With all the hype about whether Shaq or Yao has the advantage, it will be the referees who decide the matchup. If they allow really physical play, Shaq wins. If they follow the rules, Yao Ming wins. But, regardless, the refs will determine the outcome.
Addendum: Who are the referees for the game? Does any body have any histories on how they call games?
You expect too much from Yao Ming!!!!! Neither He or anybody else can win against Shaq. The best we can hope for is that he is not disgraced and that the Rockets win the Game. I have great hope that ther Refs MIGHT call all the charges and the travels that Shaq makes in every Game!I just want Yao Ming to have a respectable performance, much of that depends on our Coach and Point Guard giving Yao Ming the 'Green Light'.
Too negative, Yetti. I do expect a lot from Yao Ming because he is a fundamentally better player than Shaq. Shaq is just a big bull who gets away with offensive charges every time down the court. If the refs call his game according to the rules, he would be another Stanley Roberts.
Shaq = Stanley Roberts + refs. Hmmm. Heard on radio this morning in LA, Shaq declared himself to be the MDE (Most Dominant Ever). Was he talking about the pie eating contest? I see Shaq schooling Yao tonight but Yao is tough enough to survive the test. Should be a great game tonight.
Agree. That is a worry because Kobe outsuperstars even SF. That's why I am curious about which refs will be calling the game.
I hoper they don't call it too closely and we find another way to win. The last thing I want to have to put up with is pro-Yao-conspiracy whining.
Agree. However, if the refs call touching fouls on Ming, they should call them on Shaq. Of course, if they did not that, Shaq would be out by the end of the first quarter.
Dream On. If that was the case Shaq will be averaging 10 ppg, 5 rpg, and 6 fouls pergame for his career. He has been dropping that shoulder since his rookie year and the NBA has decided that certain rules do not apply to him i.e. traveling (see MJ), Offensive foul, oh offensive 3 seconds. p.s. I think tonight the game is going to be decided by a Fisher Flop.
I just wanted to say how much I like the word 'shmype'. Shmype shmype shmype! Wheeee. Oh well, since I am here.. I have thought the same thing about the refs.. but consider this: Who, right now, would you say the NBA has a greater vested interest in? Shaq or Yao? Shaq is at the zenith of his career. Another year or two and he will probably call it quits. Yao, on the other hand, could easily play 15 more years (think Jabbar instead of Shaq for longevity's sake). Factor in the staggering explosive growth potential to the league and the worldwide fan base that is directly linked to Yao's (successful) tenure.. AND add in the fact that Yao, in just the few months he has been in the league, has already shown more cumulative class than Shaq has shown during his entire career. Now add in the fact that Shaq has spent much of his career complaining about the refs.. NOW add in the fact that Yao is already the de-facto heir-apparent to Shaq as the preimminent big man in the league.. and the fact that he is clearly well-liked by the league, has shown little inclination to complain to the referees, does not trash-talk (that we know of ), plays with dignity, class, and skill.. all that together gives me a sneaking suspicion that tonight's game may indeed be a 'statement' game.. but that it may not be Shaq or Yao who make the statement.. but rather the referees see it as an opportunity to pass the official 'most favored son' status from Shaq to Yao.. In other words.. it could very well be Shaq who gets into early foul trouble, and who has to ride the pine for extended minutes.. if so, I think they will probably play to about dead even.. very comparable points/rebounds/blocks.. and really, what result could be better for the league and for the 'budding rivalry' ? Anyway I hope it goes something like that tonight.. the last thing we need to see is the Rockets getting blown out at home by Shaq, Kobe and the rest of the lackers.. crossing the fingers.. ciao
Unlike most experts, I believe Yao Ming will do well against Shaq. I don't believe in what Charles and Kenny predicted last night. Charles line Shaq will score 29pts 17rebs 5 blks Kenny Smith line Shaq will score 35pts 15rebs 5 blk.
Actually, as much as I will be rooting for Ming and the Rockets, I hope no "torch" is passed. In a perfect world the officiating would be accurate and fair. This isn't a perfect world, but the officiating should be accurate and fair anyway. No, truly, I want the Rockets to win but to win because we scored more points in a game contested in fairness without injury to all the players... even Rick Fox.
A noble sentiment, thumbs. I'll ask you if you still feel that way the day of the next Jazz/Rox game. I think it's a bit premature to think the league will be ok with the torch passing just yet. Second or third year would make for better drama (the challenger has finally bested the champion). IMO, they'll give the slight nod to O'Neal, which is the customary refereeing practice. I anticipate a couple of Shaq bull rushes that leave Yao on the floor wondering why the offensive foul was not called. Any more than that, they'll ticket Shaq Daddy.
I counted three blatant offensive fouls by Shaq at the end of game that the referees just ignored. I'll never get over how they let him get away with it. However, the refs gave the Rockets a break with that Shaq flagrant on Steve Francis. I'm happy with the total result.
