In the first game of the NBA Finals, both sides engaged in a truly intense battle.
Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill successfully dominated the game in the first three quarters.
Without Ben Wallace, the Hawks' interior defense had no one who could effectively limit Shaq from receiving the ball.
Kurt Thomas showed strong defensive enthusiasm, but his abilities were ultimately limited.
The aged Dream appeared even more powerless in front of Shaq.
Although the zone defense allowed the Hawks to limit Shaq by shrinking early, this would open up spacious shooting opportunities for the Lakers on the perimeter.
So in the first three quarters, when Grant Hill drove into the lane and casually passed, his teammates on the perimeter gained wide-open chances, making the Los Angeles Lakers' offense extremely efficient.
With Big Ben absent, Shaq was able to get the ball more easily and ravage the rim.
