On the court, Harden was exchanging tips on using step-back three-pointers with his teammates. His teammates followed suit, but nothing was as smooth as Harden's.
Seeing each other's clumsy movements, everyone laughed, and the training atmosphere was very good.
The players are very relaxed, and the coaching staff is also enjoying themselves, for no other reason. With three consecutive home wins, the team's record has reached 11 wins and 2 losses, surpassing the 11 wins and 3 losses of the Thunder, ranking first in the Western Conference.
This is something the team has never achieved in the past few seasons.
Although the season has only started less than one-sixth of the way, being able to find form at the beginning of the season and defeat a number of strong teams is not something that all established teams can do.
Aren’t the Spurs, Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, and Pacers, the recognized strong teams at the beginning of the season, all hovering on the edge of the playoffs?
Rockets fans are also very happy during this period. Various social media chat groups are everywhere praising the young Rockets, Harden, Butler, Jeremy Lin, Parsons, Livingston, and even Xu Xin, this front-end Xiang's acting general manager, who was scolded by some Huomi for a while, was also vindicated.
"Looking at the performance of Butler and Ariza, and then looking at the performance of Patterson, Morris Jr., and Jones, I think Xu Xin did a good job in this transaction."
A Chinese fan posted a message.
The post was just posted, and someone downstairs immediately agreed.
"+1, it seems that we have definitely not lost money on the player exchange, but if we include 5 first rounds and one second round, then we will definitely make a profit!"
"That's because we haven't encountered a strong inside team in these few games. Look at how the team's inside players were blown up when they played against the Lakers, Jazz, and Hornets.
This is all because of Xu Xin. I have never seen any manager trade all the power forwards at once. "
There are still fans who are reluctant to give up on this.
"Don't talk about the draft picks. The Bucks, Bulls, and Wizards are now among the top eight in the Eastern Conference. These draft picks are not much higher, not to mention that one of them is lottery protected.
If the Wizards have a poor record next year and fail to make the playoffs, they don't have to give it to you. Besides, what can a rookie manager choose? Forgot about Royce White? "
"I know you're in a hurry, but don't worry yet. After tonight's game with the Thunder, let's see if you can still blow it out!"
"What's wrong with the Thunder? The strongest of the three Thunder boys is Harden. I won't accept any rebuttal!"
Fans expressed their opinions and had heated discussions. Although the opinions and angles were very different, there was no doubt that after three years of being deserted, the Rockets fan forum finally became lively again.
On the evening of November 29, as the game was about to begin, the Chesapeake Energy Arena was packed with fans, holding signs of Durant and Westbrook, waiting for their heroes to enter.
There are also fans holding Harden signs. After all, Harden and the Thunder broke up this summer. Looking at Harden's performance now, averaging 26.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, how come he is not worth his 15 million annual salary?
Most fans did not blame Harden. The Thunder management's reluctance to pay the luxury tax was the culprit. Why should the players cut their salaries?
The problem is that if you want to trade, you have to exchange it for an equivalent one. What do you get in exchange?
Who is Kevin Martin? Who is Jeremy Lamb?
Neither of them is worthy enough to carry Harden's shoes!
The Thunder's management is really invincible in the draft, but their operations are a mess.
Thunder fans now hope that the two first-round picks can select potential new stars. If they find out in a few years that the Thunder management has selected two losers, they will no longer be polite and start scolding!
The Huaxia Live Broadcasting Platform started broadcasting early. Teachers Yang Jian and Su Kui sat in front of the commentary desk in suits and ties.
"Hello, viewers, welcome to the highlight of the NBA, the Rockets vs. Thunder game.
I am Yang Jian, the commentator of this game. Next to me is the famous basketball commentator Mr. Su Kui. Welcome Mr. Su Kui to watch the game with us. "
Yang Jian said the opening remarks.
"Thank you. Hello everyone, my name is Su Kui."
Su Kui looked at the camera and said with a smile.
"Teacher Su Kui, what do you think of today's game?"
Yang Jian posted as usual.
“Today’s game is a battle for the top spot between the No. 1 team in the Western Conference and the No. 2 team in the Western Conference. The Rockets are currently at 11 wins and 2 losses, while the Thunder are at 11 wins and 3 losses.
If the Rockets win this game, they will expand their lead to 1.5 games. If the Thunder win, they will overtake the Rockets and ascend to the top of the Western Conference. "
Su Qu first analyzed the impact of the result of this game on the ranking.
"Yes, both teams have been in very good shape recently. After losing to the Jazz on the road, the Rockets returned to home and won three consecutive games, and the Thunder have won six consecutive games.
This game will definitely be Mars hitting the Earth, it will be very interesting to watch. "
Yang Jian took over.
“In addition to being the first-place battle in this game, Harden’s return to Oklahoma City to face his old club is also the focus of everyone’s attention.
Harden was traded by the Thunder due to contract renewal issues. Now it seems that, judging from these dozen games, the Thunder undoubtedly suffered a loss, and a big loss.
Harden now averages 26+6+7 per game, which is 10 points higher than last season. "
“In the first few games, we were joking that we hadn’t seen any player be the Sixth Man of the Year last season, and Harden might be the first to be the Most Improved Player this season.
Now it seems that Harden may not only win the Most Improved Player Award, but also has great hope for the regular season MVP. "
Su Kui said.
"Yes, in the latest MVP list, Harden has risen to fifth place. This is something no one could have imagined before the start of the game."
Yang Jian said.
The two then chatted about the lineups of the two teams this season, the characteristics of their playing styles, and the keys to victory for both sides in this game. Half an hour passed in a flash, the camera was turned to the front, and the game started immediately.
Harden, Jeremy Lin, and Parsons continue to do their signature opening moves. Their moves have become very popular recently and have received a lot of praise. Many fans have also made videos to imitate them.
Thunder duo Durant and Westbrook danced their magic dance. The teammates next to them were very considerate, and the atmosphere was set off well.
Xu Xin watched the two dance in the stands and felt that something was missing. After thinking about it, it was missing a BGM.
It would be perfect if there was a Chinese classic soundtrack: Come is come, go is go, nod yes and shake no.
“Tonight’s starting lineup for both sides is that on the Rockets’ side, Harlem will partner in the backcourt, the forward combination will still be Parsons and Ariza, and Asik will guard the inside.
On the Thunder's side, on the outside, the Thunder's two young men plus Sefolosha, and Ibaka and Perkins on the inside. "
Yang Jian introduced the starting lineups of both sides.
The referee's whistle blew and Asik won the jump ball with Perkins. Jeremy Lin received the ball and dribbled toward the frontcourt to start the first attack.
