Just reference the 4th quarter in game 7 last year against Detroit. The Heat aren't a championship threat if Shaq can't deliver late; doesn't matter who the coach is.
He did deliver late and put them in position to win. They inexplicably stopped going to him in the last 2 minutes with Wade taking some ill advised shots, consequently blowing the game and the series.
No - never truly working hard his entire career took its toll. He's never been in optimal shape, gaining weight almost every year (check out his rookie pics). Phil was constantly on him to drop weight but he refused since he felt his size made him dominant. Now he's battled nagging injuries for the past few seasons, almost all made worse by the load he carries. His first 3 seasons in the league, he played in 81, 81, and 79 regular season games. Since then (leaving out the lockout year), he's averaged 66 games a season. The near 20 game ankle injury earlier this year was a fantastic example of him missing more time than a more in shape player would. Watching him when I was at the Miami game, it was readily apparent to me that 1) He's still so strong and massive he can dominant any frontcourt with ease 2) He is struggling badly with his conditioning. Would hang back on fast breaks to see if he could avoid the round trip, was winded often, and had less apparent quickness as the game progressed. That the Rockets made a massive effort to run when and only when he was in the game was also telling. He'll look like Seattle Sonic Patrick Ewing in a couple of seasons. Expect a blown achilles or knee surgery in the future. Evan
its funny, to see the difference being in shape makes on extending your career all you have to do is look down their bench alonzo.
