Homer38 wrote:FuShengTHEGreat wrote:Homer38 wrote:
Shaq was also the only one on the lakers who had show up in game 5.And the coverage that Shaq had at the end of this series was also crazy,even when he had not the ball.The reason why he had only 9 FGA in game 7
The 92 Knicks were a more physical and better defensive team than the '00 Blazers were imho. So that "coverage" argument offset here.
Kobe tallied more rebounds blocks (2 facets of the game you'd expect a Center to dominate over a 6'6" SG when his offense was slowed) assists and steals than Shaq in that critical game 7 at home in addition to outscoring him.
If Kobe would been better in game 5,this series is likely over after 5 games.Shaq was also better on the free throw line that Kobe in game 7!
If you want to talk about FTs Shaq shot a pathetic nearly all time worst 45% FT....for the entire '00 playoffs and somehow on RealGm is just supposed to brush this glaring flaw under the carpet. Especially in comparison to '92 Jordan who had no significant chink in his armor skillwise that opponents could exploit. I for sure am sure not. No way will I say someone with such a glaring flaw (00:Shaq) was more impressive that someone who checked all boxes (92 Jordan).
Let's not forget his mediocre PnR defense. Shaq NEVER fixed this flaw either....his teams just had to hope they didn't run into certain matchups (hello 90s Utah anyone?)
It was even somewhat perceived that a slight weakness in Jordan's game was his 3pt shot and what'd he do in the Finals? Start out with that legendary barrage to open game 1 of the 92 Finals.
Game 7 vs Portland showed the limitations of Shaq....especially in comparison to other some other all time great Centers in the same predicament when doubled. He lacked any sort of range where he could give opposing defences doubling him a different look when they took away his preferred spots. Or when perimeter players were pressured and unable to feed the post.
Kareem in 74 vs Boston in game 7 and Hakeem in 93 vs Seattle....they were able to fight through double teams and impact their teams all around more than Shaq was in the same predicament with superior range and FT shooting.
He was just lucky Kobe came through with a all around lifesaver in game 7 to spare him the same fate as 74 Kareem or 93 Hakeem. Couldn't even grab more boards or blocks than 6'6" Kobe but somehow that can be attributed to "being double teamed everytime he touched the ball" too.
Pfft I guess this was somewhat the birth of his silly quote:
"When you feed the big dog, the dog will be happy . . . if the big dog ain’t me, then the house won’t get guarded—period"