A Big Win After His Return

Of course, the Thunder had never expected to shut down the Pelicans' offense completely with defense alone.

Everyone knew that while a healthy Thunder team could always be considered a defensive powerhouse, their greater source of confidence was their formidable offense.

After the change of possession, Westbrook brought the ball over half court, reached the top of the key, and found Chen Xi, who moved the ball immediately.

Chen Xi ran up to the top, took a handoff off Westbrook's screen, and caught the ball at the wing, then waited for Davis to come up and set a screen.

The Xi Mei Pick and Roll was back in action!

Using Davis's screen, Chen Xi took one dribble and accelerated straight inside the three-point line. He immediately drew Horford's help defense, then quickly passed to Davis rolling to the basket.

Davis established his position and held Butler off, then charged straight into the paint. He caught the ball, leaped immediately, and powered toward the rim over Little Sabonis's help defense.

The ball left his hands just before Little Sabonis could get a hand on it, hit the backboard, and bounced into the hoop.

Another two points. The Thunder had scored eight straight to open the game.

More importantly, Chen Xi had accounted for only two of those eight points.

That was another indication of just how much the Thunder's offense had changed.

After Davis returned, the Pelicans had, of course, adjusted their defensive strategy.

They had clearly focused more on defending the paint in this game, while still remaining alert to Chen Xi rather than neglecting him. Only a defensive powerhouse like the Pelicans could manage both.

Unfortunately, a strategy was a strategy, and focus was focus. Getting those things right didn't guarantee good defense.

So far, the Pelicans' defense against