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 like before the first round, but instead seized the time to train and stay in shape.

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

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

The Rockets, the Big Three Rockets, are definitely teams that cannot be underestimated on the playoff stage.

After the training, Stevens and Brown finished chatting, and turned around and chatted with Tang Tian about the next round of opening match.

The opening match between the two sides is very important. The side that takes the lead will take the initiative in the entire series.

The two people have a relatively consistent opinion this time.

The starting strength is the two sides' five-five; the tactical targeting is the final result after playing four games in the regular season;

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

Another one and the biggest advantage is the substitute.

On the Pelicans, Boyan and Dinwiddie have plenty of playing time in the first round and are in good shape.

In addition, Jokic rotates in advance to bring substitutes, the Pelicans' current substitute connection is their strong point.

On the Rockets, Capela, who is second-year, is not enough to play, and the strongest point is veteran David West.

Moreover, D'Antoni likes rotation of 8 or even 7 people, and Brewer, Andre Miller and others all fell out of normal rotation.

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

The Pelicans are preparing for the game, and the first round matches of other groups in the playoffs have also ended one after another or reached the end stage.

The Raptors and Knicks have successively eliminated the Hornets and Pacers to advance. Only the Heat and the Hawks have not finished playing in the East. The Heat are temporarily leading 3-2.

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

In the third quarter of the playoffs, the Cavaliers and the Warriors have to wait for the results of the last two groups.

But the Pelicans have taken the lead in the divisional semi-finals with the Rockets.

Regular season grudges, Chinese elements, head coach storm, and stars gathering...

There are so many highlights in this group of matches.

In TNT's program, O'Neal, who successfully predicted that the Pelicans swept the Mavericks, said bluntly that this is the most exciting match since this year's playoffs.

Barkley and Smith both agreed with this.

The first game of the two-way series was held in New Orleans, and the day before the game, the Rockets players arrived in New Orleans for open training.

The team members looked full of energy and in good condition.

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

"The Pelicans have been resting for five days, but you just finished the series. Are you at a physical disadvantage in his fitness?"

"Of course not. We played more easily in the first round. Our physical fitness is not a problem. On the contrary, we just finished the game and were in good shape."

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

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

"Of course not. We have spent a lot of time running-in this season, and this is the playoffs. We have three superstars who have been the stars and proved their own."

D'Antoni continued to smile and replied.

"Do you have a defensive tactic against Don?"

The reporter asked the final question.

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

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

D'Antoni is still very confident.

From beginning to end, he has been revealing confidence to the outside world.

Such interview content also inspired Rockets fans.

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

The original Sun Cannon was a classic. The Rockets' Big Three must have time to get the game in this season. It's already very good to get this record.

As for Stevens, just like Cole, he picked up ready-made peaches!

Who knows if D'Antoni coaches the Pelicans would be better than this? Or what can Stevens play in coaching the Rockets?

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

The stadium is full.

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

This round of series is the Western Conference Finals in the United States, and there is a collision of popularity in China.

"Although D'Antoni was very confident in interviewing before the game, the Pelicans' strength is here. According to my understanding, if the defensive method he mentioned cannot limit Tang Tian, ​​no matter how many super stars the Rockets are, the Pelicans should win or win."

Zhang Weiping became Weiping's descendant, and his familiar arguments made the domestic fans' appetites full.

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

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

After the opening ceremony, this atmosphere reached a peak.

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

Davis jumped to win Cousins ​​and opened the curtain on the Western Conference semi-finals.

The Pelicans played No. 1 tactic in the frontcourt, Tang Tiangang broke through with the ball, and Harden assisted in defense and double-teaming on the Rockets' weak side.

Tang Tian gave Ariza the ball, and the latter made a three-pointer in the bottom corner.

Harden's breakthrough in the frontcourt hit a hit.

In the next round, Tang Tian broke through on the left, and Morris' assisted defense also came up as soon as possible.

Tang Tian gave the ball to Davis who cut in. Davis met Cousins ​​to assist in defense and threw the ball above the basket. Jokic jumped up and gently picked up the ball.

The opening rounds became the epitome 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' offense was also very fast.

Basically every round they can find Rockets' defensive loophole scores.

The Rockets' own offense is fine, but this defensive strategy makes them lose points very quickly.

"This makes people unable to understand. There is no reason to clamp it like this. You have to see Tang Tian's touch first, right? This really makes no sense."

Su Qun said he couldn't understand.

"What am I talking about? What D'Antoni said is all false, and this game is basically like this."

Zhang Weiping smiled aside.

The Rockets insisted on double-teaming Tang Tian for the entire half and even hitting the ball holder, but the Pelicans' offensive system was almost done, and this approach was completely negative.

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

This score set a new high for the Pelicans' playoff halftime scoring this season.

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

The Pelicans' whole team was already in the first half and led by 22 points after the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Jokic led a substitute to play another 12-2, and the game ended early.

The score on the field was finally frozen at 123 to 100.

The Pelicans scored 7 players in double digits, and Tang Tian easily scored 21 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in three quarters.

When the final whistle sounded, the fans cheered.

Tang Tianze and Stevens looked at each other.

This script is completely different from what they imagined!

They prepared so much and thought it would be a fierce battle, but after D'Antoni was in vain!
Chapter completed!