NBA: Warrior godfather.

Guys there is already content on patreon, if anyone wants to become a chunin or jonnin.

patreon.com/Chuga320 (More 50 chapters)

—————————————————————————————————————————————

After the grand and boisterous opening ceremony, the lights turned on, and the Oracle Center illuminated brightly as the fans erupted in cheers once again.

Liam stepped onto the technical stage and looked at Brooks walking toward him with a smile.

The two simply shook hands. Though there were smiles on their faces, they exchanged intense glances, both carrying a strong competitive spirit.

While the audience focused on the players on the court, this was not just a battle between the athletes, but also a showdown between two head coaches and two coaching staffs.

Both Liam and Brooks were confident in the tactics they had deployed, each believing their players were the strongest. Now was the time to test all of this.

The Warriors' starting lineup consisted of Curry, Butler, Azubuike, Varejao, and Chandler. This was Varejao's sixth game since his return, fully recovered from injuries and back in sync with his teammates. After seven consecutive victories, the entire Warriors team was energized. Surely, they would win this game.

The Thunder's starting lineup was Durant, Westbrook, Jeff Green, Krstic, and Sefolosha. This was also the same lineup that Brooks had always used.

The Thunder players were relatively young and had enjoyed good luck, having avoided many injuries. This lineup had been in place since the beginning of the season, but when the decisive moment arrived, Brooks usually replaced Sefolosha to add an extra offensive weapon. That was their strongest lineup.

Tonight's live broadcast was narrated by Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson of ESPN. Unlike TNT's entertainment-focused style, ESPN's commentary emphasized professionalism. Although the audience was not as broad as TNT's, it was more acceptable to rational fans.

On the court, Durant was on his side, squinting and staring at Curry on the opposite side.

He still remembered how badly his opponent had double-teamed him in their last matchup, and there was something else that had been bothering him: Curry was selected as a starter for the All-Star Game, while Durant had only been chosen as a reserve.

It was his third season, and this was his first year as a reserve for the All-Star Game. Curry had been a starter since his rookie season, and Durant was upset about it. The scoring champion had always been at the top of the scoring list, and his record wasn't bad. Why was Curry the starter and he a reserve?

Durant turned to glance at Liam, who stood calmly at the sidelines, and squeezed his right hand tightly. It was the fans behind this man who had forced Curry into the All-Star starting lineup. If Liam had intervened, Durant would have been the starter. Durant couldn't believe that Curry had received more votes than him. Obviously, Curry was the favorite among the American fans!

Furthermore, Durant still recalled the double-team that Liam had arranged against him in their last game. He was cautious, feeling a sense of doubt for the first time in his career. No other coach had targeted him like that before. Other teams had double-teamed him, but no one had devised such an aggressive strategy.

However, after returning, Durant practiced repeatedly on his ability to hit the ball when double-teamed, and he had greatly improved his off-ball offensive techniques. If the Warriors tried to double-team him again, he would severely punish their defensive strategy. And if they didn't double-team him, he would show the Warriors what a scoring champion could do!

Bip--

With the referee's whistle, Chandler successfully tipped the ball, and the game officially began!

As per Liam's arrangement, the Warriors stuck to their usual style of play at the start. Curry and Chandler ran pick-and-rolls at the top of the arc. Liam did not make any changes just yet.

In the previous game, the pick-and-roll between Curry and Chandler had pierced through the Thunder's defense. This time, Brooks wasn't going to sit idly by. He adjusted his defensive strategy and was determined to protect the basket, even if it meant giving the Warriors an open three-pointer. He was adamant about not letting Chandler drive to the basket with ease.

That's exactly what happened on this possession. As Chandler began to move toward the basket, Jeff Green and Durant immediately took up defensive positions to help in the middle, blocking Chandler's route.

Brooks' strategy was effective. Chandler wasn't a threat offensively outside of the paint, but the Warriors were trained to handle such situations. They didn't panic and passed the ball directly to the left corner.

As per the Warriors' usual setup, a shooter should be waiting there to space the floor.

Indeed, Butler, who was lurking in the corner, received Chandler's pass. In front of him stood Durant, who had quickly returned to position. Durant's speed was impressive, and his defensive energy was fierce, but Butler didn't hesitate. He caught the ball and shot it, seizing the slightest opening.

