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CNN Live At Daybreak

NBA Finals: Iverson Needs More Shots

Aired June 12, 2001 - 08:51   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LAURA OKMIN, CNN ANCHOR: Game four of NBA finals tips off tomorrow night, in the City of Brotherly Love, but I can guarantee you that emotion is not being expressed right now as the Lakers and 76ers continue to get even more familiar with one another. And while familiarity breeds contempt, it also breeds adjustment.

CNN's Tom Rinaldi on the chess game called the NBA finals.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOM RINALDI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Before this series started, Phil Jackson's strategy on Allen Iverson forced him to take 40 shots to score 40 points. He did more than both in game one, and the 76ers won. Since, Iverson hasn't had more than 30 shots, and the 76ers haven't won, one of the key adjustments in this series.

TYRONN LUE, LAKERS GUARD: In game one, he had 41 attempts, and we knew that was way too many from a guy like that, especially MVP of the league. So we need we had to limit his touches as much as possible. That's what we did the last two games.

RICK FOX, LAKERS FORWARD: You can step out, get a hand up, and delay things, but all in all, Allen going still to catch the ball. Once he catches, the recognition is you kind of push him towards help.

ALLEN IVERSON, 76ERS GUARD: I understand why they're using that strategy they're using, but I have to use my resources, use the people that got me here, helped get me here. If they're open, I give them the ball, and live with the -- be happy with the shot that they take.

ERIC SNOW, 76ERS GUARD: We've got to do a better job of getting him the ball in a scoring position. Maybe more so better screens or executing better on offense. You've got to get them credit for doing a good job on him, but there are some things that we can correct also to give him better looks and more looks.

RINALDI: In addition to Lakers' more physical play on Iverson, they've also contained his long range shooting. He made just one three pointer in game three. To win game four, the 76ers may have to help Iverson get those 40 shots anywhere he can find them.

At the finals, in Philadelphia, I'm Tom Rinaldi.

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