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Buzdrik did not have many ways to respond either. After all, this was simply Harden's current skill set.

He focused more on reading the Pelicans' defense, having Harden drive and kick more often while attacking the rim with greater determination.

After all, Jokic was not exactly a defensive stalwart.

After the timeout.

The Rockets no longer kept attacking Harden's matchup. Instead, Paul took over the organization duties.

The Pelicans executed strongly as well. If Harden did not have the ball, they played regular man-to-man defense.

Cousins' post-up under the basket drew Davis' help defense. He kicked the ball out to Morris, whose Mid-range jump shot finally broke the Rockets' scoring drought.

Tang Tian drove and kicked to Davis for a Mid Range opportunity, but Davis' shot was slightly off and missed.

Cousins secured the Defensive Rebound.

An opportunity for the Rockets.

Paul continued feeding Cousins.

This time, Cousins tried to pass out of the double-team, but Davis read it and stole the ball.

The Pelicans went on the Fast break, and Tang Tian assisted Ariza for a dunk.

10-2.

The Pelicans had started the game extremely well.

When the Rockets brought the ball into the frontcourt, they still wanted to attack through Cousins, but Jokic fronted him and denied the opportunity.

Paul drove to the basket but found no opening either. After circling around, he could only give the ball to Harden.

The moment Harden got the ball, Ariza came around from the left to defend. Harden was forced to go right while constantly watching out for Ariza behind him.

He charged into the lane and floated the ball up over Jokic.

Jokic extended his long arms to contest it.

Clang!

His floater was a little too far back, striking the back rim and bouncing out!

0 for 4!

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