![]() Also, before screaming HCA, the Lakers regular season record was deceiving. The remainder of those Lakers are a young Lue and George, who do not lace up unless Bryant/Fox are in foul trouble which was a possibility, considering Jordan was averaging 10+ FTA in the last three-peat. The "Hack-a-Shaq" was an effective tactic but the consequence for the Bulls is the early penalty, and any whistles on the perimeter would result in free throws. Longley would have a snowballs chance in hell at containing O'Neal. Rodman could limit O'Neal, by forcing him into hook shots, rather than dunks. Unlike O'Neal in '04, when Wallace did an excellent job on him O'Neal in '01 was in peak shape (one year removed from MVP form). Rodman had the strength and second-third jump to defend and rebound. O'Neal is the biggest "Mismatch" of this series. I think Kuokc changes the dynamic of the series, because he could stretch the floor with his three point shooting ability, similar to Horry. Therefore I think Horry would be a better defender on Rodman in those stints because of his three point range. Rodman could not shoot but in the "illegal zone defense" era, Rodman would routinely run to the three point line, then point at his defender cheating off of him, to get an illegal-defense whistled. Fox can guard Jordan for stints, as a stronger defender in the post as Harper can guard Bryant on-ball for stints, to give Pippen and Jordan a rest. ![]() Although, '00, and '01, Pippen could not do much to limit Bryant (other than hammer his bruised ribs). Pippen routinely shut down point guards, I think Pippen would be more effective, than Jordan, defending Bryant. But with a quickness advantage to beat his defender to spots, and no shot-blocker on the Bulls, translates to layups. Bryant could shoot from anywhere inside 30' however, he could be baited into taking difficult shots. Jordan's game is limited enough, by forcing him further away from the basket (and to the left side of the floor) it would hamper Jordan's efficiency. Bryant can beat him to spots and shade baseline and into O'Neal (for the shot-block). ![]() ![]() O'Neal in the paint changes Jordan's shot selection. Jordan has a strength advantage, but Bryant has a quickness (lateral) advantage. "Edge" between Bryant/Jordan isn't that wide Bryant can do a good job containing Jordan offensively, on-ball and ball-denial, making him work defensively. "Edge" between Shaw/Harper was minimal but Harper was the better defender. "Edge" between Fisher/Kerr was minimal but Fisher was the better defender. Although, I suspect Pippen would be cross-matched on Bryant, with Jordan at "free safety" in the high-post denying entry passes to O'Neal. ![]()
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