Chapter Summaries

The Pelicans used Mike Brown’s advice to adjust their defense against James after the Cavaliers rallied from a 15-point deficit to trail by four at halftime. James ignored Blatt’s attempt to share the ball-handling, then missed a drive against the Pelicans’ new defensive setup, leaving him looking toward Brown on the bench.

• Irving led the Cavaliers’ bench unit on a scoring run, prompting Blatt to bring James back into the game.
• James scored 13 points in the second quarter, including a buzzer-beating layup that left the Cavaliers trailing 46-50 at halftime.
• Brown advised Stevens to wear James down and guide his drives toward less favorable areas, so the Pelicans started Aminu in place of Bojan after the break.
• James opened the second half with a three-pointer, and Tang Tian answered with one of his own to maintain the Pelicans’ lead.
• James ignored Blatt’s signal to let Irving bring the ball up, drove against Aminu, and missed a layup after Jokic held his ground.
• James looked toward the Pelicans’ bench and met Brown’s gaze.

The Pelicans held off the Cavaliers as Tang Tian repeatedly scored against James and led New Orleans to a 113-97 home victory. Tang Tian finished with 46 points, and the chapter ended with the Pelicans bouncing back after a difficult week.

• The Pelicans outscored the Cavaliers 31-19 in the third quarter and took an 81-65 lead into the fourth.
• After the Cavaliers cut the deficit to 12, Tang Tian and Davis returned, and Tang Tian traded scores with Irving before James came back into the game.
• Tang Tian drove past James for a two-handed dunk, then scored again against him with a fadeaway to reach 39 points.
• Tang Tian hit a pull-up three for his 42nd point and stole the ball from James, setting up Holiday's fast-break 2+1.
• The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 113-97 as Tang Tian scored 46 points on 17-for-27 shooting, with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

After the Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers, James avoided answering questions about his role in the Heat passing on Tang Tian, while Tang Tian said the decision had ultimately brought him to New Orleans. The league then announced the 2016 All-Star reserves, highlighting the West’s fierce competition and numerous snubs.

• James said he hoped to face the Pelicans again in the Finals, then declined to deny that he had influenced the Heat’s decision to pass on Tang Tian in the 2011 draft.
• Tang Tian said the Heat passing on him had not been a bad thing because it had led him to the Pelicans and the win over the Cavaliers.
• The league announced the All-Star reserves, including first-time selection Kemba Walker and Western Conference selections Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, LaMarcus Aldridge, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Blake Griffin.
• Hassan Whiteside complained on social media after missing the Eastern reserves despite his strong statistics and the Heat’s winning record.
• The Western reserve selections left many players out, including Jokic, Green, Lillard, and Marc Gasol, while Lillard chose to focus on proving himself in upcoming games.

The Pelicans extended their winning streak to 47-4 before the All-Star break, and Tang Tian traveled to Toronto with his family and teammates for All-Star Weekend. Jokic won Rookie Game MVP, and the chapter ended with Dempsey asking Tang Tian what he thought of Lance Stephenson.

• Tang Tian, Davis, Jokic, Dinwiddie, and Bojan were named to All-Star Weekend events as the Pelicans reached a 47-4 record.
• Tang Tian brought his family and teammates to Toronto, where Walker announced that his girlfriend Jilly was pregnant and Irving confided his frustration about his role in Cleveland.
• WYF played in the Celebrity Game, scoring 6 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in his debut.
• Bojan scored 27 points with nine three-pointers, while Jokic recorded 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the International Team to victory and earn Rookie Game MVP.
• Tang Tian spent the next day exploring Toronto with Olson and their sons, then received a call from Dempsey asking his opinion of Lance Stephenson.

Tang Tian agreed that the Pelicans should trade Morrow for Lance Stephenson after consulting with Dempsey about the coaching staff’s support. At All-Star Weekend, Towns won the Skills Challenge, prompting Olson to cheer for Tang Tian’s infant son, whose name sounded like the champion’s.

• Dempsey asked Tang Tian whether the Pelicans should trade Morrow for Lance Stephenson, and Tang Tian agreed with the coaching staff’s support for the deal.
• Tang Tian returned to spending time with Olson and their two sons during All-Star Weekend.
• Dinwiddie replaced Isaiah Thomas in the Skills Challenge after Thomas left to handle a personal emergency.
• Towns defeated Davis and Green to win the big-man group, while Dinwiddie advanced from the small-player group.
• Towns came from behind to defeat Dinwiddie in the final and became the first big man to win the Skills Challenge.
• Olson celebrated by waving her younger brother Towns’s hand, and Tang Tian laughed at the coincidence between the champion’s name and his son’s.

