forgot about that. So, this is… well done?"

"What if Durant had agreed to burts.bees in the first place? Moreover, burts.bees is selling very well in the market now, he lost a lot."

"The market is selling well because of the Godfather's popularity. Although Durant is strong, he may not have the same effect, so what you said is wrong, you can't reverse the cause and effect."

"Never mind whether it's right or wrong, I'm especially looking forward to the Thunder and Spurs game now!"

"A true meeting of enemies."

"No need to wait too long, I remember there's a game at the end of this month, and it's at the Thunder's home court."

"Wow! I have to go to the game, it's definitely going to be better than the Finals!"

"I suddenly remembered Tang and Durant's wrestling at the Olympics! This game will be even more intense!"

……

After the Rockets and Thunder game, fans were discussing on social media. But this time, the focus of their discussion wasn't the game that had just passed, but the Spurs and Thunder game that was about to start at the end of January.

The Spurs played a game against the Cavaliers, and the Thunder rested for 2 days.

Two days later, the Spurs flew to Oklahoma City to challenge the Thunder on the road, which was also the second encounter between the two sides this season.

The game hadn't even started yet, but the fans on social media were already unable to contain themselves. The showdown they had been waiting for was finally coming!

Fans could only communicate on social media, but reporters had already started looking for opportunities to interview.

However, Durant didn't say a word to reporters these days, it was obvious that he really cared.

On the other hand, Tang Tian didn't deliberately avoid reporters after the Spurs' daily training.

"Tang, can you tell us about the burts.bees advertisement?"

"We know about the affair between Durant and Scarlett, is that why you participated in the advertisement?"

"Durant has been in great shape recently, have you prepared to play against him?"

……

The reporters asked a lot of questions, but most of them were related to the burts.bees advertisement.

"It's just an advertisement, the reason why I participated in the filming has nothing to do with anyone else. I'm the global spokesperson for the burts.bees brand, and Scarlett is another spokesperson they found, it's that simple."

"As for the content, guys, we were all fully armed at the time, did you really think we were taking a shower?"

"As for the game, I prepare very well every night. Before the game, I listen to some exciting music to get me in the best state when I enter the game. Oh right, the headphones were given to me by Manu, Monster Beats, the sound is very good."

……

Tang Tian's answers were calm and composed, and his consistent style also made the reporters laugh.

Although they didn't know if what Tang Tian said was true or false, one thing they could feel was that Tang Tian's mentality was very calm.

This point was really likable.

That night, the Chesapeake Energy Arena was packed. Although it was just an ordinary regular season game, because of the various things off the court, this game became an absolute focus battle.

Before the game, the camera showed Durant, and Durant's expression was still extremely cold.

After the opening ceremony, the starting players from both sides took the stage one after another.

Popovich didn't adjust the starting lineup like he did in the playoffs last season, letting Tang Tian go head-to-head with Durant from the start.

On the one hand, Leonard had made significant progress this season, and he also wanted to see how effective his defense against Leonard was now.

On the other hand, Tang Tian had also begun to become very important to the Spurs on the offensive end, so Popovich also wanted to reduce the pressure on him on the defensive end.

Ibaka jumped for the ball for the Thunder, officially kicking off this focus battle.

Like the last game against the Rockets, Durant asked for the ball to play isolation as soon as he got to the frontcourt.

Leonard concentrated his attention.

Durant took a step inside and stopped for a jump shot.

Leonard's big hand covered the sky, and the timing was very good.

But Durant was too tall, and he didn't cut the ball before he could shoot, so the interference he could give was very limited.

"Swish!"

Durant's first shot went in cleanly.

A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Durant remained expressionless after scoring, his face full of the aura of a death god.