Phil Jackson's "peak-shifting strategy" had worked without a hitch, and was effective.
With 3 minutes 45 seconds left in the second quarter, they had managed to tie the score. Rick Carlisle didn't hesitate, at this moment, he went straight to the "Small Lineup".—Originally, it was planned to let Foster play to wear down Yao Ming a bit before switching to the "Small Lineup", but Phil Jackson had Yao Ming start early in the second quarter, which rendered that step unnecessary.
When Yao was on the court, the "Small Lineup" wasn't as effective at containing Kobe; at least it wasn't easy for him to shoot under the basket. He could pass the ball to Yao Ming to assist him in finishing the play, or to set up an "assist".
In front of the Pacer's "Small Lineup", Yao Ming was like a "Primordial Monster", grabbing 3 frontcourt rebounds just in the second quarter.
