Chapter 308 Two Sides at Odds

Two days later, the first game of the Pelicans and Rockets series kicked off at the New Orleans Arena.

The Pelicans came out strong and dominated the Rockets from the start, taking a double-digit lead by halftime.

However, James Harden erupted in the second half, helping the Rockets tie the game with two minutes left.

In the final moments, Durant scored consecutive points to help the Pelicans narrowly win 104-101, taking the first game of the series.

Despite the win, fans weren't overly excited on social media, and some were even worried.

After all, the Pelicans, playing at home in the opening game of the series, or rather the playoffs, should have had the highest morale, but they only won by 3 points.

After two days of rest, the second game of the series continued at the New Orleans Arena.

The fans' concerns became a reality as the Rockets showed great momentum in this game, going toe-to-toe with the Pelicans from the start.

The two teams traded points all the way to the end, and this time Harden hit a clutch step-back three-pointer to help the Rockets defeat the Pelicans 112-108.

With the series tied 1-1, it meant the Rockets had snatched home-court advantage from the Pelicans.

At the post-game press conference, D'Antoni and Harden couldn't hide their joy.

This was the first time they had taken the initiative in a series against the Pelicans.

"What do you think was the key to winning tonight?"

A reporter asked Harden.

"We went all out from the start. We knew if the score was close at the end, we'd get our chance. And yes, it proved that we did," Harden nodded.

"You're the seventh seed in the West, but you're now tied 1-1 with the second-seeded Pelicans. What does that mean to you?"

The reporter followed up.

"Means we have a chance to complete a 'black seven'?"

Harden's answer drew laughter from the reporters below the stage.

Harden laughed too; he was in a really good mood.

"Yes, it means a lot to us. You know we experienced injuries in the second half of the season and then fell to this position. We had to face a strong opponent in the first round, but we've now taken back home-court advantage, which puts us in a favorable position and gives us more confidence," Harden added.

"You mean you're more confident about the rest of the series? We all know that in the past, whether it was the regular season or the playoffs, the Rockets never had the upper hand in games against the Pelicans."

The reporter's follow-up question was very pointed.

The "past" he was referring to was naturally the Rockets and the Pelicans team led by Tang Tian.

"Yes, we're not that team from the past. You know what I'm saying. Russell's arrival has improved our strength a lot. Similarly, they're no longer the Pelicans they used to be, so you're right, we're more confident."

Harden's post-game interview was reported by the media.

"James Harden Believes the Pelicans Have Weakened; Tang's Retirement Means They're No Longer That Magical Team."

Such news headlines immediately attracted the attention of a large number of fans.

Many Pelicans fans were furious after reading the news.

There was nothing inherently wrong with the statement itself; Tang Tian's retirement inevitably led to a decline in the Pelicans' strength.

But the problem was that the words came from Harden's mouth, and now the Pelicans had also lost home-court advantage.

This feeling was infuriating.

"Harden will never be worthy of MVP; he only dares to say this after Tang retired!"

"Exactly! Why didn't he say it when Tang was around? I never saw you guys win when Tang was there!"

"Are you guys still living in the past? Wake up! It's 2020 already, Tang retired a long time ago. Just obediently get 'black sevened'!"

"Exactly! Some people always live in the past. Just because Durant won an MVP doesn't mean he can compare to Tang. You guys are just trash now!"

"Durant can't compare to Tang, but he's much better than your 'touch porcelain' Harden and his step-back!"

"Then win! Don't just talk about it! Who got game-winning shot on last game?"

"And who got a game-winning shot on the first game?"

……

On social media, because of this news, the Pelicans and Rockets fans were in a heated argument.

The media always likes to take things out of context and add some sensationalism.

But it must be said that this sensationalism worked extremely well, successfully stirring up the anger of both teams.

But no matter how the fans argued, the Pelicans were the ones on the defensive at this point.

They lost home-court advantage, and the next two games were on the road.

For the Pelicans, this situation was obviously very unfavorable, and for the players, this situation put a lot of psychological pressure on them.

Stevens led the team to Houston two days before the game. He did this to let the players adapt to the venue in advance and to relieve some of the pressure.

Tang Tian also went to Houston the day before the game.

He watched the team's daily training at the training facility.

He was originally worried that the team's morale would be low, but he soon realized that his worries were unnecessary.

Although the psychological pressure was not small, both Durant and Davis showed very positive attitudes.

Especially Durant, Tang Tian was very gratified to see.

It seemed that after being criticized by him before, Durant had really matured a lot.

After the training, a reporter interviewed Tang Tian on the sidelines.

"Tang, what do you think of James' (Harden's) comments? He said the Pelicans are no longer the Pelicans they used to be."

The reporter naturally asked about the hottest topic on social media right now.

"The current me is also different from the me when I was playing."

Tang Tian's answer caught the reporter off guard.

But after thinking about it for a moment, he understood the meaning of the words; Tang Tian was using Harden's words as an analogy.

"But I can still easily get 20+ points in NBA games. You know, I'm talking about the Celebrity Game."

Tang Tian said with a smile.

The reporter couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. Tang Tian had subtly shown off again.

"Just kidding. I know why James (Harden) said that. He wanted to express his optimism. He thinks the Rockets will be the team with a better chance of advancing, but I think I also have to remind him that this is a team that has completed four consecutive championships. They were ranked second in the West in the regular season."

Tang Tian's retort was full of momentum, and with his own example as an analogy, it was also very convincing.

"You mean the Pelicans still have a better chance of advancing?"

The reporter followed up.

"Of course. Their goal is five consecutive championships. I believe in them, whether it was at the beginning of the season or now, I have full confidence in them," Tang Tian replied very confidently.

This was the difference between being a player and being in management.

As a player, saying this would obviously be setting a flag, but as a member of management, it was expressing confidence and cheering on the team.

Playing on the road, and facing a strong Rockets team, the Pelicans needed momentum even more.