Shaquille O’Neal is one of the best big men to ever play in the NBA and he has gone on to have a great broadcasting career as well.
He has become part of the “Inside the NBA” team on TNT with Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Charles Barkley. While the team is winding down their time together, there have been many great moments for fans to remember during the playoffs.
On Sunday night while attending the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks matchup in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, O’Neal was involved in a viral moment with the Pacers’ mascot.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Before the game, while O’Neal was sitting in a seat next to the court, Indiana’s mascot Boomer attempted to dunk on him.
Unfortunately for Boomer, he missed the dunk attempt and a once in a lifetime chance to post Shaq.
Read more: Pacers Legend Reveals Major Criticism for Tyrese Haliburton After Game 3 Loss
Fans have been buzzing about the video and getting a good laugh out of it.
“OH HIS HEAD,” one fan wrote.
Another fan commented, “Shaq would have been crushed back in the day if Boomer was aloud to play.”
“Boomer !! The best mascot in the NBA!!” a third fan said.
A fourth comment read, “In your face, Shaq!”
During the game that O’Neal was covering, the Pacers jumped out to an early lead. They were up by 20 at one point in the first half. At halftime, Indiana held a 13-point lead, but they were unable to keep that lead safe.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Pacers were up 10 points, but the Knicks weren’t done. Behind Karl-Anthony Towns’ huge fourth quarter, New York came storming back to take home a 106-100 lead and cut its series deficit to 2-1.
Read more: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Shares Strong 5-Word Reaction After Game 3 Win
Towns led the way in scoring for the Knicks with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Brunson chipped in with 23 points in the win. On Indiana’s side, Tyrese Haliburton scored 20 points, Myles Turner scored 19, and Pascal Siakam chipped in 17.
Game 4 will be played on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. It will be a crucial game for both teams as they try to punch their ticket into the NBA Finals.
O’Neal and company will be there once again. With just a few broadcasts left for the “Inside the NBA” team, fans are sure to be watching closely to catch the next hilarious Shaq moment like the one above.
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