Practicing the Three Brothers

Chen Xi noticed that the improvements gained through training were gradually diminishing. The gains in stats like Passing and Mid-range Shot were negligible, with only Strength and Speed showing steady, significant improvement thanks to systematic training.

"Take it slow, take it slow! It's only the first year, it's already like a power fantasy novel!"

After some self-consolation, he turned and headed to the kitchen to prepare food.

"I'm in a good mood today, so I'll treat myself to a little extra meal~~"

The next evening, the Thunder faced the Grizzlies.

This was an old rival. The Grizzlies, with their Black and White Twin Bears, had stood strong in the League for many years, always maintaining significant competitiveness. They had even pulled off a "Black 8" miracle once, etching a dark history into the Spurs' team records. But now, Randolph, getting on in years, had seen his skill level drop dramatically. After starting only 5 games this season, he had been relegated to the bench. Every family has its own troubles.

Adams won the opening tip against Little Gasol. Westbrook caught the ball and brought it upcourt. Facing Tony Allen, who had switched onto him for the lead defense, Westbrook didn't force the issue. Instead, he passed the ball to Butler.

JB, facing Chandler Parsons, powerfully broke through and scored an layup.

A true winner in life, Chandler Parsons. He had an excellent physique, could easily play the 2 or 3, possessed decent shooting ability, was good at using screens for Off-Ball Pest, and even had some playmaking skills. As a quality 3-and-D wing, he had successfully signed a supermax four-year, $95 million contract with the Grizzlies last summer.

But the laughable part was that he began to decline rapidly after signing the contract. As of now, he was averaging 6.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game, becoming synonymous with a bad contract. The Grizzlies owner must be regretting it immensely.

Old Carter could still average 8 points and 3 rebounds! Yet "Handsome Rich Tall Guy" was collecting over $20 million a year from the team and averaging 6 points, making the Grizzlies' management a laughingstock among their peers for a time.

Ultimately, the Grizzlies, who should have been strengthening their roster, still had to rely on the aging Little Gasol and Conley to carry the team's scoring.

On the Grizzlies' offense, Conley brought the ball upcourt and stopped at the 45-degree angle. After Little Gasol made his move, Conley lobbed the ball inside.

Little Gasol posted up Adams in the low post. He faked with his shoulder, dropped the ball, turned, spun past Adams on the baseline, and finished with a two-handed scoop shot at the rim.

The move wasn't pretty, but it was effective. This was a skill that was gradually disappearing from the League. The new generation of centers preferred to spread the floor and face up for isolation plays.

Speaking of you! Big Butt!

Despite their issues, as long as they had Little Gasol, the Grizzlies still had a foundation. Moreover, Conley was still on an upward trajectory, with a promising future.

On the Thunder's offense, Chen Xi received a Pass from Westbrook at the top of the arc. Facing Conley, he used a screen from Butler and pulled up for a jump shot. Conley, already at a height disadvantage, was unable to contest effectively as he arrived late from the side. Chen Xi easily sank the Three-pointer.

Basketball is a sport that heavily favors talent. No matter how strong you are in other aspects, it's still a game for tall people. Looking back at the history of the League, only a handful of players around 1.8 meters could make it. Innate disadvantages are the hardest to overcome.

Chen Xi loved this feeling of overpowering opponents with his height. This is exactly how McGrady and Durant felt when they did their pull-up jumpers! The opponent couldn't even touch their wrists, it's so unfair! So satisfying! Awesome!

Another problem for the Grizzlies was how to deal with Chen Xi. At 196cm, he had a height advantage over Conley, allowing him to get open looks when jumping, and he was also a good shooter.

If Tony Allen switched onto him, the consequences could be even worse. Putting Conley in front of Westbrook would be no different than giving them free points.

Head coach David Fizdale anxiously rubbed his head on the sidelines, looking helpless.

This was also a problem most teams in the League faced when playing the Thunder. Their perimeter talent was so strong that it put immense matchup pressure on their opponents.

Each team had a limited amount of excellent defensive resources; guarding one player meant they couldn't guard another.

Unless a team had a prime Garnett or Duncan, perimeter players could just stick to them. Top-tier Help Defense was what teams centered around perimeter players feared the most.

But in the current League, the only players with that kind of Help Defense were likely the Brow, who was carrying the Pelicans, and the declining Howard.

Others, whether it was Green or Gobert, were still a notch below.

Or, like the Spurs, they had a top-tier perimeter defensive core paired with two above-average defenders.

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies had neither. In such a situation, on a night when the Thunder's perimeter players were hot, the outcome was predictable.

The first quarter was almost over. Chen Xi hit 5 Three-pointers in a row at the start, completely blowing out the Grizzlies.

After that, the Grizzlies couldn't manage to tie the score for the rest of the game. In the final 5 minutes, David Fizdale reluctantly pulled his starters, signaling defeat and conceding the game.

In the end, the Thunder easily defeated the Grizzlies 120-108, securing another home victory.

After the game, Chen Xi returned to the locker room. After a quick wipe-down, he headed out again for extra practice.

"Chris!"

A voice called out from behind him.

Chen Xi turned and saw Grant.

"What's up? Jerami."

"I'll go with you."

"Oh, okay. Great."

Perhaps it was the drop in his stats after being moved to the bench that gave Grant a sense of urgency, so he decided to join Chen Xi in grueling practice.

He used to dismiss the yellow-skinned short guy's post-game extra practice sessions. Now, looking back, he realized how far behind he had fallen.

"Hey! Wait for me, I'm coming too." Another voice called out. It was Little Sabonis.

As a Rookie from the same year, the 11th pick, Little Sabonis, was clearly a young man willing to improve. Unlike Grant, the team's development focus on Little Sabonis was clearly more significant. Even with a crowded frontcourt, they had never considered sending him to the bench. Unknowingly, Little Sabonis's role on the team seemed to have surpassed Adams'.

"Of course, I welcome anyone who wants to train with me," Chen Xi said with a smile, looking at the two of them.

Chen, who had future memories, knew that both of them would achieve great things in the League, sign big contracts, and reach the pinnacle of their careers~~

Little Sabonis, in particular, was one of the rare second-generation players with significant achievements.

"Come on, come on! I declare, the Thunder's brand new 'Grind Brothers' are officially assembled!!! I'll call you guys in the offseason to go train with Odie!"

The three of them returned to the court, chatting and laughing. A few exhausted trainers followed behind them.

"You guys are happy, but we still have to work overtime!!!!!"

If you can't find the book by its title, you can try searching for the author. They might have just changed the name!