Shaq needs to make a higher percentage from the line. I think that's why they didn't give it to him in the 2nd half.
at the worst, he would have fouled out the entire Maverick slate of Centers I am not even discussing scoring with Diesel He is the best passer in the league for people 6'10 and up When the doubles come, he finds the wide open man
I'm pulling for the Heat, for Shaq. They can come back and win this thing. They played a POOR second half, not getting the ball to Shaq. Their shooters didn't hit, their passing was attrocious and they turned the ball over too much the second half. These are correctable quickly in the NBA. I look for a better game Sunday. I don't watch enough basketball to predict a winner, and it also possible that the Heat don't turn it around and they just get taken to the woodshed (I hope not). I'll just watch and enjoy.
It's especially surprising that a Pat Riley-coached team would get away from the inside-out game. Both teams have mismatches, but you've got to take advantage of them! There had to be some hesitancy about getting it down to Shaq in the second half because of the free throws. Sure, the Mavs would eventually foul out, but not before a dozen possessions in which the Heat would score a total of maybe 3 points. With the Mavs scoring, the Heat can't risk that many possessions that end with Shaq missing two free throws.
I normally hate it when the cameras pan over the audience to players' family members. But for some reason, I really like it when they go to Shaq's Dad. And we have a series again!!! The rule changes in the League have helped a lot. Now if only we can get the kids to learn how to shoot again, it will be all peaches and cream. It's funny that I keep seeing/hearing the "experts" announcing that the NBA is back. Thankfully, I think they're right.
As if all the games aren't, but this game 5 on Sunday is a HUGE game. It's hard to comprehend the contrast between last Sunday's game and tonight's game. The NBA being back.... I've been so entertained by the playoffs this year. After two games of the finals though, I was worried that it was over. Fortunately Dwayne Wade, who the Lebron's and Kobe's of the world can only dream of being like, would not have that happen! All thw while, the big man in the middle is opening up the passing lanes and making it easier for his teammates to drive to the basket, shoot wide open shots, you name it.
One more thing.. During the pre-game, when the teams were lined up for the national anthem... There was a VERY tall man standing next to, well towering over, Dirk. He was dressed in a suit. Who was that man?
The contrast between him and those kids in Heat jerseys behind him was great. I like Cuban though. Sports franchises in general need more owners like him.
It's so nice to see Shaq play some games where you can tell he got at least an hour of sleep and a cup of coffee. Makes the rest of the games all the more irritating (even if you're not a Heat fan.) The Kobe/Lebron/Dwyane comparisons are just so goofy. Completely apples to oranges to papayas, but I guess that's unavoidable (and still a kinda interesting discussion.)
