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I have had some problems with what Popovich has done this season, but he deserves credit for a good tactical move: Use Duncan to guard Shaq. Duncan does not pick up many fouls in the game and had none by halftime. Maybe it was to keep Robinson out of foul trouble, but in the second half, at times Duncan guarded Shaq. Duncan can’t guard Shaq by himself like Robinson can. But what this did was allow Robinson to roam since he was only guarding JR Reid. In my opinion, Robinson is a much quicker and better help-defender than Tim. So anytime Shaq got the ball, Tim slowed the initial brunt of the attack which allowed Robinson time to come over to help. Not only is this strategy effective, but it helped Robinson stay out of foul trouble in the second half. Of course, the Spurs cannot use this strategy for the entire game because Tim might get into foul trouble; but the Spurs can use it in the second half to give the Lakers a different look and to such him down in key stretches.
Way to go, Popovich.
Other things to do on Shaq:
-Don’t go to the Hack-a-Shaq defense until mid-way in the second quarter. Shaq can make some of his free-throws when he isn’t tired. Tire him out a bit by having Dave run before you start hacking him.
-The Hack-a-Shaq defense is tried and true. Malik had 3 more fouls to give as did Perdue. Gerald King also is available for 6 more fouls. Even Kersey and Duncan finished with only 1 foul each. Why not use them?
-Malik does frustrate him. So let Malik play on Shaq until he fouls out.
-Take a page from Pat Riley, the refs can’t call every foul.
By Spurn
Which Spur plays the best D on Shaq? Step on the Soapbox and have your say.