The Three-Point Contest featured a tense first round before Curry, Bogdan, and Thompson advanced to the final. Bogdan then scored 28 points to break the record and win the championship, crediting Tang Tian's borrowed Hot Hand.

• Thompson and Bogdan each scored 22 points in the first round, while Lowry and Kohlver were eliminated.
• Curry made a buzzer-beating final shot to score 21 points and join Bogdan and Thompson in the final.
• Bogdan asked Tang Tian to lend him his Hot Hand before the final.
• Thompson scored 27 points in the final, tying the Three-Point Contest record and putting pressure on Bogdan.
• Bogdan scored 28 points, broke the record, and won the Three-Point Contest, thanking Tang Tian for lending him his Hot Hand.

After winning the Three-Point Contest, Bojan helped the Pelicans add another All-Star Weekend achievement. Kobe told Tang Tian he believed the league’s future belonged to him, and in his final All-Star Game, Kobe passed him the chance to carry on the shooting guards’ legacy as Tang Tian scored repeatedly.

• Bojan won the Three-Point Contest with a record, and LaVine claimed his second straight Slam Dunk Contest title.
• Kobe told Tang Tian that his advice had helped him choose retirement and praised the Pelicans’ steady growth, saying Tang Tian could surpass him and approach Jordan.
• At the All-Star Game, Kobe drew the final player introduction before Tang Tian, the new All-Star vote king, took the stage to roaring cheers.
• Kobe passed to Tang Tian instead of taking the shot himself, and Tang Tian hit a fadeaway jumper over Wade.
• Tang Tian scored on a fast-break dunk and an alley-oop, reaching six points early as the West starters fed him the ball.

Tang Tian led the Western Conference to victory in the 2016 All-Star Game and set a new single-game scoring record with 50 points. He won his third consecutive All-Star Game MVP, becoming the only player in NBA history to do so.

• Tang Tian scored 13 points in the first quarter as Stevens kept him on the court, while Durant, Harden, and Westbrook arranged to feed Westbrook in hopes of steering him toward the MVP award.
• Westbrook scored 12 points during his run, but Irving helped the Eastern Conference take the lead before Tang Tian returned and steadied the Western Conference with his scoring.
• Tang Tian finished the first half with 23 points and reached 38 by the end of the third quarter as George led the Eastern Conference's comeback.
• In the decisive stretch, Tang Tian passed Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star Game scoring record with a dunk, then reached 50 points on a fadeaway jumper to secure the Western Conference's lead.
• The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 183-173, and Xiao Hua announced Tang Tian as MVP after Kobe and the other players congratulated him.

After winning his third consecutive AMVP, Tang Tian spoke with Westbrook, who tried to reconcile him with Durant. Durant saw the two meeting privately and misread the scene, while Tang returned to New Orleans and wondered whether the Pelicans could trade for Stephenson before the deadline.

• Tang Tian celebrated his AMVP with Olson, then joined Westbrook for cake after Olson encouraged him to socialize.
• Westbrook told Tang Tian about Durant's charitable work and tried to ease their conflict, and Tang Tian responded amicably.
• Durant spotted Tang Tian and Westbrook chatting together and felt betrayed after Westbrook had declined to meet him; he called Curry.
• Westbrook later told Durant that his conversation with Tang Tian had gone well, but Durant remained unmoved and considered leaving if the Thunder failed to win a championship.
• Tang Tian, Olson, their sons, and Bojan flew back to New Orleans, where Tang Tian wondered how Dempsey's trade talks for Stephenson were progressing.

NBA teams made a flurry of trades before the 2016 deadline, reshaping contenders and clearing salary ahead of the summer free-agent market. The Cavaliers, Rockets, and Mavericks strengthened their rosters as they pursued a championship.

