Tang Tian scored on a fast-break layup, notching his 30th point of the first half and helping the Pelicans extend their lead to 8 points.
On the Rockets' possession, Harden still refused to give up. After receiving the ball, he went at Tang Tian again.
This time, he displayed the prowess of a true superstar, driving in before stopping sharply and stepping back to sink the shot over Tang Tian's defense.
A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd.
At last, Harden had scored against Tang Tian's defense!
Yet Harden's expression still did not look very good.
Tang Tian's defense on that play had remained airtight. There had been quite a bit of luck involved in Harden making that shot.
And more important than making a basket, after several possessions, he had confirmed that Tang Tian's stamina was still abundant.
In other words, their strategy for the entire game had failed!
Had Tang Tian suddenly turned into a Stamina Monster overnight?
That was impossible and made no sense!
The only explanation was that if he did not isolate against Tang Tian and carry the offensive load, Tang Tian's stamina consumption would be minimal!
As for Off-ball Movement, Tang Tian had been an expert at it during his time with the Spurs—the kind that could run Durant into vomiting!
On the Rockets' possession, Harden did not gesture for the ball, but Paul still signaled for his teammates to clear out before giving it to him.
Paul did not know what Harden was thinking at that moment. He was simply executing the tactics the team had established at halftime.
Besides, Harden had just made a shot earlier.
Harden glanced at his teammates' Defensive Formation, as well as Paul pulling his defender toward the far side after passing the ball.
He was being