The Pelicans' training session on game day was attended by many media reporters.

After the training, they gathered around immediately.

As a former Lakers player, Durant was their main interview target.

Although Durant usually refused interviews, they didn't give up trying.

To their delight, Durant didn't refuse this time.

"What do you think of tonight's game? You were still playing for the Lakers last season, but now you're facing them in the semi-finals?"

"The Lakers' roster hasn't changed much this season compared to last season. Will you have any psychological pressure facing so many former teammates?"

"You've never beaten LeBron before. Are you confident this time?"

...

The reporter's questions were like a barrage of machine-gun fire, one after another.

Durant gestured for them to ask one at a time, and then answered them one by one.

"It's cool, but luckily I have experience in this area before."

Durant's self-deprecating remark made the reporters burst into laughter.

They also felt that Durant had really changed a lot compared to before, and had really matured a lot.

"There will definitely be psychological pressure. I know them, and they know me. The game will be very intense."

"I will try my best (to beat LeBron). My friend told me that this is my destiny, and I believe in myself."

However, Durant's personality remained unchanged, and he was still very honest.

Because Durant had previously revealed that his "friend" was Tang Tian, this interview content caused a stir after being reported.

At least the fans knew that Tang Tian also regarded Durant as a friend, and they were on the same side.

This made the game even more interesting.

That night, the second game of the Pelicans-Lakers series officially kicked off at the New Orleans Arena.

After the starting lineup introductions, the starting lineups of both sides were released one after another.

The Lakers' side was Simmons + Middleton + James + Randle + Horford.

The Pelicans' side was Holiday + Durant + Ariza + Davis + Gasol.

Stevens changed his lineup for this game, pushing Ariza to the starting lineup and Durant to the shooting guard position.

Ariza has been in good form since arriving at the Pelicans, and this lineup change improves the team's height and allows them to match up better with the Lakers.

Some old fans at the scene were quite emotional seeing this starting lineup.

It had been five years since Holiday, Ariza, and Davis had last appeared together in the starting lineup.

Durant, as the number one scorer, and Gasol, as the inside passing hub, aside from their strength, their roles were very similar to Tang Tian and Jokic back then.

This lineup was full of memories.

The game was about to begin, and the starting lineups of both teams took the court. The on-site photographers gave James and Durant split-screen shots.

This scene was very similar to the past, except that Tang Tian had been replaced by Durant on the Pelicans' side.

James' expression was serious. If he couldn't win the championship after Tang Tian retired, then he wouldn't even be able to catch up to Kobe, let alone Tang Tian and Jordan.

Durant's expression was equally serious. Just like Tang Tian said, this might be his only chance to change his destiny.

The referee blew his whistle, and Gasol tipped the ball back to the Pelicans' half, officially kicking off the game.

At the beginning of the game, James was in great form, and the Lakers quickly took the initiative on the court.

Compared to the Rockets, the Lakers' inside strength was obviously much stronger, and with James' occasional help defense, Davis' space to play was limited.

Durant was doggedly guarded by Middleton and Simmons.

In the Pelicans-Lakers series last season, Middleton performed extremely awkwardly because of Tang Tian.

But that was Tang Tian. Against others, he was not afraid on both ends of the court with his height and wingspan.

Coupled with Simmons' quick help defense, Durant was also held in check.

After three quarters, the Lakers led the Pelicans by as many as 15 points, 85 to 70, and had a great chance of winning.

James contributed 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in three quarters, and was incredibly brave.

On the Pelicans' side, neither Davis' 17 points and 8 rebounds, nor Durant's 19 points and 4 rebounds,发挥 出应有实力.

To make matters worse, the Lakers' substitutes performed bravely in the transition period of the third and fourth quarters.

By the time the starters returned, they had extended their lead to 15 points, 90 to 75.

With only seven minutes left in the game, the Pelicans' hope of reversing the situation was slim.

Moreover, the first game of the series has a great impact on the morale of both sides. The winner gains not only the first win, but also morale and confidence.

Tang Tian's expression on the sidelines was also slightly helpless.

The Lakers' lineup looks less good than last season, but it is more reasonable. Plus, Simmons has a certain three-point threat, so it is as difficult to play against as last season.

If he were on the court, the Pelicans could win. Durant had already tried very hard, but it was still a little short.

But just when he saw the lineups of both sides, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he felt that there was still a chance.

Stevens' final lineup was different from before. He replaced Gasol and Ariza with Brogdon and Kuzma.

This was a lineup with one big and four small players, and it was very offensive-minded.

If this is described as a war, this is the feeling of the final charge.

In the first wave of the charge after returning, Durant took the ball and directly broke through James without hesitation.

James defended well, but there was a gap in speed with Durant after losing weight.

Durant broke through to the free throw line, swung a big loop to shake him off, and scored the ball.

There was a burst of cheers at the scene.

Durant's衝鋒式的 playing style was very exciting to watch.

James controlled the ball to the frontcourt. He didn't force a shot, but signaled to pull away and let Randle pick and roll.

After the pick and roll, he directly broke through Kuzma and drew a shooting foul.

Tang Tian felt that if the Pelicans lost this year, they wouldn't be wronged. James is really calm this year.

Knowing that the weakness of the Pelicans' lineup was Kuzma, he immediately started targeting him.

The idea was very good, but unfortunately his free throws were not stable, with only one of two free throws made.

Davis protected the defensive rebound.

A 14-point difference.

Durant ran an off-ball play, crossed over with Kuzma, and took a three-point shot after receiving a pass from Davis.

"Swish!"

It's in!

An 11-point difference!

There was a burst of cheers at the scene.

Tang Tian also clapped his hands in support. Durant's consecutive 5 points in this period were very tough!

But turning around, James broke through Kuzma again, and this time he scored directly.

The point difference returned to 13 points.

Kuzma missed a three-pointer from the outside, and James' subsequent breakthrough was also interfered with by Davis.

Davis' strong attack under the basket was also destroyed by James, and James突分 Randle, but the latter's close-range bank shot also brushed the rim.

Both teams strengthened their help defense rotation, and neither team scored for several consecutive rounds.

The Pelicans' frontcourt coordination also failed to come together, and there was not much time left for the offense.

There was a commotion at the scene. The Pelicans were behind, and the more stalemate it was, the smaller the chance of reversal.

Durant asked for the ball at the last moment, facing James, and signaled his teammates to pull away.

Shaking, changing direction,急停three-pointer, Durant's technical movements were completed in one go.

However, James' defense was in place, and he gave enough interference at the end.

Durant had a pause in the air, and James' hand hit his hand.

He lost his balance and fell to the ground.

The referee blew his whistle, signaling James' foul.

"Swish!"

And just after that, his shot before landing hit the basket.

3+1!

The scene was silent, and then it exploded directly.

Durant, who was pulled up by Davis, also捶胸仰天 and roared excitedly.

This scene was really like the appearance of Nezha伸出三头六臂 in the anime.

My fate is up to me, not the heavens!