The Thunder had somehow managed to keep pace with the Warriors until midway through the second quarter. But once Westbrook went to the bench, Semaj Christon, who came on in his place, simply couldn't keep up with the team's rhythm. He couldn't hit shots or stop anyone, and Oladipo had to run himself ragged covering for him. The team's defense crumbled at the slightest touch.
Donovan had no choice but to put Adams and Roberson back in for Chen Xi and Sabonis, sending the team into its weakest stretch of the rotation on offense.
But the Thunder's Five-Out Lineup was over. The Warriors' wasn't.
Iguodala came off the bench and took charge of the offense, teaming up with Livingston and Klay to put together a 13–4 run in just four minutes, breaking the Thunder in the process.
Even when Donovan brought out the Five-Out Lineup again in the Third Quarter, it made no difference. The real problem was that they couldn't stop the Warriors' offense. It didn't matter how many points they scored.
107–126
In the end, the Thunder suffered a painful 19-point loss to the Golden State Warriors, bringing their four-game winning streak to start the season to an end.
The four-game streak hadn't disappeared. It had simply moved over to the Warriors.
If the Warriors hadn't opened the season by facing the seasoned Spurs while still working out their lineup, they might have been sitting atop the Western Conference with a five-game winning streak by now.
In the game, Westbrook went 7-for-15 from the field, 2-for-4 from three, and 7-for-10 from the line, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists as he ruefully swallowed the bitter pill of defeat.
Meanwhile, Durant's efficient 15-for-24 performance and 39 points looked all the more glaring.
Westbrook didn't give an interview after the game. He hurriedly washed up, then left the arena and returned to the hotel. After the back-to-back games, the team had a day off. They decided to fly back to Oklahoma the following day.
Knock, knock, knock.
Chen Xi knocked on Westbrook's door. After thinking it over, he'd decided it was best to check on him, even though Westbrook wasn't exactly the fragile type.
"What's up, Chris? Didn't I tell Carmelo and the others I wasn't going?"
"Going where? I came to check on you. You doing okay?"
"Oh, I'm fine. I thought you were like the others, coming to drag me out to experience Golden State's nightclubs."
"What?!!!! Those bastards are going clubbing and didn't invite me?!!!" Chen Xi turned to head out the door.
"Quit fooling around. Since you're here, you might as well have a couple drinks with me." Westbrook grabbed Chen Xi and pulled him back.
"Fine, I'll do you the favor of keeping you company. But just so we're clear, I'm not gay."
"Fuck off. Sit down. I ordered some food; it'll be here soon." As he spoke, Westbrook brought Chen Xi a fresh glass and filled it.
The two empty bottles on the table made it clear he'd already had quite a bit to drink.
After a few rounds, the conversation got going.
"Chris, tell me. How do you think we'll do this year?"
"Let me consult the spirits. Sixth in the Western Conference, then we sweep the Rockets in the first round, take down the Spurs in the second, cut down the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, sweep the Cavaliers in the Finals, and lift the championship trophy!"
"...Do you take me for an idiot?"
"Pfft. Don't believe me, then. You know nothing about the Mysterious Eastern Power!"
"So, wielder of the Mysterious Eastern Power, when are you old enough to buy your own alcohol, kid?" (In America, you have to be 21 to drink, at least in public.)
"I'm turning twenty soon!!!!"
"Hahahahahaha! We're going back to Oklahoma tomorrow. We'll go pick one out."
????
"You're serious?!!"
As he spoke, Chen Xi pulled out his phone and started recording.
"Say that again. Your word alone won't cut it—I need proof!"
Neither of them brought up Durant.
Chen Xi only needed to know Westbrook was okay. Westbrook only needed to feel that Chen Xi cared.
Sometimes, men didn't need much comfort. Have a drink with your buddy, get some sleep, and by the next morning, you could be yourself again—the strong version.
The next day, after flying back to Oklahoma, Chen Xi caught a ride with Oladipo to the arena for extra practice. He'd already earned the Head Coach's approval and more or less secured a spot in the rotation. But he knew just how bad his fundamentals were. He was now the team's unofficial sixth or seventh man because of his ability to space the floor, not because his raw talent had reached that level. To put it plainly, the Thunder's roster was weak and its bench was shallow. On the Golden State Warriors, he might not even make it into the rotation.
Chen Xi still hoped to use training to shore up his weaknesses as soon as possible, so his actual abilities would live up to his role. Then he could hit those damn record targets!! Rack up a ton of points!! And blow past those All-Stars!!!
{The promise we made growing up~~so clear~~~}
Chen Xi picked up the phone. It was Turtle Turtle.
"Hey, Chris, come downstairs. I'm waiting in the parking lot. If you don't hurry, the dealership will close!"
"Coming! Coming! Here I fucking come~~~"
Chen Xi was in a great mood.
No one could stay calm at the thought of soon owning the first supercar of their life.
It was a Ferrari!
"If I can get a supercar every time I have a couple drinks and sleep over at your place, I'm free every night. Call me anytime, babe!"
As soon as he got into the passenger seat of Turtle Turtle's car, Chen immediately started acting up.
"I never said I'd give it to you for free. You're not even a starter yet, Chris."
Westbrook gave the smug Chen a sidelong glance.
"If the car arrives and you still haven't made it, I won't mind having another Ferrari in my garage."
"I know you wouldn't be that heartless, Russell. You're the most loyal, best friend in the world!"
Who could say no to a generous, loyal rich-brother type? (I hung my buddy up and beat him for three days, and he still wouldn't admit he was rich. Damn!)
"Bro, you smell amazing."
They arrived at the Ferrari dealership in high spirits. Westbrook had already arranged for a salesperson to meet them there. All Chen Xi had to do was follow the steps and choose the options he liked.
Classic red paint, yellow brake calipers, an LED carbon-fiber steering wheel, carbon-fiber racing wheels, a carbon-fiber front splitter and side skirts, power seats, yellow stitching, an embroidered logo, a lift system, front and rear parking sensors...
He didn't hold back at all with Turtle Turtle; he picked all the high-end options. Come on, Turtle Turtle made ten million a year from his team contract alone. Buying an F12 was nothing for him~~
Chen Xi really took advantage of his rich buddy.
"Damn!! Fourteen months! This is fucking ridiculous!!!"
Even after they left the dealership, Chen Xi was still complaining. The long wait between placing the order and taking delivery had already become unbearable from the very first second.
"Newly ordered cars usually take that long. You don't have a car to get around in right now, so come by my garage tonight. I'll lend you one for now."
Before you continue