The Ford Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, hummed with excitement. Fans filled the stands, eager to see the Knicks face the Thunder. During warm-ups, James Harden walked over to Lian Dao with a big grin.
"Sickle, watch out. Kevin's guarding you himself today," Harden said, his voice teasing.
Lian Dao raised an eyebrow. "You tipping me off? That's not your style."
Harden laughed. "No way. I'm challenging you. Don't let us win too easily, okay?" His grin was playful, almost daring.
"Just you? I'm ready," Lian Dao replied, smirking.
They laughed and went back to warming up. The short talk hinted at Durant's hunger to win. Lian Dao knew this game would be tough, but he was thrilled to face Durant for the first time this season. He wanted to test the star's skills.
Warm-ups ended, and the arena lights dimmed for the opening ceremony. The crowd roared as the Knicks were introduced first. David Lee jogged out, greeted by cheers. He used to be the Knicks' main leader, but now he was the second star behind Lian Dao. Lian Dao entered last, the team's top player.
He raised his fists in a boxing salute, a move inspired by Bruce Lee. It was a proud nod to Chinese culture, and the crowd loved it. He had tried an "OK" gesture before, but the NBA fined him $50,000, calling it a gang sign. Another player got hit with a $100,000 fine for the same thing, so Lian Dao got off easy. His assistant coach pushed for a unique entrance, but Lian Dao, feeling lazy, picked the boxing salute. It worked. The Ford Center's cheers mixed with boos, firing him up.
The starting lineups appeared on the jumbotron. Knicks: Jrue Holiday, Wilson Chandler, Lian Dao, Paul Millsap, David Lee. It was their usual group. Chris Duhon was back from injury, but Coach D'Antoni kept Holiday in, as he and Lian Dao were a strong duo. Thunder: Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefolosha, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic.
Both teams looked serious, ready to fight for the win. Lian Dao eyed Durant, who stood 6'10" with a 7'5" wingspan. That extra reach, three centimeters longer than Lian Dao's 7'4" span, made Durant a tough defender. Lian Dao smiled, thinking of the nickname fans would later give Durant: "Contractor." With his slight hunch, Durant looked like he could lead a construction team. That strange, charming vibe made him stand out.
Lian Dao glanced at Westbrook next. The second-year player was as strong as a bull, even at the same height as Stephen Curry. Westbrook's wild dunks amazed everyone, though Curry's three-pointers were just as impressive. Everyone envied someone else's skills. Westbrook's power hurt his shooting, a weakness that would stick.
The Thunder were hot this season, sitting eighth in the tough Western Conference with a 20-16 record. In the East, that could be fifth place. The West was so competitive that the top team was only seven games ahead of eighth, and second was just five games up. One bad loss could end their playoff hopes.
Jeff Green beat Millsap for the jump ball, sending it to the Thunder's side. Lian Dao, used to losing tips, stayed focused. The Thunder ran an off-ball play for Durant. Krstic set a screen, and Durant got Westbrook's pass beyond the three-point line. Lian Dao chased, making Durant hurry his shot. It hit the rim and bounced off. Westbrook, sneaking into the paint, grabbed the miss and dunked it hard. The crowd went wild.
Thunder led 2-0.
Lian Dao went off-ball, giving the ball to Holiday. He used David Lee's screen to get open one step past the three-point line. Holiday passed, and Lian Dao fired a three-pointer. Krstic was too slow to block it, and the ball swished through.
Knicks took the lead, 3-2.
Lian Dao's shot was deeper than Durant's miss, and Durant thought it was a taunt. He wanted to answer. The Thunder ran the same play, with Sefolosha passing and Green screening. Durant shot from almost the same spot. Lian Dao was faster this time. He jumped high, his 94-inch vertical and 7'4" wingspan letting him tip the ball, ruining the shot.
"Rebound!" Durant yelled, shocked. His shot, with a high release and slight tilt, was supposed to be safe, but Lian Dao got it.
Millsap grabbed the rebound before Krstic could and passed to Holiday. Holiday lobbed the ball from the logo to the right side of the rim. Lian Dao jumped, caught it in mid-air, and slammed a tomahawk dunk that rattled the hoop.
Lian Dao roared and pounded his chest. The Ford Center fans booed loudly, some making rude gestures. Lian Dao didn't care. He'd heard worse in Chicago, Boston, and Miami. Loud boos meant the crowd was scared, and that made him play harder. His eyes sparkled as the game heated up.