But Shaq didn't rush out too recklessly, because Raja Bell is extremely skilled at maneuvering around screens.
Sure enough, Roger barely took a step after the pick-and-roll and was immediately tied up again by Raja Bell.
However, Roger did not back down, using this aggressive opponent as leverage to continue his drive. Shaq was guarding the basket tightly, intending to team up with Raja Bell to stop Roger.
Yet, once Roger drove into the restricted zone, he clearly passed the ball to Amar'e Stoudemire, who had popped out after the pick-and-roll.
Amar'e Stoudemire took a mid-range shot, but unfortunately, the basketball bounced off the rim.
As a rookie, Stoudemire couldn't yet hold up in the mid-range game consistently; he could try an occasional shot when he felt good, but his stability was lacking.
Roger wanted to test Stoudemire's touch tonight in that play, but it was not the result he hoped for.
