Butler had always been a unique figure in the league. Even at his peak, few would consider him among the game's superstars, yet he carried a notorious nickname: the "Superstar Harvester." There was something almost sadistic about how Butler seemed to thrive against the league's elite—Antetokounmpo, Embiid, Tatum—all had been made into stepping stones for his ascent. Now, the man with the budding reputation of a cold-blooded killer had a new target: Russell Westbrook.
As the Kings' possession began, Butler casually dribbled the ball up to the top of the arc, signaling for a screen while locking eyes with Westbrook. A mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Hey," Butler called out, loud enough for Westbrook to hear. "I'm not shooting this. I'm driving inside. Let's see who hits the floor first—what do you say?"
Westbrook, always quick to defend his pride, didn't back down. "Bring it on. Show me what you got!"
With his teammates shifting into position, Butler made his move. A sharp first step propelled him forward, and Westbrook stuck to him, refusing to give an inch. Butler spun, slipping past Westbrook, but the Thunder guard recovered with his signature speed. They raced shoulder-to-shoulder toward the basket, each refusing to yield.
At the rim, Butler leapt, twisting his body mid-air to shield the ball. Westbrook followed, rising to meet him in a thunderous collision. Butler's arm hooked through Westbrook's as he released a contorted shot toward the hoop.
Beep!
The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling a foul on Westbrook. Both players tumbled to the ground, the ball bouncing on the rim before rolling out.
"You okay?" Durant jogged over to help Westbrook to his feet.
"I'm fine," Westbrook said, wincing as he rubbed his chest. "But what is Butler made of? I felt like I hit a brick wall."
Meanwhile, Butler was already back on his feet, shrugging as he adjusted his jersey. Striding to the free-throw line, he glanced back at Westbrook, his voice low but clear enough to sting.
"Russ," Butler said with a smirk, "this is what happens when you settle for being second-best. You'll never beat me."
The jab hit its mark. Westbrook clenched his fists, his anger barely contained. "You didn't even score!" he shot back.
Butler's grin widened. "Not convinced? Come again, then. I'll make sure you believe by the end of this."
Westbrook, now fully provoked, began forcing the action on the other end of the court. Even Durant's calls for the ball were ignored as Westbrook repeatedly attacked Butler, only to be stonewalled by relentless defense.
"Nice try," Butler taunted after grabbing a rebound off Westbrook's miss. He quickly handed the ball to Booker and sprinted down the court.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan called a timeout, his frustration evident.
"Russell, what are you doing out there?" Donovan barked as Westbrook took a long drink of water. "You're playing right into his hands! Butler's baiting you, and you're letting him throw off our rhythm. Sit down and cool off."
Donovan's glare softened as he signaled Durant over. "Time to steady the ship," he told the team's leader.
Durant nodded, draping a towel over his shoulders. Turning to Westbrook, he spoke calmly. "Second brother, rest for now. Big brother's got this. I'll take care of him."
Durant didn't disappoint. As play resumed, he dominated on both ends, draining a three-pointer over Gay and slamming home a vicious dunk on Butler.
"Not bad," Butler quipped as Durant jogged past. "So, the big brother's cleaning up the little brother's mess now?"
Durant ignored the jab, but Butler wasn't done. The Kings switched back to zone defense, throwing multiple bodies at Durant. Butler, Gay, and Young took turns wearing him down, chipping away at his energy with relentless pressure.
Finally, sensing the right moment, Coach Malone turned to CJ, who was slumped on the bench, staring off into space.
"CJ," Malone whispered. "It's your turn. Go finish this."
Startled, CJ blinked and looked around, confused.
"What? Me?"
"Yes, you!" Casspi nudged him playfully. "Take off that jacket and get out there!"
CJ's face lit up as realization dawned. Peeling off his training clothes, he revealed his jersey underneath, ready to play.
The Kings' arena roared in excitement as the DJ took over.
"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for our old friend, CJ McCollum, back from injury and ready to dominate!"
As CJ jogged onto the court, the Kings' faithful rose to their feet, the energy in the building reaching a fever pitch. The stage was set for his triumphant return.