Kobe's decision came somewhat abruptly, and fans and the media were worried that he was just speaking rashly because of the team's poor situation.

But then, Kobe confirmed on social media that he would retire after the season.

"My ankle hasn't been at its best, it's telling me it's time, I've talked to Kupchak and Jim Buss, and I will retire this season, this will be Kobe's last season in the NBA."

This news sparked a heated discussion among fans.

Kobe represents the youth of many people, no matter how many people criticized him before, when he really wants to retire, the feeling of the end of youth is still sighing.

Tang Tian wasn't too surprised when he saw the news.

Kobe in history also retired this season. Although his intervention prevented Kobe from suffering a devastating injury, it seems that Kobe is tired.

The Lakers have no chance to increase their strength this season, or even in the next few seasons, while other teams in the West are getting stronger and stronger.

The Black Mamba has his own dignity, and he doesn't want to be a陪跑 péipǎo (accompanying runner) at the end of his career.

And he really doesn't lack money now. Like Jordan, he can get so much money even if he retires.

He needs to spend time with his family as he said.

Tang Tian didn't persuade Kobe to continue playing. Kobe's situation is completely different from Duncan's.

He sent a message to Kobe, telling him to enjoy his last season.

He will have another chance to watch Kobe's farewell tour.

After playing against the Lakers, the Pelicans rushed to Utah to face the Jazz.

Speaking of which, the Jazz have now completed their rebuild.

The core lineup of Hayward + Favors + Gobert, plus role players like Hood, Burks, Burke, and Ingles.

The paper strength of this lineup is not bad, and their coach Snyder is also a capable coach.

But this is in the West, and nine strong teams are competing for 8 spots this season, so their chances of breaking through are very small.

However, their strength is indeed not bad. This game was also the first game after the start of the season that the Pelicans played until the fourth quarter.

At the critical moment, Tang Tian and Davis dominated the game.

Davis' low post offense was excellent after a summer of hard training, and Tang Tian's triple threat was just beginning to show its brilliance.

The two played a wave in the fourth quarter, directly reaping the game with their personal strength.

In the end, Tang Tian and Davis combined for 50+ points to help the Pelicans win the game 96 to 85.

After winning this game, they extended their winning streak to 5 games.

With a 5-0 start, an average net win of 16.5 points per game, and an average loss of 82.5 points per game, these statistics are quite impressive.

Although the record is somewhat similar to last year, anyone who has watched the Pelicans' games knows that this team is much stronger than last season.

Of course, strength needs to be reflected in tough battles.

Among the Pelicans' five-game winning streak opponents, the strongest is the Hawks.

But the Hawks have only won 2 and lost 3 so far this season, and they have completely lost the momentum of last season.

In other words, although they have won five consecutive victories at the beginning and played many overwhelming games, this is not enough to prove the Pelicans' strength.

They need a strong enemy.

And now a strong enemy is here.

The Pelicans' next game is on the road against the Thunder.

The Thunder were forced to send away Reggie Jackson last season, and the strength of the bench declined significantly, which ultimately prevented them from reaching the playoffs.

But this summer they signed Dion Waiters, plus Kanter, who was traded from the Jazz last season, and the strength of the bench is back.

Of course, the most important thing is that Durant has recovered from his injury and returned!

His return is equivalent to adding a top five player in the league to the Thunder, which is more useful than any reinforcement.

And the fact is indeed the case. The Thunder have played four games so far this season with a record of 4 wins and 0 losses.

In the case of playing one game less than the Pelicans, they also won a wave of four consecutive victories at the start of the season.

Durant's return has turned the Thunder into a top team in the West again.

The contest between the Pelicans and the Thunder is definitely a strong confrontation.

Although he hasn't played against Tang Tian for nearly a year, the feud between Tang Tian and Durant has not diminished.

Like the Yao-Shaq showdown back then, the Tang-Du showdown is now also a topic that fans enjoy talking about.

And the first match between the two sides this year is even more interesting than in previous years. You must know that Durant has been resting for a whole season last season.

He is originally a sensitive person, and if he doesn't get sick after holding back for a season, the resentment in his heart must be stronger than ever.

Especially now that the Pelicans look like they have the makings of a champion as espn said.

The Pelicans want to win to prove that they really have the strength, and the Thunder with Durant are definitely determined to win. This game is comparable to a collision between Mars and the Earth.

On the day of the game, both sides arranged closed training sessions.

"Kevin, we will win."

During training, Westbrook saw Durant's serious expression and wanted to use words of comfort to relax his emotions.

Durant nodded, but the serious expression on his face did not diminish.

The Thunder and the Pelicans have both won all their games since the start of the season, but the attention they receive in the eyes of fans and the media is far less than that of teams like the Warriors, Pelicans, and Cavaliers.

Such a scene is not normal, he is Kevin Durant!

After the training, the players returned to the locker room one after another to take a shower and then go back to rest.

But at this moment, Durant rarely gathered everyone together before the Thunder players took a shower.

"Tonight's game, like my return from injury, is a game for us to return to the stage, let us win the fifth victory of the season!"

Durant is not a super star who is good at socializing, but being influenced by Westbrook, this pep talk is also decent.

Westbrook was the first to respond, and his teammates responded one after another.

Durant was a little excited when he saw the reaction of the players, and he excitedly raised his head and roared.

Looking at his reaction, Westbrook showed a smile on his lips.

The original group of teammates, the four young masters changed from Green to Ibaka, and Harden's departure made the four young masters become three young masters. Other role players have also changed wave after wave.

But as long as he and Durant are there, the Thunder are still the team that just arrived in Oklahoma, and they will definitely win the championship in this city.

"Remember what I said, defense, do a good job in defense details, the Thunder is not a team with too many tactical systems, this is a point we can use, and defense is our best weapon."

On another court, Stevens, like in the previous games, kept emphasizing the importance of defense.

His goal is very clear, which is to instill the concept of defense into the minds of every player and put the label of iron blood on this team.