WATCH: “Like monsters would chase kids” – Dereck Lively II and Chet Holmgren play ‘run and catch’ in Game 3 leaving fans in splits

Hack a Shaq is a method used to foul a player on offense, who shoots below average from the free throw line.

WATCH: “Like monsters would chase kids” – Dereck Lively II and Chet Holmgren play ‘run and catch’ in Game 3 leaving fans in splits

Chet Holmgren chases Dereck Lively II around the court to foul him akin to Hack a Shaq sending fans in splits

In the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks put up a spirited late-game performance to take the lead in the playoff series. One of the tactics used by the Thunder to bring the game back to level became very evident in the 4th quarter. Chet Holmgren ran after Dereck Lively II so that he could foul him and send him to the free-throw line. Fans watching were left in splits after a failed ‘Hack a Shaq’ move.

With less than 4 minutes to go, the Thunder were just 4 points off from tying the game. As soon as the Dallas Mavericks crossed into their half, Chet Holmgren looked for Lively II. The Mavericks’ big man knew what was coming and instantly ran across the paint and out of bounds and came back onto the court as soon as Holmgren lost his footing. Fans watching this unfold could not fathom what the two were up to.

It was essentially to avoid going to the free-throw line. Dereck Lively II has shot 50% from the free throw line during his rookie season. The Thunder, knowing this wanted to do a Hack a Shaq treatment on him. If they could have sustained it, it could have changed the course of the game.

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Fouling Derek Lively II with his below-average free throw conversions was something that could limit the Mavericks offense. It could also give the Thunder valuable extra time on their offensive possessions. It is commendable that the Mavericks rookie was aware of it and tried to avoid it.

Fans in splits watching Dereck Lively II and Chet Holmgren play tag

Basketball fans love a bit of humor from their basketball games. But this situation between the two rookies was unexpected. The Hack a Shaq treatment has been doled out to players in the past. But watching Lively II run around to avoid getting fouled was something new. Therefore, watching this was entertaining enough for fans to jump onto social media.

They had to give their two cents watching this unfold on their TV screens. Check some of those comments below:

It is possible that the Oklahoma City Thunder might go back to this technique if the rest of the games in this playoff series are closely fought down the stretch. Then fans might again see something like this between Dereck Lively II and Chet Holmgren.

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