After the warm-ups, the opening ceremony began, and the starting lineups for both teams were announced one after another.
The Pelicans went with their usual starting five.
For the Warriors, Cole sent out a Small Ball Lineup: the Splash Brothers on the perimeter, Iguodala and Durant at forward, and Green at center.
It was not that Cole was unveiling a big move early. Dedmon was a 3-and-D center, so he did not dare send out a big man.
Besides, the team's big men had been battered too badly by Embiid in the previous round, and their form was also a concern.
"Tang, AD, watch the pick-and-roll between Curry and Durant."
Before taking the court, Stevens specifically reminded Tang Tian and Davis.
Cole had used the Curry-Durant pick-and-roll more often this season, and Stevens had prepared defensive arrangements specifically for it.
After the final pregame instructions, the starters from both teams took the court.
As usual, Tang Tian threw magnesium powder, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the arena.
Davis tipped the ball back into the Pelicans' half, officially kicking off the fourth season of the Pelicans-Warriors Showdown.
Walker brought the ball across half court and immediately passed it to Tang Tian.
Against an opponent of the Warriors' caliber, there was no need for any probing. The Pelicans brought out their best right from the start.
Tang Tian received the ball in Triple Threat, then used Flowery Butterfly Steps to get past Thompson. Seeing Iguodala come over to help, he immediately fired a no-look Bounce Pass.
Butler appeared at exactly the right moment and finished with a soaring layup.
The Pelicans' offense flowed like water, perfectly displaying Tang Tian's individual ability and the chemistry between the Brothers of Hard Work. It was as pleasing to the eye as mercury spilling across the