Rick Carlisle had gone over a lot before the game, covering every aspect comprehensively.
However, once the game started, it was still the SuperSonic Team that first opened the scene.
With 2 minutes and 14 seconds left in the first quarter, the SuperSonic Team led by 6 points with a score of 8 to 2.
The head coach of the SuperSonic Team was Nate McMillan, one of the "Top Ten Legends of the SuperSonic Team." He dedicated his entire career to Seattle, and after retiring in 1998, he served three years as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach of the SuperSonic Team in 2000.
George Karl was his coach during his playing days, and from the fast-break mode of this SuperSonic Team, one could tell that he had learned a lot about fast-pace concepts from George Karl:
For instance, he also liked to use "physically talented men" in the frontcourt to provide energy on the court.
In this regard, without the younger O'Neal, the Pacers' frontcourt was not at an advantage.