Extended to overtime in game 7 on the road in the 2002 NBA play-offs, the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers did what they do best—thrived when the pressure was at its highest. Both of the Lakers’ star players had their chance at the foul line late in overtime.
a. With 1:27 minutes left in overtime and the game tied at 106–106, Shaquille (Shaq) O’Neal was at the line for two free-throw attempts. He has a history of making 0.555 of his free-throw attempts, and during this game, prior to these two shots, he had made 9 of his 13 attempts. Justify the statement “The law of averages was working against him.”
b. With 0:06 seconds left in overtime and the game score standing at 110–106, Kobe Bryant was at the line for two free-throw shots. He has a history of making 0.829 of his free throws, and during this game, prior to these two shots, he had made 6 of his 8 attempts. Justify the statement “The law of averages was working for him.” Both players made both shots, and the series with the Sacramento Kings was over.