Chapter Summaries

The Pelicans overwhelmed the Bucks with stifling defense and explosive fast breaks, racing to a 10-0 lead. Tang Tian capped the opening stretch with a windmill dunk as the Bucks continued to struggle to score.

• Davis blocked Hayward’s layup, grabbed the rebound, and started a fast break that ended with Tang Tian dunking Walker’s lob for a 6-0 lead.
• Antetokounmpo missed a three-pointer, and Tang Tian drove past Delly before finding Walker, who lobbed the ball for a Davis dunk.
• Irving drove into the paint but missed under pressure from Butler and Tang Tian, while Dedmon secured another rebound.
• Tang Tian stole Hayward’s pass during a Bucks fast break and joined Butler and Walker in a three-on-one break that ended with his windmill dunk for a 10-0 lead.

The Pelicans exploited the Bucks’ double-teams as Dedmon repeatedly finished easy baskets, including a three-pointer. Dedmon capped the run with a dunk and a foul for a 2+1, while the Bucks struggled to contain New Orleans.

• Kidd adjusted the Bucks’ defense to double-team the Pelicans’ ball handlers, but Walker and Davis passed to Dedmon for his first basket with the team.
• Tang Tian drew another double-team and passed to Dedmon, who dunked for his second easy basket.
• Butler drew an offensive foul on Antetokounmpo, stopping the Bucks’ momentum.
• Dedmon surprised Kidd and the crowd by making a three-pointer after Tang Tian passed him the ball.
• Davis found Dedmon inside, where Dedmon dunked over Hayward for a 2+1 and his fourth easy basket in less than half a quarter.

The Pelicans overwhelmed the Bucks in two preseason games, showcasing their chemistry and depth as they won by large margins. After the second loss, the Bucks announced they had parted ways with Head Coach Jason Kidd.

• Dedmon scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Pelicans beat the Bucks 112-71 in their preseason opener.
• The Pelicans traveled to Milwaukee for their second matchup with the Bucks, where Dedmon and Davis blocked Antetokounmpo at the basket early in the game.
• The Pelicans led 70-35 at halftime, then beat the Bucks 110-90 despite Kidd bringing his starters back into the game.
• The Bucks announced after the game that they had reached an agreement to part ways with Jason Kidd.

The Pelicans rested all Four Superstars against the Clippers, but Siakam led the reserves to a 93-79 win. The team left Los Angeles with its next warm-up game against the Lakers still ahead.

• Fans reacted to Kidd's firing after the Bucks' crushing pre-season losses, while the Clippers and Lakers coaches worried about facing the Pelicans.
• The Pelicans traveled to Los Angeles, and Stevens started a lineup of reserves against the Clippers while all Four Superstars sat out.
• Siakam scored repeatedly, defended the Clippers' plays, and helped the Pelicans take a 29-19 first-quarter lead and a 54-39 halftime lead.
• The Clippers opened the second half with a 7-0 run, but Siakam answered with an assist to Lamb and a three-pointer.
• The Pelicans beat the Clippers 93-79 without playing any of their Four Superstars.

The Pelicans rested six players against the rebuilding Lakers but still built a double-digit lead with a strong start and contributions from their newcomers. Rose and Ding Yanyuhang made their first appearances for the team, and Ding scored his first NBA points as the Lakers struggled to keep up.

• Fans rewatched the Pelicans' win over the Clippers and recognized the depth of the Pelicans' bench, then argued online about the Lakers' upcoming game.
• Stevens rested Bojan, Dedmon, and several other players, starting Brogdon, Lamb, Siakam, David West, and Harrell against the Lakers.
• The Pelicans opened the game with an 8-0 run as Siakam dunked, Brogdon hit a three-pointer, and Siakam added a steal and a 2+1.
• Rose checked in for his Pelicans debut, scored through contact, and made a three-pointer after the Lakers briefly answered.
• Ding Yanyuhang entered the game and made a three-pointer for his first NBA points, extending the Pelicans' lead to 24-14.

The Pelicans finished the preseason undefeated after crushing the Lakers, whose fans blamed team management and Head Coach Byron Scott. As Scott was fired, Xiao Hua tried to limit the Pelicans’ growing dominance by pressuring ESPN to favor rival teams and considering trades to strengthen their competition.

