Stan Van Gundy didn't rest O'Neal, keeping him on the court to lead the second unit against the Pistons.
This was the do-or-die moment of Game 7. There was no need to overthink things—it was time to go all out.
O'Neal was playing ferociously. Larry Brown uncharacteristically subbed in Milicic, a decision likely owing to Milicic's handful of solid regular-season performances. In this year's playoffs, he had earned a spot in the rotation, roughly as the team's eighth man.
But Milicic was clearly no match for O'Neal. O'Neal scored on consecutive possessions, helping the Heat extend their lead.
The camera zoomed in on Larry Brown's face. Through the screen, you could see his nostrils flare as he mouthed a string of furious curses.
Rasheed Wallace quickly checked into the game.
Milicic was sent back to the bench, getting an earful from Larry Brown as he passed him.
