This Hornets team, Tang Tian's impression was relatively weak in his previous life, and he basically stayed on the blocking and dismantling of Paul and West.

In fact, the Rockets also have an absolute 3-1 advantage in the regular season four times this season, and the weak bench makes it difficult for the Hornets to pose much of a threat to the Rockets.

But after watching these two games, Tang Tian's impression of the Hornets has changed greatly.

The biggest change came from Paul and West, the two duo played almost the game, but the physical strength was up, and the play in key moments was not soft.

Don't underestimate fitness, it's important to be in the playoffs.

To be able to play like this in the face of the Jazz is definitely an achievement.

After a two-day break, the Rockets left Houston for Denver for Game 3 against the Nuggets.

Coincidentally, similar to Salt Lake City, which was played last season, Denver is also a well-known highland home in the league, with an average altitude of 1,655 meters, more than 300 meters higher than Salt Lake City.

But fortunately, with the experience of last season, the players have already prepared in advance.

The clash between the two teams kicked off the night after the Rockets arrived.

The Pepsi Center in Denver was packed, and despite falling behind by a large margin and seemingly with little chance of winning, the descendants of these gold diggers remained enthusiastic, and just as their ancestors had traveled thousands of miles to pan for gold, they had come from all over the city to cheer on the home team.

The blue jersey and the blue sea are two completely different experiences from being in the center of Toyota.

The game started, and with the home fans cheering on, the Nuggets also played their characteristics for the first time.

Anthony and Iverson were both hot in the opening game, scoring frequently, and the strong play of the two guns also made the Nuggets stalemate with the Rockets for the first time in the series.

However, at this moment, Karl replaced Iverson early after playing more than 4 minutes.

Iverson's departure changed the situation on the court in one fell swoop, and the Rockets' surging offense made Anthony look lonely at once.

With just over three minutes left in the first quarter, the Rockets led the Nuggets by 10 points, 34-24.

At this time, both sides successively changed to the bench, and Iverson came off the bench again at this time.

It was only then that fans and commentators reacted that Karl had learned the lessons of the previous two games and asked Iverson to play this bench with fitness.

This change is very effective, Iverson is full of energy, but still maintains his previous hot hand, or outside jumpers, or break through the inside layup, can always find a way to increase the Nuggets' points.

At halftime, the Nuggets trailed the Rockets 52-62, and although they were still behind, it was already the smallest halftime difference in the series.

Carl's adjustment was a bit sudden, but Tang Tian's strain was also very fast.

Before the start of the second half, he called Barria directly to his side.

"Jose, stick to the AI, increase his physical exertion as much as possible and reduce the number of times he catches the ball."

In addition to admonishing, he also tied Barria and Iverson together, Iverson is on the field, Barria is there, Iverson is down, Barria is down.

Iverson played as a shooting guard off the bench, and was stalked by Barria when he was off the ball, and although he was still able to add points to the Nuggets when he was fit, he felt like he was going to tire himself out with every goal he scored.

The score difference between the two sides has been hovering between 10~15 points, and it has not changed until the end of the game.

In the end, despite Iverson and Anthony teaming up for 70 points, the Nuggets lost 111-121 to the Rockets and suffered a three-game losing streak in the playoffs.

When the final whistle blew, Karl stood up from the bench, he looked a little vicissitudes, and the veteran coach tried everything he could, but he still couldn't close the gap with the Rockets.

3-0, the Rockets continued to soar.

With just one more game, the Rockets can sweep the Nuggets and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

After the game, the Rockets practiced and rested in Denver.

The team is still strictly forbidden to go out, and the players rest in the hotel at night.

Tang Tian was about to rest after taking a shower, but his mobile phone suddenly rang.

The caller contact was shown to be Adrian Vojnarowski.

It's a bit of a long name, but actually, if you look at the abbreviation, you can recognize the person at first sight.

Tang Tian is naturally also very familiar with him, a well-known reporter of Yahoo, who was nicknamed Jordan's "OJ god" by fans in his previous life.

As the head coach, Tang Tian and him naturally knew each other, and it was actually normal for them to exchange some information with each other.

Still calling yourself so late?

Tang Tian picked up the phone suspiciously, but when he heard what OJ was talking to him, he felt that this call was not too late at all.

"Inside information, this year's MVP has come out, it's Yao Ming."

A text message, perhaps because this matter is more important, OJ called to notify in person.

"Thank you."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Tian hesitated for a moment, then walked to the bedside to call Yao Ming's room and asked him to come to his room.

Yao Ming played well in the playoffs last season, won the Finals MVP, and now won the regular season MVP, Yao Ming's career has been considered a complete compared to his previous life.

"Coach, you call me?" Entering Tang Tian's room, Yao Ming looked puzzled, he looked at the pendulum clock hanging in the room, it was already more than 10 o'clock in the evening.

"Da Yao, congratulations, you are now MVP." Tang Tian said directly.

"Huh?" Yao Ming was stunned, he didn't hear any relevant information.

"It hasn't been officially announced yet, but it's been confirmed, and according to the schedule, the league should announce it before tomorrow night's game." Tang Tian gave an affirmative answer.

Tang Tian's eyes were obviously a little excited, you must know that the regular season MVP is the greatest affirmation of a player.

Yao Ming's reaction was expected by Tang Tian, and he said with a smile: "The reason why I called you over so late is because I am afraid that you will be too excited to compete tomorrow night, so that you will have time to buffer." ”

"Thanks, Coach." The joy on Yao Ming's face couldn't be hidden.

Tang Tian's prediction was right, if he had only been told before the game, it would definitely have an impact on his performance.

"Okay, go back early and rest, don't get too excited." Tang Tian knew that the time was not early, and said with a smile.

Yao Ming nodded, and walked out of Tang Tian's room excitedly.

When the door closed, Tang Tian followed and heard Yao Ming's excited shouts coming from the corridor.

Still didn't hold back.

Tang Tian smiled.

But in this way, the MVP of the regular season, the MVP of the finals, plus the league center announced not long ago, Yao Ming, who was still a little controversial in his previous life, can be regarded as the title of "No. 1 center" this time.