As He Xi Meng's power surged, the SuperSonics finally began to reveal their fangs, unleashing their most ferocious firepower!
The Lakers' big three forcing the SuperSonics to go all out indicated that their off-season integration and chemistry work had been quite good.
But even with the big three fully prepared, aiming to deliver a blow to the SuperSonics in the new season, the SuperSonics' integration seemed to be no worse than theirs!
This was mainly due to He Xi Meng and Kobe. These two core players didn't need any adjustment period; He Xi Meng could guide Kobe's form towards its optimal direction.
The Gasol brothers in the paint also required no adjustment. Having grown up playing together since childhood, their habits were already very familiar, allowing them to fit in perfectly from the moment they stepped on the court.
Among the starting lineup, the only one who needed some adjustment was likely old Hill!
Previously, Hill had never played alongside these younger players, but Hill's basketball IQ was top-notch!
Especially after his major injury, Hill fell from his position as a favored son of heaven and became even more focused on cooperating with his teammates.
Coupled with He Xi Meng's help, Hill, without making much fanfare, integrated seamlessly into the lineup, gradually showcasing his capabilities.
Compared to He Xi Meng, Kobe, and Marc Gasol, Hill's role in the starting lineup was certainly not as significant.
However, as a wing player, Hill was diligent on defense. He didn't become a burden to the SuperSonics due to his age or injury issues.
For this alone, He Xi Meng held Hill in high regard!
For top players, defense is generally the first thing to decline!
This is due to a decrease in physical ability, slower footwork, and actions not keeping pace with awareness... also, insufficient stamina leads them to focus more energy on offense to balance consumption, forcing them to abandon defense, replacing regular defense with crossed-arm defense and "staring" defense...
But Hill showed none of these problems, or at least, they weren't obvious. Overall, Hill deserved his starting spot on the SuperSonics.
While He Xi Meng and Kobe exerted their full strength in a fierce battle against the Lakers, Hill successfully contributed a steal on defense and a wing three-pointer on offense!
Ultimately, although the Lakers managed to hold on until the final moments of the game, they still lost to the SuperSonics 96:104, failing to defend their home court in the season's opener!
Kobe gave a concluding speech in the locker room before the game ended.
"Kevin, you can't just focus on scoring and scoring, you need to strengthen your defense! Among the bench players, you're the quickest on your feet..."
"Okay!" Durant replied to Kobe, while casting a glance at He Xi Meng.
"Ahem... letting Kevin score and score was my idea! Compared to defense, Kevin's offensive talent is more prominent. Therefore, my thought was to let Kevin realize his offensive potential first, and then gradually improve his overall game..."
"That means you guys! Kevin will be scoring upfront, can you guys make sure your defense is a bit more solid for him?" Kobe then directed the defensive issues towards the four veterans on the bench.
These four veterans were once the big shots of the team, and several of them held positions no lower than Kobe's.
It was only now, with age and declining performance, that they accepted the SuperSonics' invitation to play in Seattle, all for the sake of championship rings.
They wouldn't accept criticism from just anyone. Even Kobe couldn't sway them.
But fortunately, He Xi Meng was prepared. He had spoken to the five veterans beforehand, letting them know that he might use them as "criticism targets" in upcoming games to set an example for the younger players.
To put it plainly, it was acting, a case of "killing a chicken to scare the monkeys," to ensure they wouldn't take it to heart.
With He Xi Meng's prior groundwork and psychological preparation, Kobe's words today didn't seem so abrupt.
The veterans immediately understood that it was time for them to show their stance.
Mutombo led the way, immediately patting his chest and saying, "No problem! In the next game, if Kevin Garnett dares to step on the court during rotation time again, I'll block him a few times! I was a bit careless today, my heel hurt, and my speed wasn't up to par..."
With Mutombo taking the initiative, Webber followed suit, beginning his self-criticism: "My knee has had some issues since that big injury back then, so I always struggled a bit against Pierce's sudden crossovers... When people get older, it's a bother, but everyone can rest assured, I can still play! In the next game, I plan to anticipate in advance and use my awareness to compensate for my less agile legs..."
With the two big brothers having spoken, Francis also felt compelled to say something, even though he was not entirely satisfied with his current role on the team. The newcomer Durant was too strong, leaving him with little room to utilize his offensive abilities.
"Defense has never been my strong suit; offense is! However, I will try to work hard and adapt. At least, I won't be a drag on the team..."
Hill didn't need to self-criticize for now; he was defending well in the starting lineup. That left Penny Hardaway.
Just as Hardaway was about to speak, Kobe stopped him, "Alright, Penny, I know you've been playing very hard..."
Kobe had expected a verbal sparring match, but to his surprise, the veterans were so cooperative that he felt a bit embarrassed.
Seeing Mutombo, Webber, and even the most defiant Francis all engage in self-examination, Kobe felt it was enough. His little idol, Penny, didn't need to self-criticize.
Following this, Kobe declared the experience summary session concluded, and everyone should go home.
After Kobe left, Glen Davis cautiously asked Berinelli, who was also in the third unit, "We won the game, why is Kobe still not satisfied?"
Berinelli replied to "Big Baby" in English with an Italian accent, "How should I know? Ask Kobe!"
Glen Davis immediately waved his hand, "I wouldn't dare! Kobe is too fierce!"
"Then ask the captain! The captain is kind."
The captain Berinelli referred to was He Xi Meng.
Currently on the SuperSonics, Kobe was responsible for the scolding, while He Xi Meng was in charge of appeasement. They each fulfilled their roles.
Glen Davis tilted his head and thought for a long time, finally shaking his head, "I'd better just train hard and improve my defense..."
Old Korry didn't need to concern himself with what happened in the locker room.
With Kobe there to pump them up, He Xi Meng to clean up the mess, and a group of veterans "testing the waters" by setting an example for the younger players, Old Korry felt for the first time that being a head coach wasn't so bad after all, much easier than he had imagined...