What a Timeout Could Do

"We'll run a back-cut play. AD, set a screen in this spot..."

Only after emphasizing that did he begin laying out the tactics.

After the timeout, the Pelicans set up in the frontcourt.

The on-site fans were full of anticipation.

This was Stevens's debut. When he had been with the Celtics, Stevens had been known for his in-game adjustments, which had happened to be the weakness of the Pelicans' former head coach, Monty Williams.

Or rather, that was exactly what the fans had been looking forward to.

An 0-5 start in the pre-season was nothing to worry about, but if they could not even show their greatest strength in making in-game adjustments, then the Pelicans' new season would truly be cause for concern.

Holiday brought the ball upcourt and again fed Jokic at the high post.

The Pelicans ran the same play: the center organized the offense, the three-point shooters used off-ball pick and rolls to draw the defense, and Tang Tian cut to the basket.

Their tactics did not appear to have changed at all from before.

Disappointment could not help but show in the on-site fans' eyes. Was Stevens really only this capable? Had his reputation been exaggerated?

After all, the Pelicans' roster had not changed much this summer. The biggest change had come from the coaching staff.

It was only the pre-season, but if Stevens was only at this level, how could the Pelicans contend for a championship against the Rockets, Warriors, Spurs, or even Cavaliers in the new season?

However, just as their disappointment began to show, a new change appeared on the court.

Tang Tian, who had cut to the basket, suddenly curled back toward the free-throw line. Davis appeared beside him and completely screened Brewer off.

Jokic handed the ball to Tang Tian, while