"Damn, that damn German!"
When Shaquille O'Neal stepped onto the court and found himself still sweating, he cursed under his breath.
It's all Dirk Nowitzki's fault for talking all that useless trash before the game, causing everyone on the Mavericks to feel a bit nervous now.
The Mavericks players didn't know if they would also become part of Roger's playoff miracle or end up as a shameful historical footnote.
Even though the teams tied during the regular season, the Mavericks players still felt uneasy, which is Roger's intimidating force.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Shaquille O'Neal told his teammates before the game: "Everyone watch your mouths. Don't trash talk Roger during the playoffs. You can't outtalk him, and you sure can't outplay him!"
Nick Van Exel looked at Shaq speechlessly; wasn't it you who were shouting at the media first? And now you're reminding others.
It can only be said that the environment changes one's mindset.
