Anyone think that Yao will block Shaq at least twice in this game. I think that Shaqs ego will make him try to score on Yao therefore exposing himself to being blocked. Other that score on Yao usually shoot from the outside and the few that go inside usuallly have to pass it out or get blocked but with Shaq inside who knows what he is going to do.
well, if shaq gets his 15 shots a game and they are all inside while yao is guarding him, there is a high percentage that he will get at least one of his shots blocked. hopefully yao is preparing for the matchup. unfortunetly i wont see it, i'll be out of the country
As a Laker fan, I believe it could happen after watching Shaq for 20 games this season. Shaq is far less effective on the offensive end these days even though he did pick up his game on the defensive end. A few opponent centers shorter than Yao blocked Shaq's shots in a few other games ...
Yao's defense has been great this season, but hopefully that won't stop JVG from double teaming Shaq. If Yao plays his game and doesn't get caught up in the hype, he should hold his own.
as long as the rockets win I am happy. If the rockets win and Yao gets a double double then even better
Shaq will dominate. That is what he does. Although I think Yao will have a good game 20 / 10 / 2 also.
Does anyone remember the MONSTER block that Dan Gadzuric had on Shaq this year whe the Bucks led the Lakers for most of the game and then the Lakers pulled away at the end? I've never seen anyone block Shaq like that, I mean he swatted it to the 5th row.
If ROX want to win over Lakers, JVG must adjust his offense strategy. Let YAO leave from the paint, so that SF3/CAT have enough room (in the paint) to penetrate and layup. If JVG let YAO play O'Neal one-on-one, ROX would lose this game without doubt. It is smart for YAO use jumper shot or hook shot over ONeal. Also JJ should help YAO defend ONeal.
Why not put Cato on O'neal, at least part of the time? He's more of a thug type anyway. Malone would pull Cato too far away from the basket, which is the ONLY place he can be even modestly effective. I think Shaq will be more mentally prepared this time- I don't think he really respected Yao before the other game. I think he does respect him now, which means he'll be ready. It will be a good test of where Yao is, but unfortunately, I think it means that his lack of agression on both ends of the floor will be highlighted.
but, like most people, I'd be happy with a 5 pt 7 reb 1 block type game from Yao, if it came with a win. especially considering it's in LA.
Let's see. Last year, Cato did come in as back-up went against Shaq. Shaq treated Cato like a helpless baby, bang bang.
i saw that on league pass, that was nasty...some people do not know here that shaq gets blocked too...and that was a straight up block, it wasn't a gangblock where like the jazz brings one guy in front, and one guy in the back to block your shot
guys, sometimes i think even we underestimate Yao, i have learned one thing from watching him and that is he is constantly improving... have faith, yao plays shaq straight up, 3 blocks, 19 pts, 11 boards, and im going to say 7 assists, 4 from giving it to a wide open mobes for three shaq 16 pts, 11 boards, zero blocks, 4 assists
Shaq won't allow Yao anywhere near the basket. The Rockets just need to play their game, double team Shaq as soon as he gets the ball and get good rotation from the defense. As for Yao, his fadeaway jumper isn't falling like it use to. Yao would be best if he made quick decisions against Shaq, he can't back him down, so either do a quick turn around and shoot over him or pass it. Yao vs. Shaq I is the greatest game I have ever seen. Second most watched game in the history of the NBA and was an instant classic for ESPN. I hope they play that game before Yao vs Shaq II, I think it would really boost up the ratings.
yao on malone? the king of flop? i can see yao fouling out of the game within the first three minutes of the game. yao... shaq... one on one baby.
yao and shaq are probably the 2 most fouled guys in the game. the refs already allow to get beaten and with added pressure of being the best bigman matchup in recent nba history will surely let them play. yao needs to hit a couple outside js early and punish shaq if he doesnt come out. this will give yao the leverage to keep shaq off balance, trying to stick to yao on the j, but also being vulnerable to yao spinning baseline and driving or driving across the lane for the hook. yao wont physically beat him, but his offensive versatility will give him the edge that he needs.
The game against the lakers with boost up the Allstar Votes who ever has the better game as far as Shaq and Yao go. If Yao Dominates, the first time. I can see him starting the Allstar Game.
I wonder if Stevie is going to go off in this one like he did last time. It was supposed to be the BIG mathup between the centers but SF had like 45pts. Go Rockets!
I love the fact that Yao learns from his opponenets, and works to be better the next time. So, I'm sure Yao will try a number of new things, and improve in various ways. But, Shaq just get's bored in regular games, because he is so much better than the competition he faces day in day out. I think he'll get up for this game. He understands the marketing value of having hype between the two. He remembers getting schooled by Dream. I'll bet he schools Yao this game, too. Yao is the future, Shaq is now... but, it'll be a fun show to watch.
