Driving through would have been instantly smothered. Pass to the outside? This was 1996, when role players didn't have a stable response capability on the perimeter.
The concept of shooters in this era was different from those later, Steve Kerr was accurate, wasn't he? But he actually never had a season averaging more than 1.5 three-pointers per game in his entire career, and in the original 1996 finals, his three-point percentage was just 18%.
Moreover, on the Magic's side, only Saru had a stable three-point ability.
Pass to Shaq? He too would be instantly double-teamed.
Thus, Roger had no choice but to face the DPOY's defense and score from the perimeter.
Roger took a step to the left, but as he launched, he immediately stepped back, creating a sliver of shooting space. He shot and scored.
Payton's fingertips almost blocked the shot, but only almost.
Easily, Roger scored right over the head of the DPOY!
