The implication was that Dream played Admiral like a fool.
This was Olajuwon for the season, although Admiral was the MVP, although the Spurs' record was unmatched, although the current total score was just 2 to 2. But nearly everyone felt that if Dream could get his hands on the championship ticket, he would definitely teach O'Neal a harsh lesson.
Except for O'Neal.
He didn't see it that way.
He thought the championship was already in the bag.
Shaq was already too excited. After the Eastern Conference Finals, taking advantage of the two-day vacation the team had, he immediately took a trip to Atlantic City, where he indulged in revelry.
Bars, dancing, gambling, listening to music, seeking all kinds of women.
The headlines of the "Orlando Sentinel" even featured a photo of him with Donald, the owner of Atlantic City's biggest casino.
No one had ever started their vacation with such pomp right after winning the Eastern Conference Finals.