• The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 90-70, with Simmons recording a triple-double but shooting poorly, while Brogdon led the Pelicans with 23 points.
• Lakers fans attacked the team’s management on social media, and the Lakers dismissed Byron Scott, naming Paul Pierce interim Head Coach.
• Scott accused Lakers management of deceiving and betraying him, and Jeanie Buss publicly said he had failed to meet expectations.
• Xiao Hua told Joe Borgia to influence ESPN’s power rankings in favor of the Cavaliers, Warriors, Rockets, and other teams while criticizing the Pelicans.
• Xiao Hua considered helping the Thunder trade for Anthony and strengthening other teams to create stronger challengers for the Pelicans.

ESPN ranked the Cavaliers first and the Pelicans third ahead of the 2017–2018 season, prompting fans to challenge its judgments and Durant to resent the controversy surrounding the rankings. The regular season began with unprecedented attention on the Pelicans, who were set to open against the Thunder.

• ESPN ranked the Cavaliers first, the Warriors second, the Pelicans third, the Mavericks fourth, and the Rockets fifth in its preseason strength list.
• Fans attacked ESPN’s rankings on social media, disputing its concerns about the Pelicans’ chemistry and its placement of other teams above them.
• Durant realized that someone else had taken over the Pelicans role players’ old alt accounts, and he privately hoped to defeat the Pelicans after last season’s failure.
• The 2017–2018 season began, and ESPN and TNT reported record-breaking pre-tipoff ratings for the Pelicans’ Opening Game against the Thunder.

The Pelicans celebrated their second championship and opened the new season against the Thunder. Tang Tian grabbed attention by throwing magnesium powder before tipoff, and the Pelicans surged to a 7-0 lead.

• Gayle Benson presented the Pelicans with their championship rings, and the team raised its second championship banner as Xiao Hua watched.
• Tang Tian threw magnesium powder into the air during the entrance ceremony, provoking attention and cheers from the crowd.
• Davis tipped the ball to open the season, and Tang Tian scored a stop-and-pop jumper after beating Roberson.
• The Pelicans' 2-3 zone forced a Roberson airball, then Walker scored a layup and free throw after Griffin fouled him.
• Butler pressured Oladipo into a pass that Davis stole, and Walker assisted Davis on a two-handed dunk to give the Pelicans a 7-0 lead.

The Pelicans dominated the Thunder with Davis and Dedmon anchoring the defense while Walker and Butler supported the offense. The Thunder briefly broke their scoring drought, but the Pelicans extended their lead to 20-3.

• Davis blocked Griffin at the rim, then scored in the post with practiced footwork after Walker fed him.
• Dedmon disrupted Griffin's next attempt, and Tang Tian hit a three-pointer to put the Pelicans ahead 12-0.
• Westbrook missed a contested jumper, but Walker scored through contact on a fast break to complete a 2+1.
• Westbrook ended the Thunder's drought with a three-pointer, but Tang Tian drew a foul and made both free throws.
• Tang Tian shut down Westbrook on defense, and Butler hit a three-pointer to give the Pelicans a 20-3 lead.

The Pelicans overwhelmed the Thunder with deep rotations and strong performances from Siakam, Walker, Davis, and Tang Tian. By halftime, they had built a 32-point lead, leaving the outcome seemingly decided.

• Butler led the Pelicans' defense as they opened a large lead, and Brogdon assisted Bogdan on a three-pointer during the bench rotations.
• Griffin attacked Siakam to score, but Siakam later helped stop the Thunder as the Pelicans extended their lead to 20 points by the end of the first quarter.
• Walker and Davis entered the second quarter and connected on a pick-and-roll that led to Walker's 2+1, stretching the lead to 23 points.
• Westbrook and Davis traded baskets as the Thunder struggled to reduce the deficit.
• Tang Tian and Butler returned while the Thunder had no substitutions left, and Tang Tian scored 20 points in the quarter as the Pelicans led 70–38 at halftime.

The Pelicans crushed the Thunder 126-88 in their season opener, drawing widespread attention and prompting FOX Sports to raise its offer for the team’s broadcast rights to $1 billion over ten years. Tang Tian approved of FOX as a partner but argued the offer was too low given the number of nationally televised games.

