The Lakers' starting lineup for tonight was: O'Neal, Medvedenko, Devin George, Kobe Bryant, and Gary Payton.
The Pacers' starters: Tony Battie, Little O'Neal, Miller, Artest, and Su Xi.
Battie had played very well in the last game, so he was promoted to starting center for this one.
TWEET!
The whistle blew, and O'Neal tipped the ball to Gary Payton.
Payton caught the ball, but as he took his first step forward, Su Xi was instantly on him. He caught Payton off guard with a powerful bump and used his long arms to slap the ball loose.
A steal to start the game.
In the broadcast booth across the ocean, Yao Ming said with a smile, "This is the master versus the student. The whole league knows Su Xi learned his defense from Gary Payton; their defensive styles are nearly identical. Gary Payton often brags on TV that Su Xi is his star pupil. But from the looks of it now, the student has surpassed the master."
Gary Payton chased after Su Xi.
