Lakers' playbook: Stopping Shaq
Coach's Edge
It was a all Shaq in Game 1 of the Finals, as Shaquille O'Neal put up 43 points and 19 boards in the Lakers' 104-87 win. Rik Smits isn't physical enough to push the big fella out, and the Pacers don't have anyone else who can guard him, either. They'll have to double team him to stop him, but if they do, Shaq knows how to find the open man.
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ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE |
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(A) Kobe Bryant (8) brings the ball up the floor in this set and the Lakers go into the four corners offense, giving each player plenty of room to operate. Kobe passes to Glen Rice (41) on the wing and cuts to the weak side block to screen for Shaquille O'Neal (34).
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(B) Rice (41) swings the ball to A.C. Green (45) in the corner as Shaq (34) curls off the Kobe (8) screen. When O'Neal gets the ball this deep, it's very difficult to stop him.
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