119: 072: Easily Dominated Defending Champion (Requesting Monthly Votes!) 119: 072: Easily Dominated Defending Champion (Requesting Monthly Votes!) Olajuwon was the only player on the Rockets who posed a threat to Roger on the defensive end, having troubled Roger with his wide defensive range since the start of the regular season last season.
Roger could explode past every Rockets’ guard and wing on the perimeter, but Olajuwon was always there behind them, ready to step in and cover.
That was the case in last season’s finals, as, given the Bulls’ lack of offensive power inside, Olajuwon could devote all his energy to helping out defensively.
But now, he could only diligently stay by Shaq’s side, never relaxing for a moment, nor daring to stray even half a step away from Shaq.
This situation provided the perfect stage for Roger’s performance.
Roger brought the ball past half-court, this time defended by Robert Horry—who, back in his Rockets days, often operated at the small forward position.
The Magic’s offensive strategy wasn’t complex, either clear out for Shaq or clear out for Roger.
Roger, watching Horry, calmly alternated dribbling with his left and right hands.
He was observing, gauging Horry’s foot positioning.
A behind-the-back dribble to the left by Roger finally made Horry take a step back with his right foot, preparing to defend against Roger’s potential left-side breakthrough.
Roger was waiting for this moment, he changed direction again, attacking Horry’s front foot!
This way, Horry couldn’t possibly shuffle across in time to block him!
With Spoelstra’s help, Roger had spent the past summer studying many offensive and defensive details, which had greatly benefited him.
Horry was easily breached by Roger.
At this moment, if it had been last season, Olajuwon would have definitely rushed over to fill the gap.
But now, Dream could only watch helplessly as Roger, after breaking past Horry, pulled up for a jump shot.
Horry, using his long arms, still managed to slightly disturb Roger, but that bit of interference was completely ineffective against Roger.
The basketball softly swished through the net, Roger finishing the play!
Keep shooting like that, Roger, just like that!” O’Neal was ecstatic, thrilled that finally, this season, someone could stand strong when he was faltering.
With someone pushing from behind, that backbone is solid!
10 to 13, the gap only 3 points.
But the Rockets were a well-balanced team on offense and defense.
Even if they failed defensively, they could still make up for it on offense.
However, this time, when Dream received the ball and went for a hook shot in two major steps against Shaq, Shaq violently swatted it away!
The moment Dream caught the ball, Horace Grant double-teamed him.
Why does Pat Williams prefer defensive forwards over bulky centers?
Because only forwards can ensure height while also covering speed, better accomplishing the task of helping out defensively.
In the double team, Dream didn’t have the space to perform his beautiful footwork and temporarily had no chance to pass, so he went for a hook shot right in front of O’Neal.
At this time, Shaq hadn’t yet become heavier, his speed and jumping ability were still quite fearsome.
And Shaq was always passionate about defending in the paint; he wouldn’t allow anyone to act up in his domain.
He might let you shoot, but in the paint?
Sorry, Shaq is dangerous.
Thus, this predictable hook shot was simply an invitation for O’Neal to block.
This powerful block sent the ball flying out of bounds, and let me tell you, not just the fans, but even Roger felt exhilarated at that moment!
Last season, against Ewing and Dream, the only way for the Bulls to halt them was to take turns committing fouls.
Of course, Cartwright and A.
Green both worked hard, and Roger had no complaints about that.
But the Bulls couldn’t stop any star inside players, that’s a fact.
The thought of outrightly blocking Olajuwon was something that Roger couldn’t even imagine before.
Every time Ewing or Olajuwon caught the ball inside, Roger would think about how to make up for the lost two points in the next possession.
But now, he could finally see these superstar inside players getting frustrated on the offensive end!
Roger, when limited in his inside offense, could step up to help O’Neal resolve issues.
O’Neal in turn allowed Roger finally not to face the disaster of being completely dominated inside.
A truly good combination is one that can make each other feel exhilarated!
The Rockets inbounded the ball from the sideline, and the game continued.
This time, the Rockets entrusted the offense to Vernon Maxwell.
Just after blocking Olajuwon, O’Neal’s spirits were completely roused.
So this round, he fiercely jockeyed for position with Dream inside, the clash between them so intense that the Rockets couldn’t get the ball inside.
Thus, the ball went to Maxwell.
Initially, Otis Thorpe intended to come out and set a screen for Maxwell, but the championship point guard waved it off: “No need, Otis!
I can handle him more easily myself!”
Good lord, Harper exclaimed.
After spending some time with Roger, Harper had come to understand him somewhat.
Thus, he was sure Maxwell was done for.
Not just this round, but for the entire evening.
Maxwell’s intention wasn’t to provoke Roger, but rather, he was cautious of Horace Grant’s defensive switching ability.
If Thorpe came out for a pick-and-roll, it would bring Grant out as well.
And in a one-on-one with Roger, all he needed to do was get past Roger alone.
Maxwell felt that with his ability, getting past Roger shouldn’t be a big problem.
In last season’s finals, he had successfully taken on Roger one-on-one a few times.
But he knew nothing of Roger’s improvements this summer.
Maxwell initially created some distance, then changed direction and drove to a step inside the free throw line.