When the Lakers came to their senses and clawed back two games, they still couldn't compensate for the disadvantage of losing the first two games at home. In the end, the Lakers sent the Trail Blazers into the Finals, completing their first three-peat achievement.
In 1988, the NBA's market and interests weren't as vast, and the league's intervention wasn't as deep. By 2000, the NBA office already had strong influence.
In this game, the referees aimed to ensure the Lakers hold onto a home game; the chief referee is the experienced Dick Bavetta, whose balancing skills in officiating are formidable.
With the Lakers holding the advantage at the start, they continued feeding O'Neal the ball. Phil Jackson wouldn't make the same mistake of taking O'Neal out for fast-break attacks like in the previous match.
By halftime, O'Neal efficiently scored 25 points, wreaking havoc in the Trail Blazers' inner line, helping the Lakers lead by nine points, 60-51.
