This was the prestige of a powerhouse.
The reason players flocked to the Lakers and Celtics was precisely this.
New Orleans, where the Pelicans were based, might have been a small city, but its market had expanded over the past few years. With that oversized broadcast contract and the banner of a dynasty...
They had clearly become the league's newest powerhouse.
The fans' emotions were ignited, and the cheers at the opening ceremony went on and on.
The starting lineups for both teams were announced in succession.
The Pelicans had the same lineup as in the Pre-season: Brogdon and Tang Tian in the backcourt, Green and Davis on the wings, and Dedmon at center.
On the Rockets' side, there had been adjustments. Paul and Harden remained in the backcourt, but Ennis and Tucker paired up on the wings, with Capela at center.
It was clear that although he did not place much importance on defense, D'Antoni had still felt the pain after his paint had been repeatedly shredded in the Pre-season.
The starters for both sides took the floor one after another. Tang Tian continued Throwing Magnesium Powder, driving the atmosphere in the arena to its peak.
Speaking of this season, the Lakers' championship odds were clearly higher than the Pelicans'.
James was also highly likely to win the second Championship Ring of his career.
Yet against that backdrop, Tang Tian still insisted on Throwing Magnesium Powder.
James had previously said that he would not throw magnesium powder again until he won another championship.
By the same logic as the contrapositive in mathematics, the day he threw magnesium powder again would be the day he won another championship.
When that time came, Tang Tian would be the one getting slapped in the face.
But Tang Tian did not care at