After winning the third game, the Pelicans led the series 3-0.

They had a chance to sweep the Mavericks and then sweep the Rockets out of the playoffs.

The fourth game was two days later, and the Pelicans were preparing intensely.

During practice on game day, Stevens was interviewed by reporters.

Sweeping was a frequently mentioned topic.

"It's going to be difficult. They definitely don't want to end their season like that. They'll play harder and try harder than they did in the first three games. We have to be ready for a tough battle."

Stevens didn't have much playoff coaching experience, but he had already experienced it in the first round against the Mavericks.

The Rockets were stronger than the Mavericks, and the game would be even tougher.

That night, the fourth game of the Pelicans-Rockets series officially began at the Houston arena.

Although a 0-3 deficit meant there was little hope of a comeback, there were many ways to lose, and a sweep was definitely the least acceptable.

This was evident from the serious expressions on the Rockets players' faces during training before the game, and from their attitude once the game started.

Although they had suffered two big losses in the first three games, they lost because of tactics and strategy. The Rockets' players' morale had not been completely crushed.

In particular, they had led at halftime in the previous game, which gave them a big boost in confidence.

The situation was tense from the start.

The Rockets coaching staff also made further adjustments to their offensive tactics.

They copied the Pelicans' previous game, with two shooters in the corners to spread the floor and then let Harden drive to the basket.

Cousins' defense wasn't strong, and Jokic was just so-so.

This move worked. Morris continued his hot streak from the previous game and hit a three-pointer early, forcing the Pelicans to be wary of collapsing inside.

Harden repeatedly attacked Jokic until Stevens replaced him with Biyombo.

On the defensive end, they selectively left Ariza and Holiday open, trying to protect the paint.

With their aggressiveness and fighting spirit, their defense was also good.

Of course, most importantly, Paul, who hadn't performed well before, had a breakout game.

He was 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting every shot!

This wasn't Paul; it was Curry!

And his outside touch continued into the second half.

Throughout the game, he was 6-for-10 from three-point range, scoring 30 points and 6 assists.

Harden and Cousins also played well, contributing 18 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, and 21 points and 14 rebounds, respectively.

It was the first time the Big Three had all exploded in the series.

This performance led them to a 110-101 victory over the Pelicans, earning their first win of the series.

Stevens' pre-game words proved to be accurate.

After the game, Rockets fans rejoiced on social media, celebrating the team's avoidance of a sweep.

D'Antoni once again expressed confidence to the fans at the post-game press conference.

"This isn't just James's fight. DeMarcus stepped up last game, and we almost won. Chris stepped up this game, and we won.

I believe they will continue to do so in the games to come. We can win one game, and then we can win a second. We'll take it one game at a time. I'm still confident that the team can win the series."

The Rockets defended their home court to avoid a sweep, changing the series score to 1-3.

However, fans' attention was completely drawn to another game the next day.

In the fourth game between the Thunder and Warriors, the Thunder defeated the Warriors again at home 108-106, changing the series score to 3-1!

In the Western Conference Semifinals, there were two 3-1 series!

However, the situations of the two 3-1 series were completely different.

The Rockets had barely avoided a sweep, while the Thunder were one step away from eliminating the defending champions!

This sparked constant discussion among fans, and the latest episode of TNT's show saw a surge in viewership.

The Big Three frantically analyzed the upcoming games on the show.

"I think the Rockets have found their way to win. If Cousins hadn't been ejected in the third game, the series score would be 2-2 now, so they still have a chance to win the series," Barkley said.

"Yes, the first part of this series was a battle of tactics, and the Rockets were completely defeated. But as the series goes on, both sides understand each other's tactics, so the next thing is performance. I think the Rockets, despite being down 1-3, still have a chance," Kenny Smith said with his professional analysis.

"Are you saying they will be the first team in NBA history to come back from a 0-3 deficit?"

O'Neal asked with a look of being disturbed.

Smith nodded.

"Why not?"

Barkley retorted.

O'Neal pointed at the two, who were singing in harmony, and couldn't help but shake his head with a laugh.

Speaking of which, these two were completely defeated by him in the first round of predictions. They were unwilling to accept it and had joined forces again.

"Speaking of which, we should be concerned about the defending champions. They're about to go home and go fishing," Barkley continued.

"The Warriors' biggest problem right now is that they used up too much energy in the regular season. In the past three games they lost, almost every game, besides Curry and Thompson, no one else scored in double figures. It's too difficult to win a game like that."

"That's why I've never been optimistic about them. A jump-shooting team can win a championship once with luck, but there will never be a second time."

O'Neal and Barkley analyzed in turn, feeling that the defending champions were done for.

"No, I think the Warriors still have a chance," Smith offered a different opinion.

"The Thunder's style of play is very aggressive. They've been frantically attacking and helping on defense throughout the series, which will drain their energy. If they can win the next game, then the series will be over. If they can't, they're likely to lose the series."

Smith's statement was novel, but convincing. Barkley and O'Neal both nodded.

"In fact, I want the Warriors to win. I just want to see the Pelicans play the Warriors," O'Neal continued.

The Big Three agreed on the Warriors' situation. It seemed that the only thing that could cause them a huge disagreement was the Pelicans.

The Pelicans returned to New Orleans the day after the fourth game.

On the plane, Tang and Stevens talked about the team's tactics again.

Paul couldn't hit six three-pointers every game, but no one could guarantee he wouldn't in the next game.

The Pelicans' defensive strategy of focusing on Harden had worked in one game, but the last two games hadn't been very effective.

D'Antoni's reaction was a little slow, but after all, he was a famous coach, and his game-to-game adjustments were pretty good.

"Let's simplify the game. Let me match up directly with James," Tang told Stevens his idea.