NBA: Built to Dominate

The Wallace-Sabonis Duo: The Real "Shark Stoppers"

When people think of Rasheed Wallace, they usually remember the Wallace Duo vs. Shaquille O'Neal during the Detroit Pistons era.

Many assume that Ben Wallace was the one who truly stopped Shaq, but in reality—Rasheed Wallace was the primary defender.

Of course, no one stops Shaq alone.

During his time with the Pistons, Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace worked together to contain O'Neal.

The Portland Trail Blazers had their own version of this defensive strategy.

Alongside Rasheed Wallace, they had another defensive powerhouse—Arvydas Sabonis.

At 7'3" (2.21m) and 290 lbs (132 kg), Sabonis was an immovable force in the paint.

If injuries hadn't slowed him down, some argue the NBA's "Four Great Centers" would have become the "Five Great Centers" with his addition.

While that's just speculation, what did happen was clear:

Sabonis led his team to defeat Team USA at the 1988 Olympics!

That loss to Sabonis was one of the reasons the USA created the Dream Team in 1992.

When he brought his game to the NBA, his combination of size, skill, and defense became a nightmare for dominant big men like Shaq.

With Sabonis's size and Wallace's speed, the Blazers' interior became a fortress.

It was no surprise that in the first game of the season, Shaq struggled against Portland, failing to lead the Vancouver Grizzlies to victory.

From that moment, the Wallace-Sabonis duo earned their nickname:

"The Shark Stoppers."

But now, a new challenge awaited them.

This time, they weren't facing Shaquille O'Neal.

They were facing Alex Mo.

Would the Shark Stoppers also become "Mo Stoppers"?

That was the big question leading into this game.

Los Angeles Lakers – No Time to Rest

November 9th – Portland, Oregon.

After a grueling flight from Milwaukee, the Lakers arrived in Portland with barely any time to rest.

Instead of a break, they went straight to their training facility for pre-game preparation.

Reporters were already waiting at the gym.

Once the Lakers finished their closed-door training, media members rushed in for interviews.

Del Harris Interview: First Back-to-Back Game for Mo & AI

A Portland journalist asked the first question:

"Coach Del Harris, this is Alex Mo and Allen Iverson's first back-to-back game in the NBA. Will there be any adjustments to manage their workload?"

The entire NBA community knew that back-to-back games were a serious test of a player's stamina and endurance.

Even All-Star veterans often struggled in the second game of back-to-backs.

But these were rookies.

How would the Lakers' coaching staff handle it?

Del Harris Smiles:

"We've discussed it, but honestly? I don't think we need to make adjustments at all."

The reporters looked surprised.

"Why is that, Coach?"

Harris smirked.

"Because they barely played the fourth quarter last game."

The media members suddenly realized the truth.

That's right!

Alex Mo and Allen Iverson had already rested in the fourth quarter against the Bucks.

Essentially, they had already saved their energy for tonight's game!

Suddenly, the reporters were in awe of Del Harris's coaching decision.

Was this all part of his master plan?

(Reality Check: It Wasn't.)

Harris had no idea Alex Mo would score 40 points in three quarters and end the game early.

But hey—he'd take credit for it!

Alex Mo's Response to the "Shark Stoppers"

Next, the media turned to Alex Mo.

"Alex, you're facing the 'Shark Stoppers' tonight. Does that put extra pressure on you?"

"Shaquille O'Neal struggled against this team in the season opener."

Alex didn't hesitate.

"I'm not Shaq."

"And I won't be stopped like he was."

"We're winning this game. That's all there is to it."

His confidence was unshakable.

And next to him, Allen Iverson backed him up.

"Shark Stoppers? Whatever. Let's end this."

The interviews wrapped up, and the Lakers headed to the Rose Garden Arena.

Portland's "Devil's Home" Atmosphere

In 1995, the Blazers moved from Memorial Coliseum to their new home—the Rose Garden Arena.

One thing didn't change:

Portland's fans were still insane.

As the Lakers arrived, thousands of Blazers fans erupted into wild chants and cheers.

In the Blazers locker room, Rasheed Wallace and Sabonis were relaxed—chatting about their opponent.

"Hey Sabonis, you think you can handle that big Chinese kid?" Wallace joked.

"Hmph. Isn't he a power forward?" Sabonis smirked.

"Shouldn't YOU be the one worried, Rasheed?"

Wallace froze.

Damn. He's got a point.

Blazers' Pre-Game Hype Speech

Just as Wallace was about to clap back, head coach P.J. Carlesimo cut in.

"Alright, listen up!"

"We've won two straight. We're playing great."

"But tonight? We're facing the undefeated Lakers."

"This is our toughest test yet."

Wallace, arms crossed, scoffed.

"Coach, if they played us earlier, they'd already have a loss."

Sabonis nodded.

"Exactly. Tonight, we show them the NBA isn't a playground."

Carlesimo grinned.

Mission: Stop Alex Mo.

If they could shut down the Lakers' No. 1 pick, the win was theirs.

The team exited the locker room to the deafening roars of Blazers fans.

Lakers Warm-Up: Iverson is Stunned

Meanwhile, on the Lakers' side, Allen Iverson took in the wild energy of the crowd.

"Damn, Portland's insane," he muttered.

Alex Mo just smiled.

"They can scream all they want. It won't change a thing."

Game Begins – Alex Mo Wastes No Time

Tip-off.

Sabonis won the jump ball, denying the Lakers' usual fast-break play.

But the Blazers' first possession didn't last long.

Their point guard, Kenny Anderson, faced the league's strongest 6-foot (183cm) defender—Allen Iverson.

Iverson stole the ball instantly.

Within seconds, he was racing toward the basket.

Blazers' guard Isaiah Rider rushed back.

But Iverson spotted Alex Mo cutting to the basket.

Quarterback Pass → Fast-Break Dunk

Alex Mo caught the pass, took two massive steps, and THUNDERED a dunk!

The "Giant Fast-Break 2.0" was in full effect!

Portland's crowd?

Silent.