Pelicans Stirring Up Trouble

"Tang Tian, block him!"

"Get the ball to Tang Tian! Yes, crossover, toy with him!"

"What is Davis doing over there? Get the ball to Tang Tian already!"

"Haha, see? Harden can only defend with his eyes again. This is the right way to play that possession!"

Amid Zhang Weiping's signature commentary, Tang Tian repeatedly shut down Harden's offense, then repeatedly blew past Harden for scores or assists.

The two had ranked first and fifth in this season's MVP race.

The gap in ranking was not that large, but first place had thoroughly crushed fifth place.

In the end, Tang Tian was far more complete than Harden. And as a superstar who had built his reputation on defense, he would not be targeted at the defensive end.

D'Antoni had great faith in Harden. Even though he was being badly suppressed, D'Antoni did not take him off the court.

That was a coach's trust in his player, but unfortunately, Harden truly did not have many answers for Tang Tian now.

With Harden getting destroyed, and Paul and Cousins unable to perform as they had in the previous two games, the Rockets fell further and further behind as the game went on.

After three quarters, the Pelicans led 98-71, nearly a 30-point advantage.

Tang Tian had already Scored 40 points through three quarters, along with 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.

The fans had already begun celebrating the win early.

And the outcome had already been decided.

Neither side's starters appeared in the final quarter.

The cameras at the arena kept cutting to the Rockets' bench.

Harden stared blankly ahead, Paul was filled with unwillingness, and Cousins bit his fingers.

Losing 1-4 to the Pelicans meant they had avoided a sweep, but such a lopsided series was clearly