• The Pelicans, Clippers, and Thunder completed a three-team trade that sent Lance Stephenson to New Orleans, Kyle Singler to Los Angeles, and Anthony Morrow to Oklahoma City.
• The Rockets acquired Markieff Morris from the Suns for Chris Anderson, a trade exception, and two future second-round picks.
• The Mavericks traded bench players and a second-round pick to the Pistons for Brandon Jennings.
• The Cavaliers acquired Channing Frye from the Magic, adding depth at power forward and increasing their luxury-tax bill.

After receiving endorsement and shoe-sale income, Tang Tian spent 30 million recharge points on the Orange Skill Son of the Wind to improve his passing. He tested the skill at practice and felt a major improvement, though he still needed experience with its new abilities.

• The Pelicans said goodbye to Morrow after training, while Stephenson remained unavailable pending a physical.
• Tang Tian received payments from Burts Bees, Durex, and Nike, bringing his available recharge points to roughly 30 million.
• Tang Tian compared the Orange Skills Flowery Butterfly Steps and Son of the Wind, then chose Son of the Wind to strengthen his team play.
• Tang Tian exchanged 30 million recharge points for Son of the Wind, raising his Passing Skill from 70 to 90.
• Tang Tian practiced passing early at the Training Facility and found his ball control and passing stability had improved, though he struggled with unfamiliar flashy passes.

After improving his passing with Steve Nash’s help, Tang Tian led the Pelicans through a winning stretch while new addition Stephenson settled into the rotation. The chapter ended with the Pelicans and Rockets preparing to face each other, as Tang Tian looked forward to testing his passing against a stronger opponent.

• Tang Tian recorded a 20-point, 11-assist Double-Double against the Suns, then stayed after the game to train his passing with Nash.
• Nash praised Tang Tian’s quick progress, and Tang Tian joked that he was a genius.
• Stephenson joined the Pelicans after completing his physical, called Tang Tian Boss, and was assigned as the bench unit’s secondary playmaker.
• The Pelicans beat the Nuggets, Lakers, and Pistons to extend their winning streak, while Stephenson integrated into the rotation and Tang Tian’s passing drew attention.
• Barkley called the upcoming Rockets game the real test, as both teams entered it on winning streaks and Tang Tian prepared to test his improved passing.

Tang Tian orchestrated the Pelicans’ offense with three sharp assists as Bojan made two early threes and Davis dunked to give New Orleans an 8-4 lead over the Rockets. The game continued with the Pelicans in control of the opening exchanges.

• Paul opened the scoring for Houston with a mid-range jumper against the Pelicans’ zone.
• Tang Tian passed behind his back to Bojan, who hit a corner three to answer.
• Jokic secured a rebound, and Tang Tian sent Bojan a long pass for his second consecutive three.
• Harden drew a foul from Jokic and made both free throws.
• Tang Tian threaded a pass to Davis, who dunked after Houston’s defenders left him open, putting the Pelicans ahead 8-4.

Tang Tian overwhelmed the Rockets with his scoring and newly elite passing, helping the Pelicans build a 28-15 lead before both teams entered their rotations. As Tang Tian rested, Stephenson surprised the Rockets with a sharp cut and dunk.

• Tang Tian beat Tucker with a crossover and pull-up jumper, then drew help defense and passed to Biyombo, who lost the ball out of bounds.
• Biyombo held his ground against Cousins in the post and secured a defensive rebound.
• Tang Tian spun past Tucker, drew Cousins away from the basket, and lobbed the ball to Biyombo for an alley-oop dunk.
• D'Antoni called a timeout and replaced Tucker with Batum, but Tang Tian continued to exploit the Rockets' defense before resting with the Pelicans ahead 28-15.
• Stephenson cut to the basket after Dinwiddie received the ball, caught Dinwiddie's pass, and dunked over Capela.

Tang Tian dismantled the Rockets’ defensive adjustments, leading the Pelicans to a commanding win over Houston. He finished with 21 points, 20 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals before sitting out the fourth quarter.

• The Pelicans maintained their lead through the second quarter, and Tang Tian entered halftime with 16 points and 12 assists.
• At halftime, Chris Paul volunteered to guard Tang Tian, and D’Antoni agreed to try the matchup.
• Tang Tian backed Paul down and passed to Jokic for a three, then continued scoring and drawing fouls against Paul.
• The Rockets switched to having Harden attack Tang Tian, but Tang Tian stopped him and focused on setting up his teammates.
• The Pelicans pulled ahead by nearly 30 points by the end of the third quarter, and Tang Tian finished with 21 points and 20 assists before sitting out garbage time.

