Let the Game Begin!

After all, although Davis was an elite small-ball center and Westbrook was a barely passable small-ball point guard (with no outside shot), the team's undisputed centerpiece, Chen, wasn't the kind of versatile wing that a small-ball system needed~~

After all, he took far too many "inefficient" shots~~ If they really wanted to focus on small-ball, Chen would have to find a way to transform himself further in Klay's direction...

But from another perspective, it was precisely Chen's otherworldly mid-range efficiency that gave the Thunder the confidence to gain an early advantage in half-court sets.

And once they settled into a half-court offense, AD's role at power forward could shine.

His ability to roll off screens and overpower smaller fours in the post would be greatly amplified.

At the same time, just as with Green, moving him to the four would further unlock his value as a help defender.

It was a choice with pros and cons; ultimately, it came down to how the head coach used him.

But enough of that. Back to the game.

After the referee's whistle, the Thunder unsurprisingly won the opening possession once again.

Westbrook brought the ball up from the backcourt to the top of the key and started running the familiar opening play the Thunder favored.

The Spanish Pick and Roll with Davis posed a far greater offensive threat than the pick-and-roll combination they had run with Little Jordan.

AD quickly came up to screen for Westbrook, then turned and rolled to the basket.

At the same time, Chen Xi hurried over to the free-throw line, getting in Horford's way as he chased back after AD.

Davis seized the opportunity to cut straight down the middle. Just outside the paint, he caught Westbrook's pass and immediately put up a soft floater near the basket.