Both teams had rarely played overtime this season. One had Durant, the other had Tang Tian, and both were exceptionally capable of hitting Clutch Shots.
But now that they had gone to overtime, it was precisely a testament to their Clutch Shot abilities.
Five minutes of overtime, especially in a marquee game like the Christmas Day Game, was a tremendous physical and mental test for both sides.
"I'll guard Durant."
During the break between periods, Tang Tian took the initiative to speak to Stevens.
Stevens glanced at Tang Tian. He knew Tang Tian's stamina was basically at its limit.
But when he saw the look in Tang Tian's eyes, he nodded.
He knew Tang Tian was not someone who liked making excuses, and stamina was no exception.
When play resumed, the Warriors kept their starting lineup intact, but the Pelicans made a Substitution Adjustment, with Brogdon replacing Ariza.
For the final overtime period, Stevens chose to add another reliable Outside three-pointer threat.
But people could not quite understand why he had chosen Brogdon over Bojan.
And trusting a rookie in the closing moments was not something an ordinary Head Coach could do.
The two sides jumped again to begin overtime. Davis once more won the tip-off against Pachulia, giving the Pelicans the first possession opportunity.
Many fans in the arena could no longer sit still, rising to their feet one after another to watch.
Five minutes was neither long nor short, but the tense game had made them forget all about time.
The moment Tang Tian got the ball in the frontcourt, he was double-teamed. He kicked it out to Brogdon, who drove and dished to Davis. Davis palmed the ball in one hand and went up for a dunk.
Pachulia was there again to stop him. Davis dodged aside