But the SuperSonics retreated quickly and did not allow the Hawks to execute a counterattack.
George Karl asked everyone to give up on fighting for offensive rebounds; the primary goal was to retreat with full force, suppress the pace, and reduce the number of possessions.
As long as they did not let the Hawks play their favored fast breaks, and used double teams to contain the set plays, the Hawks were powerless.
The SuperSonics' fast retreat was effective, and the Hawks' lightning-fast breaks were unable to get going.
However, Roger remained calm and unruffled, slowly dribbling like a point guard nearing the three-point line and signaling with his hands.
Payton, unable to retract his step in time, found his front foot under attack, letting Roger complete the breakthrough.
When dealing with a top scorer of the scoring champion caliber, any tiny lapse could lead to a massive error.
But, merely breaking through Payton was not enough.
