Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1

In the end, thanks to Cousin's miraculous game-winning shot, the Bucks had defeated the Celtics on the road and claimed a hard-fought victory in Game 1, giving themselves home-court advantage in the series.

And after that thrilling game between the Bucks and the Celtics had come to an end, three thousand kilometers away from Boston, in New Orleans...

The Pelicans and the Thunder were about to tip off Game 1 of their second-round series.

Pelicans starters: Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Domantas Sabonis.

Thunder starters: Russell Westbrook, Desmond Bane, Chen Xi, Jeff Green, and DeAndre Jordan.

The Thunder were still missing pieces.

Alexander and Gasol had moved to the bench, while Batum and Davis remained on the injured list.

And they were about to face the Pelicans Five Tigers, one of the strongest starting lineups in the entire League.

Tonight's challenge was plainly going to be a steep one...

Once both starting lineups were in place, the head referee stood at center court with the ball. He blew his whistle and tossed it high into the air.

Little Jordan leaped up, showing off the impressive bounce he hadn't entirely lost yet. He tipped the ball back for the Thunder, right over Little Sabonis.

The Thunder had the first possession!

Westbrook received the ball in the backcourt and brought it across midcourt. He stopped at the top of the key, then waited for his teammates to get set.

The Thunder then ran their opening play.

It began with a Spanish Pick and Roll.

Little Jordan stepped up to screen for Westbrook. Westbrook drove quickly into the paint, then kicked the ball back out to the top of the key.

Chen Xi had briefly shaken Butler by using Uncle as a reverse screen. He caught the ball at