O'Neal's presence was overwhelming.
Kobe Bryant also gave 200 percent on defense, matching up directly against Su Xi.
This had an impact on the Pacers, but it diminished as Ron Artest and Reggie Miller started hitting their shots.
The two teams traded blows.
The Lakers maintained their lead all night. They also got some favorable calls, though it was within the normal scope of home-court advantage. It was just like how the Pacers got a few calls in Indiana.
Carl Malone also had an excellent game tonight. As the third option, his shooting was decisive and consistent.
Under these circumstances, the Pacers were forced to play catch-up the entire time.
By the fourth quarter, Su Xi had led a charge that cut the deficit to just three points.
But then, Kobe went on a tear, hitting consecutive three-pointers.
Furthermore, when the Pacers resorted to fouling, the Lakers simply took O'Neal off the court.
