The real goal of Del Harris was to create trouble for the Rockets in the starting phase. The rest would be a bonus if achieved, otherwise, it was just an additional expectation.
The focus in the opening phase was on Van Exel!
On the court, when Olajuwon decisively moved to a high post, the potential for an offensive gap for the Rockets in the opening phase was eliminated, and their half-court offense maintained continuity.
Meanwhile, for the Lakers, the offensive pressure fell on Van Exel, with the opening plays relying on his one-on-one scoring and passing.
Having held back for several games, Van Exel finally received permission to play freely and started to heat up tonight!
He shot 6 times and made 3, including a three-pointer, delivered an assist to Anthony Peeler, and made a pass to Campbell that resulted in a foul on Chucky Brown during a switch, along with Zhang Hao's fast-break dunk, allowing the Lakers to score 11 points in the first five minutes.
