"This was a very exciting game. Our opponents played with first-rate defensive intensity. They are worthy of respect."
At the postgame press conference, Stevens was still praising the Thunder.
"But you beat them by 20 points," a reporter reminded him.
"There is no difference between winning by 20 and winning by 1. They simply did not have their touch tonight. Once they Found their touch, the game will be completely different."
Tang Tian could not help but smile and shake his head after hearing Stevens.
Perhaps because he had spent so much time around him, Stevens, once such a serious coach, had become a little mischievous too.
Was this what they meant by becoming influenced by the company one kept?
The Pelicans' press conference had a relaxed atmosphere, but things were not so easy on the Thunder's side.
Head Coach Donovan was bombarded with questions from reporters.
Some questioned his tactical deployment, some questioned whether his defensive adjustment had come too late, and others questioned his tactics.
"Coach Donovan did everything he could. The responsibility for this loss lies with me."
Westbrook took the initiative to step up and shield Donovan from the fire.
His performance in this game had indeed been poor, and when he stood up to speak, the reporters below immediately stopped attacking Donovan.
But their guns quickly turned toward Westbrook.
"Do you have a way to deal with Tang's defense?"
"Do you think the Thunder still have a chance in the remaining games?"
"Without Durant, is this team no longer capable of winning a championship?"
Westbrook gave the reporter who asked the last question a cold look, a flash of killing intent passing through his eyes.
"I will adjust my condition for the next game."
Still, he was clearly a different person off the court than