The Pelicans also made a tactical adjustment on the defensive end, having Brogdon guard Harden while Tang Tian switched onto Paul.
Harden attacked Brogdon, drove into the paint, and drew a defensive foul from him. He made both free throws, continuing to add points for the Rockets.
14-4, the Rockets still held a double-digit lead.
D'Antoni sat back down as well.
The Rockets' opening strategy had been to collapse inward and trap Tang Tian. The Pelicans playing this way was no different from walking straight into a cage.
And as long as their offense could keep up its firepower, the Rockets had nothing to fear from this approach.
With that thought, the shadow cast by the Pre-season beating vanished completely.
Swish!
But just as that thought surfaced, Tang Tian used Davis's screen and pulled up for a jumper before Capela could rush out to contest him.
The Pelicans' lineup on the court had a very strong supporting effect.
On the way back, Harden drove at Brogdon again. Brogdon had learned his lesson this time and did not reach in when Harden went up for the shot.
Harden's layup was slightly off, and Davis secured the rebound.
The Pelicans immediately launched a Defensive Counterattack.
Tang Tian caught Davis's Long pass, used a Behind-the-back Dribble to blow past Ennis, then accelerated into the frontcourt, leaped into the air, and threw down a Windmill Dunk.
Boom!
The consecutive thunderous dunks completely ignited the atmosphere at New Orleans Arena.
The Pelicans' bench erupted.
Ever since last season's Slam Dunk Contest, Tang Tian seemed to have opened the door to a new world and become an elite dunker.
But unlike last season, the Pelicans' bench now had another superstar dunker sitting on it.
Carter also got to his feet and cheered for Tang Tian.
His