On another court, the Pelicans were also holding an open practice.
However, unlike the tense atmosphere around the Warriors, the Pelicans' practice was filled with laughter.
The clearest sign came at the end of practice, when Tang Tian and Carter held an internal dunk contest.
The rest of the players watched the entire time.
360 Dunks, Windmill Dunks, between-the-legs reverse dunks...
Their dunk-off drew whistles and cheers from their teammates.
The reporters in the arena also got to enjoy a visual feast worthy of the Slam Dunk Contest.
After the dunking ended, the reporters stepped forward one after another for interviews.
Just like during practice, the players, Tang Tian included, were very relaxed during the interviews.
Without needing to say it like Green had, and without the reporters needing to ask, they could sense that the Pelicans were fully prepared for that night's game.
Tang Tian was the last to be interviewed.
By the time he finished, most of the players had already returned to the locker room, but when he turned around, he saw that Parker and Alexander were still there.
Parker was instructing Alexander on some details of offense.
Tang Tian walked over to say hello. Alexander was still practicing on the court, while Tang Tian sat down and chatted with Parker for a while.
"He's a good kid. He's even better than Dejounte. He'll become an All-Star Player."
Parker had nothing but praise for Alexander.
Murray had made the All-Defensive Second Team last season and was the Spurs' most talented guard last year.
For Parker to say that, he clearly liked Alexander a great deal.
Although he had not received much Playing Time in the Opening Game, Alexander still put up 6 points and 2 assists, making him one of the few Pelicans players who had performed