Chapter 1170: Chapter 372: The Biggest Mistake I Made Since Becoming NBA Commissioner in 1984
They all know this is likely to become a milestone night in Roger’s career, so they’re willing to cooperate with Roger for one night like those Victoria’s Secret models.
Neither side’s defense is tight, both teams are scoring with ease.
But the speed at which Roger’s score is rising is unsettling, he’s scoring so effortlessly, often just a quick stop-and-pop shot makes his score securely.
Before long, Roger’s score tonight has already reached 41 points!
Dirk had 23 points in half, Shaq had 15 at half, their performances aren’t bad, yet combined, their score is still less than Roger’s.
Mike Breen no longer cares about the game’s outcome, he’s only concerned about one thing: "Can Roger score 60 tonight!?"
At halftime, as he walks off the court, Roger spreads his hands at Shaq: "I know what you’re thinking, Shaq, the moment you chose to part ways with me, your greatness ended."
Roger’s words are as precise as his shots, causing waves in Shaq’s heart.
Though reluctant to admit, Shaq’s glory entirely comes from the time partnering with Roger.
After Roger left him, he continues to write brilliant Chapters, while Shaq has achieved nothing after leaving Roger.
Shaq’s silence did not earn Roger’s sympathy, he quickly uttered something even more damaging: "Admit it, Shaq, our rivalry ended long ago, you’re no longer my rival."
Shaquille O’Neal walks off, without a word. Though relatively easily dominating inside, Shaq can still feel his dominance is not as terrifying as it once was.
What used to be easy slam dunks now always feel tough to lift off, the once frightening speed has entirely disappeared.
His decline is an indisputable fact, yet on Roger, you see no signs of decline.
How can someone beginning to decline beat someone still at their peak?
Is their competition really over?
At halftime, the historically brutal Avery Johnson did nothing useful besides shouting for players to focus.
This has nothing to do with his ability, but under today’s defense rules, the backup for outside attackers from the four and five positions is particularly crucial.
Relying on perimeter defenders to lock down outside attackers is impossible in this era.
But Mavericks’ four and five positions each have their own lousy defense.
Dirk Nowitzki can’t focus more on defense, Shaquille O’Neal’s defense has been careless for years.
It’s truly demanding to require these two to aid across the entire half-court range.
In the third quarter, Roger rested for a few more minutes, and when he returned to the court, the Warriors were only leading by 7 points.
But as soon as he’s on, the point difference would immediately drift towards double digits.
Roger doesn’t seem like he’s hunting, rather, he’s toying with his opponents.
He gives the opponent a glimmer of hope near the match’s end, only to personally destroy that hope.
This process makes Roger endlessly joyful.
After scoring 15 points in the third quarter, Roger already racked up 56 points this game!
Scoring 56 in three quarters, amidst the Championship Ring ceremony on-site, David Stern is already pondering the rationality of the new rules.
If it becomes strict enough not to allow touching scorers outside the three-second zone at all, Roger would end all suspense in the season’s opening game.
In the fourth quarter, Dirk Nowitzki hits a three-pointer, and Shaq fiercely plays under the basket for a 2+1.
The point difference once closed to just 4, Mavericks’ best opportunity.
However, the winning fantasy is completely shattered here.
In the fourth quarter, with Josh Howard fouling out, Mavericks lost their only weak force to resist Roger.
Roger’s score broke through 60 but didn’t halt.
With 1 minute and 12 seconds left in the game, Dirk Nowitzki missed a three-pointer, Shaq grabbed the offensive rebound, and directly challenged under the basket.
Three years ago, the reckless Amar’e Stoudemire would have become Shaq’s plaything under his reign.
But current Shaq cannot rely on Stoudemire to jump for a dunk; his explosiveness isn’t as freakish. He can only press down on Stoudemire, trying to put the ball in the basket.
Just as Shaq flicked the ball off his fingertips, Boris Diaw rushed back to the paint and swatted the ball away.
Shaquille O’Neal’s peak is over, he missed the golden era to beat Roger.
Next, unless retiring, Shaq will live under Roger’s brutal reign.
As Roger grabs the ball and charges past half-court, all fans in the stadium rise to their feet.
Because this could very likely be Roger’s record-breaking shot, already scoring 69 points, another point will make his career highest score break the 70 barrier.
Shaquille O’Neal hates the number 70; years ago, Admiral fought him for the scoring title, stooping to brush out 71 points in the season’s last game.
And now, the person he hates most is about to accomplish a similar feat again.
Thus, as Roger effortlessly breaks away from defense, drifting for a jump shot, Shaq lunged unreservedly.
But his interference was half a beat late, though fingertips touched Roger’s hand, Roger’s jump shot remained poised.
The ball swishes through the net, Shaq, from the overly aggressive leap, lands unable to halt the inertia from his massive weight, directly collapsing onto the ground.
Once more, Shaq can only look up at Roger from below, a view he’s had countless times this match.