Shaquille O’Neal Matches NBA Finals Block Record as Lakers Level 2001 Series
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On this day in 2001, Shaquille O’Neal delivered a historic defensive performance to help the Los Angeles Lakers claim a 98-89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, tying the series at one game apiece.
Playing at Staples Center, O’Neal recorded eight blocks, equaling the Finals single-game record held by Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing. The center also finished with 28 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists as Los Angeles rebounded from an overtime loss in Game 1.
The Lakers, who had swept Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio on their way to the championship round, clung to a 49-47 halftime edge before pulling away in the third quarter. Their defense limited league MVP Allen Iverson to 23 points on 10-for-29 shooting after the guard scored 48 in the series opener.
Powered by O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles went on to win the next three contests in Philadelphia, becoming the first team since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls to secure back-to-back titles. The Lakers finished the postseason with a 93.8 percent winning rate, the best in league history.
O’Neal earned his second consecutive Finals MVP award, averaging 33.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.4 blocks over the five-game series.
Source: Lakers Nation
