The Eastern Conference Finals had begun.
In this game, Rick Carlisle had returned Shaquille O'Neal to the starting lineup to partner with Zach Randolph.
5 minutes!
Just 5 minutes!
That was how long Shaquille O'Neal could now stand on the court in a single game, and it was also the time it took them to dismantle the Celtics.
There was no way around it, Shaquille O'Neal's dominance over Kevin Garnett was comprehensive.
From on-court technical style to psychological pressure.
Let's put it this way...
Kevin Garnett had just two words for Shaquille O'Neal:
Respectful awe!
Even before joining the league, he had thought about how not to match up with him. After entering the league, living under the shadow of Shaquille O'Neal at his prime, it was even more so...
Now Shaquille O'Neal was old.
But likewise, after a major injury, Kevin Garnett's condition had also significantly declined.
One could tell from his reduced mobility on the defensive end.