Swish!

The ball went in—0:3, and the Warriors started strong.

After the basket, Brooks furrowed his brow and shook his head, dissatisfied.

He had asked his players to reduce their defensive pressure, mentally preparing for the Warriors to miss a three-pointer. However, he couldn't accept this type of failure.

Just now, Jeff Green had clearly let Varejao go to help defend, but Durant had also come over to help, which gave Butler a small window for the three-pointer.

It had been clear before the game that Varejao had almost no shooting threat. Jeff Green could leave him open to help defend. Durant also needed to help, but he should have been more careful about when to offer help, ensuring that Butler didn't get an easy shot. However, Durant executed the defensive strategy in such a mess that it allowed Butler to score easily.

Brooks sighed and didn't blame Durant. Instead, he clapped and signaled for Durant to focus on individual defense, without the need for coordination.

In the past two years, the Thunder had completely let Durant handle the offense. His scoring ability had developed to its fullest, making him the league's leading scorer. However, the cost of that focus was his lack of effort on the defensive side. Durant had never been known for his defense and, relying only on his height and wingspan, could barely maintain an average individual defense rating.

Brooks had tried to improve Durant's defense by developing a specific training plan for him. However, Durant had always struggled with physical weaknesses, and the Thunder relied heavily on his offense. After experimenting with several games, Brooks had reluctantly accepted the situation and allowed Durant to focus all his energy on offense.

But this was bad news for the Thunder's defense. The forward position played a crucial role in the team's overall defense. However, Durant had become the critical figure in sweeping the perimeter, helping with defense, and guarding. The Thunder's defensive weaknesses were exposed, and with Westbrook, who could only defend one-on-one and was becoming increasingly lazy on off-ball defense, the Thunder's defense had become fragmented. They could only rely on Sefolosha and Jeff Green for perimeter defense. Luckily, both had reached elite defensive levels. Otherwise, Brooks would truly be left in despair.

In the following sequences, the Thunder relied on Krstic's relentless pursuit and Jeff Green's tireless defense to limit the Warriors' pick-and-roll cooperation between Curry and Chandler. Chandler had trouble driving to the basket, and, with his vision, he could only pass the ball out to Varejao, who was blocked by Jeff Green. Varejao didn't present a shooting threat, and could only stand at mid-range, allowing Jeff Green to return to his position and deny him a chance to score.

Meanwhile, the Thunder allowed Westbrook and Jeff Green to attempt shots in the offensive zone, but still found it difficult to penetrate the paint guarded by Chandler. After nearly thirty games, Chandler had completely integrated into the Warriors. Pairing with Varejao, the Warriors' paint defense had become tougher than ever before.

Liam took advantage of the Thunder's lack of shooters, which was also a weakness for most teams at this time, by reducing the interior line and boldly leaving Westbrook, Sefolosha, and Jeff Green open. He sent Butler to closely guard Durant. The paint area was impenetrable, causing the Thunder's attempts to penetrate the paint to hit a brick wall.

The first half of the first quarter passed with both teams testing each other. The Warriors maintained the advantage. Chandler's height and mobility were undeniable, and it was impossible for the Thunder to fully limit them. Meanwhile, the other Warriors players were constantly moving off the ball on the weak side, covering for each other, and creating several opportunities.

At 5 minutes and 24 seconds into the game, the Warriors led the Thunder by 5 points, 18:13. Brooks saw the Thunder's offense had completely stagnated and raised his hand to call a timeout.

Although he was reluctant, he knew he had to make some major adjustments.

After the Thunder players left the court, Brooks gathered them and said in a deep voice:

"We'll play like this from now on…"

This brief break quickly ended, and both teams returned to the court.

When the Thunder attacked, Westbrook held the ball at midcourt as usual, but instead of attacking the basket like he had in the first half of the first quarter, he controlled the ball at the top of the key.

At the same time, Durant began at the bottom corner and used Sefolosha's screen to reach the free-throw line. After Durant received the ball, someone from the Warriors immediately stepped forward to contest him. As long as the ball was in Durant's hands, Liam would immediately attack him and force him to play.

