Chapter 3 The Trail Blazers' Third Game

The Trail Blazers' third game against the Pelicans was epic, and the post-game discussions among fans were buzzing.

Although they were down 0-3 in the series, some analyzed the point difference between the two teams, noting it decreased each game.

It would be difficult for the Trail Blazers to win the series, but if they continued at this rate, they had a good chance of winning at least one game.

Most likely at their next home game.

Two days later, to the anticipation of fans, the fourth game of the series between the Pelicans and Trail Blazers continued at the Moda Center.

Fans had high expectations for the Trail Blazers' performance tonight, but the game's process and outcome surprised them.

The Pelicans played some of the league's top defense in this game, showing Stevens was unhappy with the team's defense in the past few games.

Tang Tian was switched to defend McCollum, who was taught a lesson all night.

Lillard enjoyed double-team coverage all game and was forced into uncomfortable offensive areas most of the time.

As a result, the game lost its suspense before the third quarter even ended.

Under intense pressure, Lillard had his worst game of the series, going 7 for 27 for just 20 points and 6 assists.

McCollum fared even worse, only taking 10 shots all game, making 3 of 10 for 9 points.

The "Twin Guns" turned into "Trash Brothers," and the Trail Blazers suffered a crushing 73-100 defeat to the Pelicans.

Following the Spurs, the Trail Blazers were also swept out of the playoffs by the Pelicans.

However, the Trail Blazers' fans were clearly happier than the Spurs' fans.

Although it was still a sweep, their home team at least fought back and forth with the Pelicans and even had a chance to win at one point.

The Pelicans' sweep of the Trail Blazers made them the first team to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

In the other three matchups, besides the Raptors' difficult road win to make it 1-3 and avoid a sweep, the other two series became heated.

The Mavericks, thanks to Embiid's stellar performance of 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 5, won the game 3-2, taking the series point.

Following the Rockets, the Warriors were also likely to be eliminated early.

The Cavaliers were also in danger.

After the Nets upset in the first game, the Cavaliers won the next two.

But they held on to their last home game, tying the series 2-2.

After four games, the best-of-seven became a best-of-three, and they still had a chance.

And for the Cavaliers, a key piece of news broke after this game.

According to Paul George's agent, Aaron Mintz, George's poor performance in the playoffs so far was because he had been suffering from a shoulder injury since shortly after the regular season began, and he had chosen to treat it conservatively instead of undergoing surgery for the sake of the team's record.

This news sparked a lot of discussion among fans on social media.

And the timing of the news was also very intriguing.

George was in a contract year, and Cleveland wasn't the city he wanted to be in.

His continued poor performance had already affected his free agency situation next year.

In other words, the release of this news was a way to save himself.

But for the Cavaliers, it wasn't a good thing.

Now that they knew the reason for George's poor performance, their opponents could appropriately loosen their defense against George, especially on his shots.

For the Cavaliers, this season's five-star lineup was supposed to be their best chance to compete for a championship.

But no one expected them to play like this in the playoffs. It could only be said that the Cavaliers perfectly exemplified the saying, "Paper strength doesn't equal actual strength."

Now, they seemed to be relying solely on James to carry them.

And the most pitiful person was Cavaliers owner Gilbert.

The team was spending money year after year, the luxury tax was rising year after year, but in the end, they found that the championship was getting further and further away.

Without comparison, there would be no pain. Although the Pelicans had suffered the unexpected death of their owner, for the new owner, Gayle Benson, she was the happiest.

The Pelicans continued their excellent regular season performance, crushing their opponents all the way, and now they were leisurely waiting for the winner between the Mavericks and the Warriors.

The Mavericks and Warriors playoffs had entered a fever pitch.

After the Mavericks won Game 5, the four-star Warriors were pushed to the edge of the cliff once again after last year.

But this time they didn't step off the cliff directly, and the person who forcibly pulled them back wasn't Curry or Durant, but Thompson.

G6 Thompson.

Thompson also showed his G6 prowess last year, but unfortunately, he encountered Tang Tian.

But the Mavericks didn't have Tang Tian, and they couldn't stop Thompson's outburst.

Thompson hit 9 three-pointers, racking up 40 points to help the Warriors win back a game.

The two teams would usher in a Game 7!

Because the Pelicans' game was already over, this Game 7 became the focus of attention for all fans.

Including the Pelicans.

Stevens also organized the team to watch the live broadcast of the game together.

The Cavaliers' playoff performance was terrible, and the Pelicans were likely to play the Bucks, whom they had beaten countless times before, in the Finals.

In other words, the Western Conference Finals would be the most difficult hurdle on their path to completing their dynasty.

Whether it was the Mavericks or the Warriors, their strength was much stronger than the Spurs and Trail Blazers before.

Especially since their goal was to win the championship undefeated.

So watching this Game 7 was very meaningful.

The Mavericks and Warriors would definitely give it their all to win, and their tactics and gameplay would definitely be fully exposed.

"Who do you think will win?"

When he was in the Spurs, Green always liked to ask Tang Tian this question. When he got to the Pelicans, Walker took over the mantle.

"Who do you want to win?"

Tang Tian didn't answer but instead asked Walker a question.

"Dallas, Jimmy would really like to play them."

Walker thought for a moment and said.

Tang Tian nodded. It had to be said that their hard-working brotherly affection really exceeded the scope of ordinary friends.

Especially when everyone was a millionaire.

Sure enough, birds of a feather flock together.

"I hope the Warriors can win."

After Tang Tian nodded, he said an answer that was different from Walker's.

Walker looked at Tang Tian curiously.

"In my country, there is an idiom called *mei kai er du*."

Walker was even more confused. He was obviously not Olsen, he didn't know what an idiom was, and he didn't know what *mei kai er du* meant.

"Translated, it means to successfully do something twice in a row."

Fortunately, Tang Tian's explanation that followed made him understand.

The Pelicans had defeated the Warriors before, and winning again would be *mei kai er du*.

"But this time, I want *mei kai san du*."

Tang Tian continued.

In fact, playing games, especially playoffs like this where nothing is hidden, is like another layer of meaning of *mei kai er du*.

Each time, you learn more, more deeply, and more smoothly.