The Pelicans players celebrated wildly in the locker room after the game.
The Lakers were the strongest team in the league this year. Beating them meant they had gnawed through the toughest bone on the road to the championship.
As long as they played normally and beat the Bucks next, four consecutive championships would be theirs.
Under those circumstances, it would have been inappropriate not to celebrate.
While they celebrated, Bucks fans and Pelicans fans had already begun battling on the hotlines.
One side was waiting for a fourth straight title, while the other shouted that Antetokounmpo would lead the Bucks to shock everyone.
After the Bucks cleanly swept the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Finals between the Bucks and Pelicans became the center of fans' attention.
The Bucks had a better record than the Pelicans, so the first game of the Finals would be held in Milwaukee.
The day before the game, the Pelicans prepared to travel to Milwaukee, with Davis going along with the team.
After arriving in Milwaukee, the Pelicans held their usual practice that day. Davis took part in every drill except full-court contact.
His recovery was progressing as smoothly as expected. He was projected to make a full recovery and return in about another week.
After practice that day, Stevens pulled Tang Tian aside to discuss the upcoming tactics against the Bucks.
As they talked, someone knocked on the door. It was Davis when he entered.
Davis was somewhat surprised to see Tang Tian there, but he quickly turned around and shut the door.
"Coach, I want to play tomorrow."
Davis spoke after sitting down.
"AD, don't rush it. You'll be fully recovered in a week. Returning now carries risks."
Stevens did not agree after hearing him out.
"Coach, I can play already.