Over the next two days, the Pelicans held closed-door practices.
Tang Tian had settled everything at home and threw himself wholeheartedly into training.
The Pelicans' morale was even higher than it had been before the series began.
In a way, their loss in the previous game had instead made them stronger.
Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, two days had passed, and the Pelicans, presiding over their home court, welcomed Game 4 of the series.
New Orleans Arena was packed once again.
The loss had sobered up not only the players, but also the fans.
But after sobering up, their support for the Pelicans had not diminished.
This team had won three straight championships and built a dynasty. The loyalty of its fans was among the best in the league.
When the players came out to warm up and felt the fans' enthusiasm, the confidence on the Pelicans players' faces grew even stronger.
But unlike the excessive confidence from the previous game, this confidence was entirely positive and constructive.
Popovich sensed it too. Before practice time even arrived, he gathered his players early to give them a warning.
After the opening ceremony, the starting lineup for both teams was announced one after another.
After the battles of the first two games, these starting lineups drew considerable attention.
The Spurs unveiled their starters first: White and George on the perimeter, Leonard and Aldridge at forward, and Baynes at center.
Popovich really did not play by the book.
He had unexpectedly abandoned the advantageous starting lineup from the last game entirely.
Experience truly mattered. He must have predicted that Stevens would make adjustments.
Stevens gave a bitter smile when he saw it, but his expression soon returned to normal.
For the Pelicans, Brogdon and Tang Tian started on the