Adelman Aims to Limit O’Neal

The Sacramento Kings realize if they wait for officials to slow down the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal, their playoff series will be over in a flash.

But they have to somehow come up with a way to slow down O’Neal. The Kings know they can’t have O’Neal score another 46 points, as he did Sunday in the Lakers’ 10-point Game 1 victory.

Sacramento Coach Rick Adelman questioned the toughness of his players, who were pushed around by O’Neal all game.

“We have got to find a way to get more physical around the basket and not allow them to push us all over the place,” Adelman said.

King center Vlade Divac had a miserable time against O’Neal. Divac not only failed to keep O’Neal from gaining strong position near the basket but also struggled offensively.

“I have to do a better job of making him catch the ball outside of the paint and knock down my shots,” Divac said.

*

One reason for the Kings’ success during the regular season was their ability to outrun teams with support players such as forward Corliss Williamson and guards Nick Anderson and Jon Barry having key roles.

But in Game 1, the Lakers made sure Sacramento didn’t get too many fastbreak opportunities and slowed down the Kings’ role players. Williams, Anderson and Barry combined for 22 points after averaging nearly 30 during the regular season.

“One of our strong points is getting out on the floor, running . . . being able to outrun teams on the break,” said Williamson, who had only six points in 18 minutes Sunday. “You have to credit them for getting to the offensive boards, which stopped us from running the break.”

*

When asked what he thought about O’Neal calling Adelman an idiot because of the Sacramento coach’s complaining after Game 1, Chris Webber told the Sacramento Bee, “The only thing I’d say is, I am 1,000% behind the coach.”