NBA: Built to Dominate

The Seattle SuperSonics

When you talk about the Seattle SuperSonics, two names immediately come to mind:

"The Glove" Gary Payton"The Rain Man" Shawn Kemp

This inside-out duo was one of the most dominant in the NBA.

Payton, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and league steals leader, was a nightmare for opposing guards.

Need proof?

Just look at last year's NBA Finals.

The SuperSonics were down 0-3 to the Chicago Bulls, but stormed back to win two straight games, forcing the series to Game 6.

And the biggest reason?

Gary Payton locking up Michael Jordan.

Sure, some fans believe Jordan purposely extended the series so he could win the title on Father's Day…

But numbers don't lie—Jordan's stats dropped significantly once Payton started defending him.

Of course…

Even a "struggling" Michael Jordan still averaged 27.3 points per game in the Finals.

But in the eyes of many, Payton remains the only defender who ever truly slowed down Jordan—even if just a little.

And then there was Shawn Kemp—the SuperSonics' powerhouse forward.

Seattle didn't make it to the Finals just because of Payton's defense.

Kemp outplayed some of the NBA's greatest big men:

Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)Karl Malone (Utah Jazz)

Kemp was a rare breed in the 90s—a power forward who could do everything:

Face-up gameLow-post dominancePick-and-roll finishingMid-range jumpers

On defense?

He was just as deadly—elite lateral quickness, shot-blocking instincts, and crazy wingspan.

And let's not forget…

The man was a human highlight reel.

In the future, guys like Amar'e Stoudemire and Blake Griffin would be compared to Kemp.

But in reality?

Kemp was more skilled than Stoudemire and more athletic than Griffin.

That's why this Seattle squad, which had pushed the 72-win Bulls to six games in the Finals, was considered one of the top three teams in the West alongside the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz.

Sean Kemp Issues a Challenge

Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA

Before the game, Shawn Kemp stood in front of reporters with a confident smirk.

"I've heard a lot about this young big man in LA," Kemp said into the microphone.

"Alex Mo, right? The kid who beat Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, and Shaq?"

"I've been waiting for this matchup. Let's see if he doesn't end up crying when I'm done with him."

Kemp wasn't just talking trash for fun.

He had posterized countless big men in his career.

And today?

He planned to add Alex Mo's name to that list.

Alex Mo Trolls Iverson Before Tip-Off

While the Sonics were all business, the Lakers' locker room had a different energy.

For Alex Mo, this wasn't about Kemp or Payton.

It was about Allen Iverson's return.

"I just hope Allen doesn't hold me back today," Mo said with a shrug during his pre-game interview.

WTF?!

Iverson, who was warming up, stopped mid-shot and turned toward Mo in disbelief.

Dude JUST got back from suspension, and you're already blaming me?!

The arena's jumbotron caught Iverson's reaction, and fans started whispering:

"Damn… is Iverson not in shape?"

"Mo is really gonna have to carry tonight, huh?"

Even Lakers head coach Del Harris was fooled.

"Allen, if you're not feeling 100%, just let Mo take over," Harris told Iverson.

Now Iverson was PISSED.

He turned to Mo, eyes burning with rage.

Mo just smirked and shrugged.

"If you don't want to be doubted, prove them wrong."

Iverson didn't need another word.

His mind was made up—he was about to go off.

Payton vs. Iverson: The Trash Talk War Begins

As soon as the game started, Payton wasted no time getting in Iverson's face.

"Yo, rookie, I heard you like to fight."

"But you know what they say—guys who throw hands usually STINK on the court."

Iverson didn't flinch.

"Your breath stinks more than my game, Gary."

Payton chuckled.

Iverson wasn't backing down.

But then AI added:

"Listen, you're not even touching my jersey tonight. I'll get past you like I'm walking down the street."

Wait…

Payton's eyes widened.

That was his own signature trash talk line—stolen from him!

And the worst part?

Iverson learned it from Alex Mo.

Payton glared at Iverson.

He wasn't done trash-talking yet.

But first?

He had to survive this game.

Iverson Shuts Up Payton… Instantly

First possession—Lakers ball.

Payton pressed Iverson full court.

But as soon as AI crossed halfcourt—he made his move.

A deadly crossover into a hesitation dribble—then a quick pull-up jumper.

SWISH!

The crowd ERUPTED.

Iverson turned to Payton and smirked.

"See? I don't even need Alex Mo to handle you."

Payton's blood boiled.

This was war.

Mo Turns the Paint into a No-Fly Zone

On the other end, Payton ran a pick-and-roll with Kemp—the Sonics' go-to play.

As soon as Payton crossed Iverson, he lobbed the ball toward the rim.

Kemp took flight.

It was about to be a vicious alley-oop dunk—the kind that had humiliated dozens of centers before.

But then—

BOOM!

Before Kemp could even catch the ball, Alex Mo exploded off the ground and snatched the lob out of the air!

Staples Center went CRAZY.

"OH MY GOD! ALEX MO JUST BLOCKED THE LOB AT THE PEAK!"

Even the commentators couldn't believe it.

"With Mo in the paint, the Lakers have officially become a NO-FLY ZONE!"

Lakers Fast Break – Mo's High-Flying Finish

Mo instantly threw an outlet pass to Iverson.

Iverson took off full speed down the court.

One defender left—Seattle's shooting guard Hersey Hawkins.

Too bad for him—Mo was trailing the play.

Iverson drew the defender, then flipped the ball over his shoulder—without looking.

Mo caught it mid-air.

Then—

A FULL WINDMILL DUNK.

BOOM!

STAPLES EXPLODED.

The Lakers were here to dominate.

Seattle thought they were going to teach Alex Mo a lesson.

Instead?

He was making THEM look like rookies.

And this game was just getting started.