• The Pelicans routed the Thunder by 38 points, with seven players scoring in double digits and the four superstars playing only three quarters.
• Fans and media focused on the blowout, and Tang Tian told reporters the team could perform even better in future games.
• Gayle Benson learned FOX Sports had raised its broadcast-contract offer from $750 million to $1 billion over ten years and invited Tang Tian to her estate.
• Benson expressed reservations about FOX’s past role in the Xiao Hua incident, but Tang Tian said FOX was a suitable partner.
• Tang Tian argued that FOX’s offer was too low because it would nationally broadcast 58 Pelicans games, more than ESPN and TNT.

Tang Tian negotiated with Benson for a lucrative Pelicans broadcast deal tied to his staying with the team and a chance to buy shares after retirement. He then turned his attention to the Pelicans’ upcoming game against the Rockets and gave Zhou Qi advice before the matchup.

• Tang Tian proposed that FOX pay the Pelicans $160 million a year if he stayed and $60 million if he left, and said he would remain with the team if he could buy ten percent of its shares after retiring.
• Benson said she would discuss Tang Tian’s proposal with the team, and Tang Tian returned his focus to the Pelicans’ games.
• The Pelicans traveled to Houston ahead of their game against the Rockets, which drew attention as a China Derby featuring Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang.
• Tang Tian invited Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang to dinner at Yao Restaurant and advised Zhou Qi to build muscle and speed up his three-point release.

Tang Tian urged Zhou Qi to seize opportunities in the NBA, then watched the Pelicans face the Rockets in their season-opening matchup. Houston surged ahead early as the Pelicans struggled to score, leaving the Rockets with a promising start.

• Tang Tian told Zhou Qi that NBA opportunities had to be fought for and that he needed to prepare before they arrived.
• The Rockets opened their season with a 30-point win over the Grizzlies, and Morey said he was pleased with the summer trade.
• Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang both made their teams' active rosters for the Pelicans-Rockets game.
• Tang Tian continued his magnesium-powder ritual before the game, and Capela tipped off the matchup.
• Harden and Ariza made early three-pointers while Walker and Davis missed shots, giving the Rockets a 12–4 lead after a little over five minutes.

Tang Tian and Butler helped the Pelicans seize a first-quarter lead, and Stevens’s second-quarter lineup reunited Tang Tian, Walker, and Lamb as the UConn Trident. Their plays fueled a 9-0 run that stretched the Pelicans’ lead to 14 points.

• Tang Tian scored repeatedly as the Pelicans rallied to a 21-16 lead, then finished the first quarter ahead 27-22.
• Stevens opened the second quarter with Walker, Tang Tian, Lamb, Siakam, and Harrell, reuniting the former UConn teammates on the court.
• Walker scored off Tang Tian’s screen, and Tang Tian dunked in transition after Walker’s long pass.
• Tang Tian passed to Lamb for an open three after the Rockets doubled Walker and rotated to cover Tang Tian.
• Tang Tian blocked Paul’s shot and secured the rebound, then sent a long pass to Walker for a bank-shot layup as the Pelicans extended their lead to 14 points.

The Pelicans overwhelmed the Rockets with strong defense and a deep rotation, turning a close first quarter into a runaway road victory. Tang Tian led the win, but the blowout pace threatened his hopes of averaging a triple-double again.

• After Harden returned, Tang Tian targeted him and set up Lamb for another three-pointer as the Pelicans opened a large lead.
• Stevens deployed Brogdon, Tang Tian, Butler, Siakam, and Davis, and the Pelicans’ defense stifled Houston while their fast breaks pushed the margin to 22 points.
• Tang Tian and Butler traded assists and baskets as the Pelicans outscored the Rockets 42-22 in the second quarter, taking a 69-44 halftime lead.
• Walker and Davis scored early in the third quarter to stretch the lead to 30 points, and Harden and Paul could not bring Houston back.
• Both teams used their benches in the final quarter, with Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang appearing before the Pelicans won 121-91.
• Tang Tian finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, while the early blowouts made averaging a triple-double harder for him.

After the Pelicans crushed the Rockets, Tang Tian comforted Ariza and agreed to help Zhou Qi train, while Xiao Hua took heart from the Knicks' struggles and the Mavericks' strong start. The Pelicans remained dominant, but the Mavericks emerged as a possible challenger.

