Chapter 784 This Script Is Wrong

The Rockets still have one game to play, and the Pelicans also get more rest and adjustment time.

However, Stevens did not arrange for the players to relax as he did before the first round, but took the time to train and maintain their condition.

The Mavericks played very well in the last game. If it weren't for Tang Tian, ​​they would probably have to play the fifth game.

In terms of strength alone, the Mavericks in that game were actually similar to the Rockets in the following game.

The Rockets, one of the Big Three, are definitely a team that cannot be underestimated on the playoff stage.

At the end of the training, Stevens finished chatting with Brown and turned to talk to Tang Tian about the opening game of the next round.

The opening game between the two sides is very important. The side that takes advantage first will take the initiative in the entire series.

The two people had relatively consistent opinions this time.

The strength of the starting lineup is 50-50 split between the two sides; the tactical aspects are clear after playing four games in the regular season;

The Pelicans have two advantages in the series. One is Tang Tian, ​​who is stronger than any of the Big Three;

Another point and the biggest advantage is the substitute.

For the Pelicans, Bojan and Dinwiddie had plenty of playing time in the first round and were in good shape.

Coupled with Jokic's early rotation and substitutes, the Pelicans' current substitute transition period is their strong point.

As for the Rockets, second-year Capela is not good enough, and the strongest point is veteran David West.

Moreover, D'Antoni likes to rotate with 8 or even 7 people. Brewer, Andre Miller and others have all fallen out of the normal rotation.

In response to these two points, the Pelicans began to train in advance.

The Pelicans are preparing for the game, and the first-round matches of other playoff groups are also coming to an end or reaching the final stage.

The Raptors and Knicks have successively eliminated the Hornets and Pacers to advance. In the East, only the Heat and Hawks have not finished the game. The Heat are temporarily leading 3-2.

The Warriors and Rockets also eliminated the Clippers and Trail Blazers one after another. The Spurs regained a victory at home and chased the big score to 2-3.

The top three in the playoffs, the Cavaliers and Warriors still have to wait for the results of the last two groups.

But the Pelicans have already taken the lead in the conference semifinals with the Rockets.

Regular season grudges, Chinese elements, head coach turmoil, star players getting together...

There is so much to watch in this matchup.

In the TNT program, O'Neal, who successfully predicted that the Pelicans would sweep the Mavericks, bluntly said that this is the most exciting matchup in this year's playoffs so far.

Barkley and Smith both agreed this time around.

The first game of the series between the two sides was played in New Orleans. The day before the game, the Rockets players conducted an open training after arriving in New Orleans.

The players looked energetic and in good condition.

Head coach D'Antoni was interviewed by reporters on the sidelines.

"The Pelicans have had five days off, but you just finished the series. Are you going to be at a disadvantage in terms of his fitness?"

"Of course not. We played relatively easily in the first round. Our physical fitness is not a problem. On the contrary, we have just finished the game and are in good condition."

D'Antoni replied with a smile, his mustache raised full of confidence.

"Your record against the Pelicans in the regular season is 0 wins and 4 losses. Will this put you under psychological pressure during the game?"

"Of course not. We spent a lot of time adjusting this season, and this is the playoffs. We have three superstars who have been stars and proven themselves."

D'Antoni continued to laugh and replied.

"Do you have any defensive tactics against Don?"

The last question the reporter asked was also a must-have question.

Carlisle failed to solve Tang Tian's defensive problems from beginning to end in the first round.

"Of course, we know how they play, we know how Don plays, so we'll see it in the game."

D'Antoni is still confident.

From beginning to end, he has always revealed his confidence to the outside world.

This kind of interview content also encourages Rockets fans.

It is said that Stevens' coaching this season has surpassed D'Antoni, but D'Antoni is not bad either!

The initial bombardment of the Suns was a classic. This season, the Big Three of the Rockets must have time to adjust. It is already very good to achieve this record.

As for Stevens, just like Cole, he picked a ready-made peach!

Who knows if D'Antoni could be better coaching the Pelicans than this? Or what can the Rockets do with Stevens coaching them?

In an atmosphere of confidence, the first game of the Western Conference Finals between the Pelicans and Rockets officially kicked off at the New Orleans Arena.

The arena was packed.

In the commentary area, in addition to the three giants of TNT sitting in the most conspicuous position, Zhang Weiping and Su Qun also sat in the second best position.

This series is the Western Conference Finals in the United States, and it is even more popular in China.

"Although D'Antoni was very confident in his pre-game interview, the strength of the Pelicans lies here. According to my understanding, if the defensive methods he mentioned cannot restrain Tang Tian, ​​it doesn't matter how many superstars the Rockets have. The Pelicans should win or have to win.”

After Zhang Weiping became Weiping Tian, ​​his familiar arguments whetted the appetite of domestic fans.

Before the opening ceremony, an award ceremony for the best defensive player was held on site.

Tang Tian held the trophy high and completely ignited the atmosphere before the game.

After the opening ceremony, this atmosphere reached a climax.

As the playoffs progress deeper and deeper, the atmosphere in the New Orleans Arena is getting better and better.

Davis jumped out of Cousins, kicking off the Western Conference semifinals.

The Pelicans played the No. 1 tactic in the frontcourt. As soon as Tang Tian broke through with the ball, Harden, the Rockets' weak side, helped defend against double teams.

Tang Tian passed the ball to Ariza, who hit a three-pointer from the bottom corner.

Harden responded with a breakthrough throw in the frontcourt.

In the next round, Tang Tian broke through from the left, and Morris' help came up immediately.

Tang Tian gave the ball to Davis who was cutting in. Davis met Cousins ​​and threw the ball above the basket. Jokic jumped up and successfully made an alley-oop.

The opening rounds became a microcosm of the first quarter.

The Rockets resolutely double-teamed on the defensive end, but Tang Tian's passing speed was very fast, and the Pelicans' offensive rotation was also very fast.

Basically every possession they found holes in the Rockets' defense to score.

The Rockets' own offense has no problem, but this defensive strategy makes them lose points very quickly.

"This is incomprehensible. There is no reason to pinch it like this. You have to see how Tang Tian feels first, right? This really makes no sense."

Su Qun said he couldn't understand.

"What did I say? What D'Antoni said is false. That's basically how the game is."

Zhang Weiping was smiling on the side.

The Rockets persisted in double-teaming Tang Tian for the entire half, and even flanked the ball carrier. However, the Pelicans' offensive system was almost in sync, and this approach was completely negative.

At the end of halftime, the Rockets scored 45 points themselves, and there was no big problem with the offense, but they allowed the Pelicans to score 60 points!

This score set a new high for the Pelicans in a playoff half this season.

In the second half, D'Antoni finally made an adjustment and stopped attacking Tang Tian, ​​but it was too late.

The Pelicans' team's condition has been improved in the first half, leading by 22 points after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, Kic led the substitutes to score another 12-2, and the game ended early.

The score on the court was finally settled at 123 to 100.

Seven Pelicans players scored in double figures. Tang Tian easily scored 21 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in the third quarter, a near-triple double.

The fans cheered when the final whistle sounded.

Tang Tianze and Stevens looked at each other.

This script is completely different from what they imagined!

They had prepared so much and thought it would be a fierce battle, but D'Antoni made a move and all their work was in vain!

ps: My mother is in much better condition today. She will have surgery the day after tomorrow. I see a lot of people’s concerns and blessings and I don’t have time to reply to them all, but I’m really grateful.