After returning from halftime, the expressions on the players' faces were completely different.
On the Lakers' side, every player wore a relaxed and confident expression.
On the Pelicans' side, however, their faces were filled with worry and dejection.
Stevens looked somewhat helpless as well.
If Davis had not been injured, he was confident they could have gone the full seven games against the Lakers. But now, nothing he said mattered anymore.
During halftime, he had tried to inspire the players' fighting spirit with a speech, but that attempt had failed once again.
The situation before them was not something a few words could change.
Everyone on the Pelicans knew that losing this game by such a large margin would put them down 0-2. Without Davis, and against the Lakers of all teams, a comeback was almost impossible.
The game was about to resume. After finishing his tactical arrangements, Stevens unconsciously turned his gaze toward Tang Tian.
In adversity, if anyone could still step up, it could only be Tang Tian.
The Pelicans had the first possession of the second half. Tang Tian broke through the double team and delivered a Lightning Pass, sending the ball steadily into Siakam's hands.
The nearest defender was two meters away from him. It was an absolute wide-open look.
But Siakam hesitated. He took one dribble into the Mid Range, and by the time he shot, James's help defense had already arrived.
Clang!
His shot bounced off the rim.
Clearly, after a sluggish first half, the Pelicans' players had taken a huge blow not only to their touch, but also to their confidence.
That showed not only on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well.
Brogdon was late on a help rotation, giving Durant an opportunity for a Three-point shot.
Swish!
Durant