• Pelicans fans celebrated the team's consecutive blowout wins, and the players celebrated in the locker room after beating the Rockets.
• Tang Tian shared instant noodles with Ariza to cheer him up after the loss and their conversation about their teams.
• Zhou Qi asked to train with Tang Tian, who promised to prepare a training plan while warning him that his NBA future depended on his effort.
• Xiao Hua worried that the Pelicans' dominance was alienating fans and team owners, but he was encouraged by the Knicks' two losses and Anthony's decline.
• The Mavericks beat the Spurs and Bucks, and their strong roster and Carlisle's coaching made them look capable of challenging the Pelicans.

The Pelicans agreed to a ten-year, $1.6 billion broadcast contract with FOX, including a clause that let Tang Tian buy 10% of the team after retiring. The deal intensified the league’s anger and left Jeanie Buss looking toward next season, when she hoped to build a Lakers super team capable of challenging the Pelicans.

• Xiao Hua grew furious when Joe Borgia told him FOX was close to signing a broadcast contract with the Pelicans, and he ordered Borgia to stop it.
• Benson called Tang Tian after the Pelicans returned to New Orleans and told him to prepare to sign the contract.
• FOX agreed to the Pelicans’ ten-year, $1.6 billion deal, which granted Tang Tian the right to buy 10% of the team after retirement.
• The broadcast contract became public, prompting fans and rival teams to react angrily to the Pelicans’ growing influence.
• Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis discussed pursuing LeBron and other free agents next season, and Jeanie told Linda to clear the Lakers’ bad contracts.

Tang Tian selected ten endorsement deals worth $55 million, bringing his annual income above $100 million, while the Pelicans extended their winning streak to six games. Xiao Hua grew furious over the Pelicans’ rising commercial success and heard that Coca-Cola and Nike were discussing co-branded sneakers for Tang Tian.

• Fagan brought Tang Tian more than forty endorsement offers, and Tang Tian chose around ten while rejecting brands for personal and business reasons.
• Tang Tian asked Fagan to negotiate the endorsements up to $60 million so he could earn enough top-up points for a Breakthrough Skill.
• The Pelicans crushed the Bucks and opened the season with six consecutive wins.
• Tang Tian signed ten endorsement deals worth $55 million, and media reports put his annual income, including Nike and NBA contracts, above $100 million.
• Xiao Hua berated Joe Borgia over the Pelicans’ gains, then learned Coca-Cola and Nike were discussing co-branded sneakers for Tang Tian.

Tang Tian prepared for a lucrative Nike and Coca-Cola sneaker collaboration while the Pelicans continued their winning start. After the Pelicans overwhelmed the Spurs, Popovich approached Tang Tian to discuss Leonard’s situation.

• Tang Tian agreed in principle to a limited-edition Nike and Coca-Cola co-branded sneaker and told Fagan he wanted at least 5 million per year to renew with Coca-Cola.
• Butler watched Mavericks footage, and Tang Tian learned the Pelicans would face Dallas on Thanksgiving; he promised Butler they would win by a lot.
• The Pelicans hosted the Leonard-less Spurs and pulled away after a quarter and a half to secure an easy victory.
• Popovich invited Tang Tian for coffee after the game and brought up Leonard’s situation.

Tang Tian advised Popovich to give Kawhi Leonard more trust and room to make his own decisions, hoping to prevent their relationship from deteriorating. The Pelicans traveled to Charlotte without Davis, while Michael Jordan publicly praised Terry Rozier ahead of the Hornets' game against Kemba Walker and the Pelicans.

• Popovich told Tang Tian that Leonard had stopped communicating with the team and had gone to New York to seek medical care on his own.
• Tang Tian urged Popovich to let Leonard consult the doctors he trusted and to show him respect, warning that pressuring him could push him away.
• Popovich accepted Tang Tian's advice, and Tang Tian hoped the coach and Leonard would avoid the conflict they had faced in history.
• The Pelicans arrived in Charlotte for their game against the Hornets, and Davis stayed behind because of hip discomfort.
• Jordan praised Rozier during the Hornets' public practice and told reporters he hoped Rozier could reach or surpass Kemba Walker's level.