But Durant didn't hesitate. After catching the ball, he immediately extended his arm and shot the ball over Butler's head. After the shot, Azubu

ike, who had double-teamed with him, arrived late.

Swish!

The basketball bounced through the rim, and Durant smiled as he stepped back into defensive position.

15:18.

"Yes! Durant hits a tough double to help the Thunder close the gap. That was his first shot of the game!" Mike Breen exclaimed.

Mark Jackson jumped in:

"The Thunder should have been playing like this earlier. It's totally irrational to let Westbrook and Jeff Green attack the area guarded by Chandler. Plus, Varejao's defense is really good. Only Durant is unstoppable. Brooks should let Durant lead the offense, not reckless Westbrook," Mark said.

He had been criticizing Brooks' offensive setups earlier, but when he saw Durant score, he immediately praised Durant and didn't forget to insult Westbrook.

As a traditional point guard, he couldn't stand Westbrook's playing style.

Looking back, Curry still held the ball, looking for Chandler for a pick-and-roll, but Chandler's movement was blocked by the Thunder defense. He passed the ball out to Azubuike, who attacked with the ball. His jump shot hit the rim and the rebound was grabbed by Krstic.

Westbrook received the pass from Krstic and launched a fast break. Fortunately, the Warriors managed to get back in time and establish defenses at all levels, successfully stopping Westbrook, and the Thunder transitioned into a half-court offense.

Durant continued using his teammates' screens to run off the ball. Butler was ready and followed Durant's every step. But Durant pushed straight ahead after receiving the ball, completely ignoring Butler's defense.

Swish!

The basketball smoothly slid through the hoop, and with 17:18, the score gap was down to just one point.

Bip--

After the basket, Liam immediately called a timeout. His teammates high-fived in celebration, shouting with relief. He felt his hand was on fire tonight. He was determined to avenge the last game where they lost. Vengeance!

On the Warriors' bench, everyone gathered around Liam. He held a tactical board, but instead of drawing up strategies on it, he spoke out loud.

"Great job, everyone. We've established an advantage, but the opponent has changed their offense, and we need to adjust accordingly... Stephen, it's time for you to take over. This is the Oracle Center, and we're not letting Kevin Durant go crazy here. We need to get back to the spotlight!"

"No problem, coach, leave it to me!" Curry nodded firmly.

"Kailanna, you've done a great job. Take a break now. There will be other chances for you to step in... Wesley, you're up next, and we'll execute Plan B, okay?"

Everyone nodded in unison. When Azubuike heard that he was being substituted, he didn't mind at all. This was the tactic the team had practiced yesterday.

After the timeout, Matthews replaced Azubuike, and the Warriors took possession.

Curry reached the offensive zone and still motioned for his teammates to cover, but it wasn't Chandler who was mentioned, but Butler.

Durant, who was guarding Butler, followed him after Westbrook was briefly blocked by Butler. Now it was Curry and Durant facing off.

After the Thunder switched their defense, Butler ran directly to the lower corner, and Westbrook followed him, leaving the top of the arc open for Curry and Durant.

Only then did the crowd realize that Curry was going to isolate Durant. Excited cheers filled the arena, and Durant's expression turned serious. He took a defensive stance, stretching forward, and covered Curry's shooting space.

"Oh, Curry wants to take on Durant one-on-one using the pick-and-roll! Mark, what do you think of this matchup?" said Mike Breen.

Mark Jackson thought for a moment, shook his head, and said, "I don't think this is a good idea. Durant is tall, with long arms, he's not slow, and he has more experience than Curry. It will be hard for Curry to win this battle."

"No, you're wrong, Mark. Durant has never been a good defender, and Curry has shown us how he can handle those tall defenders in the last 7 games. Although Durant is a small forward, he has the height of a center! He'll never be tight-fisted when Curry has the ball!" Jeff Van Gundy suddenly intervened, speaking with conviction.

End of this chapter

Note: Hi if you really like NBA novels, you can support me either in this pg with stones, reviews etc, or in patreon since the niche of sports and specially NBA is very small is Webnovel since people prefer to read Naruto, Pokemon, comics etc.