Tang Tian and the Pelicans extended their winning streak with dominant performances against the Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Cavaliers, showcasing how opponents could not stop him by defending him one-on-one or doubling him. After the Pelicans routed Cleveland, the Cavaliers announced shocking news that left the story on a cliffhanger.

• Tang Tian led the Pelicans past the Rockets with 20 points and 20 assists through three quarters, setting a new record as New Orleans extended its winning streak to thirteen games.
• The Grizzlies held Tang Tian to eight assists, but he scored 46 points as the Pelicans won and demonstrated the cost of guarding him one-on-one.
• The Pelicans defeated the Mavericks with fluid team play after Carlisle sent help defense at Tang Tian, and Butler scored a season-high 36 points in the loss.
• The Pelicans routed the Cavaliers 116-96, earning their second sixteen-game winning streak of the season.
• The Cavaliers officially announced shocking news after the game.

The Cavaliers fired David Blatt and named Tyronn Lue their interim head coach amid reports of a worsening rift between Blatt and James. Lue defended the decision at his appointment press conference and said he would give the players more freedom.

• The Cavaliers dismissed David Blatt, and Tyronn Lue took over as head coach.
• Woj reported that James had clashed with Blatt over defensive expectations, deepening criticism of James among fans.
• James publicly challenged Woj's account, and Woj later deleted his report under pressure from James's team.
• The Cavaliers held a press conference where Lue praised Blatt but backed management's decision to make a change.
• Lue said he would give LeBron, Kyrie, and Kevin more freedom on the court.

The Pelicans extended their winning streak to 17 games and traveled to Miami to face the Heat, where former Pelican Whiteside vowed to make them regret letting him go. After Stephenson answered his remarks, the game began with Jokic converting a 2+1 against Whiteside, leaving the Pelicans off to a strong start.

• The Pelicans beat the Trail Blazers for the third time that season, extending their winning streak to 17 games as Tang Tian recorded 30 points, 12 assists, and 6 rebounds.
• Whiteside told reporters he would make the Pelicans regret giving up on him before their first meeting of the season.
• Tang Tian declined to respond to Whiteside's comments, but Stephenson called Whiteside an idiot and pointed to the Pelicans' League First record.
• Whiteside entered the game determined to take revenge, but Davis won the opening tip for the Pelicans.
• Tang Tian used a pick-and-roll with Davis, passed to Jokic after Whiteside rotated to contest his drive, and Jokic made a layup through a foul for a 2+1.

The Pelicans overwhelmed the Heat as Jokic dominated Whiteside and Tang Tian recorded a triple-double, extending their winning streak to eighteen games. After the loss, Whiteside decided he needed to join a stronger team to get revenge.

• Jokic and Davis stopped Whiteside at the rim, and Tang Tian led the Pelicans to an early 10-0 lead.
• Jokic stole the ball from Whiteside with a well-timed pull-the-chair move, and Tang Tian set up Bojan for a transition three.
• Wade scored 33 points, but the Pelicans pulled away late to beat the Heat 116-103 and claim their eighteenth straight win.
• Tang Tian recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jokic finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists as Whiteside managed only 9 points and fouled out of contention with 5 fouls.
• After Wade failed to comfort him, Whiteside concluded that he had chosen the wrong team and resolved to seek a powerful team such as the Warriors or Cavaliers when the Salary Cap rose.

After losing to the Clippers, the Pelicans laughed off Reeves’s boastful comments, then refocused on their game against the Thunder. Durant prepared to face Tang Tian, while Nash watched from the Pelicans’ bench as the matchup began.

• Ariza’s ankle recovered well, and he began non-contact ball drills ahead of an expected return by the end of March.
• Louis Williams scored 37 points as the Clippers beat the Pelicans, and former Pelican Reeves called the win expected.
• Ariza tweeted “you.know.nothing.” at the Clippers, mocking Reeves’s repeated claims that his team knew it could win.
• The Pelicans put the loss behind them and prepared for a home game against the Thunder, whose coach Donovan said they would use help-defense rotations against Tang Tian.
• Durant looked distracted during warmups but became serious after seeing Tang Tian on the arena screen, and Westbrook encouraged him.
• The starting lineups took the court, and fans spotted team advisor Nash sitting on the Pelicans’ bench with his two daughters.