But Gan Guoyang insisted on personally matching up against O’Neal, going head-to-head with the core of the opponent.
Guarding O’Neal one-on-one is indeed taxing, consuming a lot of energy and affecting stats.
However, Gan Guoyang knew that under such great pressure, and in such a significant milestone game, he absolutely couldn’t just pick an easy task.
During warm-ups, Gan Guoyang issued a challenge to O’Neal, and having "battled" with Ah Gan before, O’Neal nonchalantly accepted the challenge.
It seemed he had matured, able to handle pressure and bravely face the strongest opponents.
But in reality, O’Neal was merely pretending to be calm; inwardly, he was already crying out.
Wasn’t Sabonis doing fine defending me? Why do you have to match up with me personally?
This is bad. During offense, I have to face Ah Gan’s defense, during defense, I have to face Ah Gan’s offense!
Thorpe definitely won’t help me; he’s thick as thieves with Ah Gan, and even West wants me to match up with Ah Gan.
Damn it, why am I always so unlucky when playing against the Trail Blazers? Can’t someone come out and block for me?
O’Neal longed for a defensive player to come out and help, so at least he wouldn’t have to face Ah Gan head-on, right?
But Ah Gan never understands this logic, insisting on a direct confrontation with the opponent’s trump card, which doesn’t look good for the stats, my dear Lao Gan.
Inwardly lamenting, O’Neal, branded with the label "overcoming mental barriers," had no choice but to feign composure and prepare for the match.
After the opening ceremony, as he stood face-to-face with Ah Gan in the center circle, O’Neal maintained a cold expression, even a hint of harshness in his eyes.
Gan Guoyang thought, Bobby letting O’Neal take a punch at him was correct; sometimes facing fear directly is the best way to overcome it.
The Trail Blazers maintained their usual starters: Gan Guoyang, Sabonis, Mu Lin, Riddle, and Brellock—a lineup that may not seem particularly strong individually but is ridiculously strong together.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ lineup was one that, at a glance, seemed extremely talented, with center O’Neal, power forward Thorpe, small forward Robert Horry, shooting guard Tracy McGrady, and point guard Jason Kidd.
Notably, Robert Horry was just acquired by West from the Rockets over the summer, with the Lakers trading away forward Sibaros to get Horry.
This was another of Jerry West’s classic maneuvers. Although Sibaros had outstanding offensive stats, the Rockets wanted to bring him in to enhance their perimeter ball-handling attack.
West, however, recognized the championship puzzle piece attribute of Robert Horry. His physique, shooting, comprehensive abilities, and his importance to the Lakers—especially to a Shaquille O’Neal-centered tactical system—was significant.
Thus, the Lakers assembled a frontline-heavy, exceptionally tall backcourt lineup, reminiscent of the Portland frontline pack wolves of yesteryears.
Jerry West’s target was naturally the Portland Trail Blazers. Youth, vitality, and height—these were the things the Trail Blazers somewhat lacked.
West believed that even if they were not yet the Trail Blazers’ opponents, currently with this lineup—26-year-old O’Neal, 19-year-old McGrady, 27-year-old Horry, 24-year-old Kidd—the future was surely going to be theirs.
Jump ball, the game began.
O’Neal leapt with all his might, winning the jump ball, McGrady got the ball, and the Lakers had possession, the game was underway.
The Lakers indeed executed the strategy laid out by Del Harris, starting by feeding the ball to O’Neal in the low post.
However, when Kidd brought the ball past half-court, he didn’t see O’Neal in the low post—where the hell was this guy?
The coach had just instructed that the opening play was for O’Neal to post up on the left or right low post, so where did you run off to?
Kidd glanced around; instead of going to the strong-side low post, O’Neal had run to the weak-side baseline to hide.
What’s up? Are you planning to shoot a corner three?
Kidd yelled hurriedly, instructing O’Neal to come over to the strong side to receive the ball.
Reluctantly, O’Neal ran to a position far out, almost at the free-throw line.
Kidd, looking on, wondered what the hell is this guy thinking?
Doesn’t matter, the head coach said to pass it to you for the play, so here it is. You take a mid-range jumper.
Gan Guoyang kept an eye on O’Neal, while also paying attention to the basket behind him; he thought the Lakers would let O’Neal draw the defense to start.
O’Neal received the ball near the free-throw line, which was not his attack zone, so Gan Guoyang didn’t close in on him.
But then, from this distance, O’Neal suddenly turned sideways, made a quick dribble, and shot a hook!
This hook shot was from quite far out, with a line as flat as a bullet trajectory, and Gan Guoyang didn’t fully jump to block it because he wasn’t expecting it.
They watched as the ball went "thud" against the inside of the rim and then fell into the net.
It actually went in!
O’Neal, opening the game with a distant hook shot, scored!
Gan Guoyang paused, went to the baseline to inbound the ball, thinking that this guy O’Neal had some skills; that unexpected move was well played.
And yet, retreating on defense, O’Neal kept his face impassive, though inside he was overjoyed; he couldn’t believe that his toss actually went in!
Kidd came over, patted O’Neal on the back, and said, "Nice hook, Shaq, but why didn’t you go ask for the ball in the low post?"
O’Neal said, "What do you know? This is called striking east and hitting west, catching them off-guard! Go defend, dummy; you have plenty to learn from my moves."
O’Neal’s confidence suddenly surged; he was in good shape tonight and was determined to fully immerse himself in the matchup.