The Spurs can't handle him. Nor can they do much with Shaq, who contributed 35 points and 17 rebounds. But this isn't all the Lakers have. They have won 18 games in a row and haven't lost in 53 days because they've played sensational defense since the return of point guard Derek Fisher, who patrols the edge. It was one of the first things Popovich mentioned.
Defensive quickness is the difference.
The Spurs seem shocked by it. And Kobe doesn't have to do it all anymore. Shaq, out of condition the first few months of the season, is exactly where he was at this time last year. The total dominator. That's the rumor.