Braised Eggplant with Minced Pork

Chapter 702 Kobe's Farewell Tour (First Update!)

Walker played very hard in this game, but Jefferson's performance declined sharply, Batum had just arrived in the team and hadn't integrated yet, and with Kidd-Gilchrist's still terrible outside shooting ability, the Hornets didn't find many opportunities throughout the game.

In the end, the Pelicans widened the point difference to 25+ in the third quarter, and finally defeated the Hornets 95 to 72, winning the season's opening game.

Six players on the Pelicans team scored in double figures. Tang Tian, Davis, and Jokic only played three quarters. Tang Tian scored the highest with 22 points.

On the Hornets side, Walker scored 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Batum and Lin Shuhao each had 11 points, and no one else scored in double figures.

After the game, Tang Tian chatted with Walker for a few more words.

He knew that Walker was full of expectations for the new season, but Walker was unlucky to meet the Pelicans in the first show.

The Pelicans' opening game was really full of morale. They killed gods when encountering gods, and killed Buddhas when encountering Buddhas. Walker's collision with the muzzle became cannon fodder, and Xiao Hua could only be blamed.

After the game, Tang Tian accepted an interview with reporters on the sidelines.

"The Pelicans were in surprisingly good shape tonight. The team's shooting percentage reached 53%, and they limited their opponents' shooting percentage to 37%. How did you do it?"

The Pelicans' explosive performance in their first show was a must-ask question for reporters.

The training camp last summer was very effective, Stevens' tactical system greatly improved the team's strength, and the players were all geared up for the opening game...

There are many reasons to answer.

However, Tang Tian was in a good mood now, and instead of answering seriously, he got a little cheeky.

"Because our entire team used Piao Rou's new men's shampoo. With Piao Rou, everyone shoots with such confidence."

The reporter had a confused look on his face after hearing this.

What a magical answer.

"...I sent them a few bottles each, and they all used it today."

Tang Tian touched his hair and repeated what he said earlier.

The reporter then confirmed that he was really talking about Piao Rou shampoo.

And he also mentioned Piao Rou's advertising slogan along the way.

This answer is really cheeky!

But it's very topical. This is much more attractive than a serious answer.

Moreover, Tang Tian did not forget to mention the endorsement brand when he was interviewed by reporters. This is definitely a conscientious spokesperson.

Tang Tian returned to the locker room and saw the players chatting and laughing.

A beautiful opening victory is a very good start for the Pelicans players.

After the players showered, Stevens came to the locker room.

"A beautiful victory, but our defense can be better. We can limit our opponents to below 70 points. Nikola, you need to be tougher in the paint. Javale, your defensive positioning needs to continue to improve..."

Stevens seemed cautious. Although he won a big victory, he did not forget to ask the players to do better, especially on the defensive end.

Most of the players felt that Stevens was too serious, but Stevens didn't care and just emphasized what he wanted to emphasize.

"Enjoy tonight's victory."

After saying what he wanted to say, he said with a smile.

The players had been holding back for too long, and suddenly cheered when they heard this.

Stevens smiled helplessly, and then left the locker room with Williams.

"We still have a lot of mistakes on the offensive end. This area still needs to be focused on in training later..."

Tang Tian heard Stevens still talking to Williams about the details of the game when he went out.

Stevens is not arrogant in victory. Although he is young, he has really experienced big scenes.

After the opening game, the Pelicans immediately had a home back-to-back game against the Nets and the Hawks.

In the past two years, the Pelicans and the Nets have had continuous transactions, and the home game is also a game where many players from both sides face their old clubs.

Deron was bought out, and Russell became the Nets' key player to cultivate.

He got as many as 23 shots in the first game, but only made 7 of them. It will take some time for him to adapt to the NBA.

The Nets' starting lineup, in addition to Russell, also includes Gordon, Joe Johnson, Ryan Anderson, and Lopez.

Two of these five starters are former Pelicans players.

This game was also more intense than the opening game. Gordon played very bravely against his old club, scoring 15 points in the first half.

After halftime, the Nets were only 8 points behind the Pelicans.

But in the third quarter, the Pelicans suddenly increased their defensive intensity. Tang Tian, as the core, led the team to defend, and the Nets' scoring suddenly couldn't continue.

In this quarter, the Pelicans scored 27 to 11 against the Nets, directly widening the point difference to over 20 points.

In the end, they also easily defeated the Nets 102 to 84, winning two consecutive victories in the regular season.

Two consecutive victories, and two big victories, the Pelicans played a completely different momentum from last season.

The next day, the Pelicans continued to sit at home and ushered in a game against the Hawks.

The Hornets and the Nets did not make the playoffs last season. Although the Pelicans defeated them, the persuasiveness was limited.

The Hawks, as the top team in the East last season, this is an opportunity for the Pelicans to prove their strength.

Moreover, the Pelicans are playing back-to-back, and fans predict that this will be a fierce battle.

But the process and result of the game were surprising.

The Pelicans completely suppressed the Hawks with excellent defense. This game was even easier than the previous game against the Nets.

105 to 83, the Hawks, known for their offense, did not score 90 points in this game.

This game also greatly boosted the morale of the fans who support the Pelicans.

This year, ESPN's vision seems to be very unique!

After the continuous three home games, the Pelicans started their Western Conference road trip after two days of rest.

They first played a game against the Lakers at the Staples Center.

The Lakers have been infinitely bearish by ESPN this season, but they suffered a three-game losing streak at the beginning of the season.

Chandler was injured, Shumpert went to Cleveland again, and Kupchak didn't operate any big fish in the free market. The Lakers are now supported by Kobe.

This game did not cause much trouble for the Pelicans. Basically, the Pelicans finished the game in three quarters.

After they defeated the Lakers, they extended their winning streak to 4 games.

There were no too thrilling moments. The Pelicans have been like a natural success since the start of the season, all the way to a winning streak.

However, after this game, the Pelicans' winning streak was not the focus of fans' attention.

After this game, Kobe, who scored 28 points in vain, said something in front of the media.

"I can feel that my body has reached its limit. It's time to say goodbye to this stage."

"Do you mean you will retire this season?"

"Yes, that's my choice. Kobe's basketball career has come to an end. He needs to spend time with his family."

"Isn't this just discouraging words after the team suffered a four-game losing streak?"

"No, no, this is my final decision."

...