209: 101: Even if you score 40, I’ll stick with you to the end!
(Asking for monthly passes!) 209: 101: Even if you score 40, I’ll stick with you to the end!
(Asking for monthly passes!) If you put this Houston Rockets team that’s playing in the Finals into the 21st century, some fans would definitely call them the ‘Magnificent Seven.’
After two games against them, O’Neal had deeply realized what is meant by ‘all hands on deck.’
You never know when someone from their team will step up.
Therefore, the Magic must adhere to a strict man-to-man defense.
You can’t leave any of them open.
Letting any player, even a seemingly insignificant role player, get hot can potentially kill you that night.
In the last game, even under a man-to-man strategy, Sam Cassell still put up 13 points in a single quarter.
If it weren’t for Roger keeping him in check with an even stronger scoring momentum, the game might have been reversed because of Cassell.
It’s hard to imagine what such a person would do if left open in the fourth quarter.
The victory in Game 2 proved that the Magic’s current strategy is viable.
So, carrying the decisive man-to-man strategy, the young players from Orlando landed in Space City.
This was Roger’s second time playing in the Finals in Space City.
When asked by reporters upon disembarking the plane, “What did it feel like last time you were here for the Finals?” Roger found himself at a loss for words.
What did it feel like?
Watching someone take the championship away from you right before your eyes, what else could it feel like?
He had already lost enough in his previous life, so in this life, he really hated failure.
This year, Roger did not want to relive that feeling.
The first away game in Houston was crucial; the team had to play with confidence in Game 3, or else there was a high chance of collapsing consecutively on the Rockets’ turf.
Roger was prepared; come what may, he was determined to clinch this game and gain a foothold in Houston.
At the Game 3 venue, the enthusiasm of the Rockets fans went without saying, as tickets at the Compaq Center had been snatched up early.
Since their championship in 1994, every home game for the Rockets sold out, such is the revenue-generating power of a championship.
This also created an intensely fervent home-court atmosphere in Houston.
Home players would receive a significant morale boost here, while visiting players faced double the pressure.
All of Houston was looking forward to Dream taking the game at home.
Based on the last game’s tactics, today’s battle would still be a head-to-head of Roger’s and Olajuwon’s defensive abilities.
Houstonians were extremely confident about this.
Even the commentator Bill Walton did not hide his admiration and optimism for Olajuwon.
While Dream was still warming up, Walton had already begun to lavish him with all kinds of praise:
“His speed, his agility, his coordination, and his touch…
It’s very hard for us to see another Dream.
Perhaps we will see 50 players like Michael Jordan before we see the next Dream.
We are very fortunate to witness the performance of this great center.
Who else has a better ability to break down defenses than him?”
Without a doubt, Olajuwon had carved out his place in history through this year’s playoffs, earning unanimous trust.
He’s certainly great too, but in terms of individual performance, he hasn’t reached the exaggerated levels of Dream.
So far, Roger has not had a single 40+ point performance in this year’s playoffs.
In contrast, Olajuwon had three in the last round alone.
If the Magic really had to compare the hardness of their stars with the Rockets, it would undoubtedly be a severe challenge.
The Rockets did not change their lineup, sticking with Kenny Smith, Drexler, Mario Elie, Horry, and Olajuwon as the starters.
On the bench, only Cassell and Charles Jones were there for regular rotation, one inside and one outside.
They were the true Magnificent Seven.
Before the start of the game, O’Neal revved up by thumping his chest: “I can handle Dream, don’t worry about it!”
Then, Dream began his show.
On the opening possession, Dream catches the ball at mid-range, intent on going one-on-one with Shaq right from the start.
A detail: because of his range and skill, Olajuwon could receive the ball higher up, making it less of a challenge than it would be for most centers, allowing the ball to be effortlessly passed into his hands.
Receiving the ball on the right side at mid-range, Olajuwon slowly turned to face the basket.
O’Neal gave Dream half a step, but his big hand was always hovering in front of Olajuwon’s eyes.
Dream made his move; he was starting his offense.
Olajuwon drove to the right side of Shaq, who blocked him well, but upon contact, Olajuwon quickly spun to the left.
O’Neal thought Dream was using the spin to get to the rim, so he moved to the side and back, but after the spin, Dream followed with a step-back, then with a move similar to a ‘golden rooster stands on one leg,’ he launched the ball.
It sailed over O’Neal, who couldn’t interfere in time, and nestled snugly into the net.
In the Magic’s first defensive possession, Dream effortlessly scored with a masterful move.
The entire Rockets team was uplifted; Olajuwon’s one-on-one play reassured them.
Such consistent offense was hard for outside players to match.
O’Neal cursed under his breath, Olajuwon’s footwork was just too elusive.
Who could have anticipated that after the spin, he would pull up for a step-back.
That move wasn’t even a center’s move!
However, soon enough, Roger answered with a beautiful spin move and a bank shot.
Drexler also cursed quietly; he felt it was going to be a long night.
The Rockets stuck to their Game 2 tactics today, not daring to use Olajuwon to help defend against Roger.