In the second quarter, Roger personally defended Kobe, weakening Kobe's terrifying firepower.
However, Grant Hill transformed into a sharp dagger, using stop-and-pop jumpers after breakthroughs to cause the Hawks plenty of trouble.
Additionally, Shaq started to exert force in attacking the paint, and the Lakers quickly gained the advantage.
By halftime, the Lakers had completed a comeback, leading 56-50, with the Hawks trailing by 4 points.
Bill Simmons was absolutely right; this would be a blood-splattering series, with no easy victory between the Lakers and the Hawks.
After the first half, everyone could see what the deciding factor in today's game was.
The key for the Hawks was whether players other than Roger could shoulder the heavy responsibility.
And for the Lakers, the key was whether Grant Hill and Shaq could kill the game after Kobe was restrained by Roger.
