Tang Tian's Zone

A team's defensive ability was limited. If they focused on defending one player, their defensive intensity against another was bound to weaken.

It was the same for every team. Moreover, Tang Tian and Jokic operated inside and outside respectively, making it difficult for defenders to coordinate with one another.

The Warriors clearly understood this as well. Thompson locked his full attention onto Tang Tian.

Butler's defensive performance in the first round had given him confidence. They were familiar with Tang Tian's offensive style, and that familiarity could help them on the defensive end.

When it came to defensive ability, he did not think he was much worse than Butler.

Seeing the confidence in Thompson's eyes, Tang Tian made a huge Change of Direction and Acceleration Breakthrough to the right, then stopped short, dribbled back left, and pulled up for a jumper off another change of direction.

Thompson was very familiar with Tang Tian's offensive style. Likewise, Tang Tian knew Thompson's defensive characteristics just as well.

Thompson's Individual Defense was not weak, but lateral movement was his weakness.

After Tang Tian's consecutive, wide movements, Thompson was clearly unable to keep up.

Swish!

Tang Tian shook Thompson off and knocked it down smoothly, just like he had at training camp.

Tang Tian was not a player who relied on physical talent. He relied on skill. That was why scrappy defenders like Butler could have some effect on him, while players like Thompson with defensive weaknesses could not.

The Warriors ran Infinite Cutting in their Set Play, while the Pelicans answered with Switch Defense.

When the Warriors had first started using their small-ball lineup last year, the Pelicans had been caught off guard. But this year, the Pelicans were already very familiar with this style of play.

After several switches, the Warriors found