The Script Was All Wrong

The Rockets still had one game left to play, while the Pelicans had more time to rest and adjust.

However, Stevens did not arrange for the players to relax like he had before the first round. Instead, he made full use of the time to train and maintain their form.

The Mavericks had played exceptionally well in their final game. If not for Tang Tian, they would very likely have needed a fifth game.

And purely in terms of strength, the Mavericks from that game were actually about on par with the Rockets they would face next.

The Rockets' Big Three were absolutely not a team to be underestimated on the Playoffs stage.

After practice, Stevens finished talking with Brown, then turned to discuss the next round's Opening Game with Tang Tian.

The Opening Game was crucial for both sides. Whoever gained the early advantage would seize the initiative for the entire series.

This time, the two of them saw eye to eye.

In terms of starting-lineup strength, the two teams were evenly matched. As for tactical matchups, they had played four times in the Regular Season and knew each other inside out.

The Pelicans had two advantages in the series. One was Tang Tian, whose ability surpassed any one member of the Big Three.

The other, and their greatest advantage, was the bench.

On the Pelicans' side, Bojan and Dinwiddie had received plenty of Playing Time in the first round and were in excellent form.

With Jokic also entering the rotation early to lead the reserves, the Pelicans' Bench Connection Segment had become one of their strengths.

On the Rockets' side, second-year Capela was not quite ready yet, and their strongest point was veteran David West.

Moreover, D'Antoni favored an eight-man or even seven-man rotation, leaving Brewer, Andre Miller,