Shaquille O’Neal recently commented on the 2023 NBA Finals, which saw the Boston Celtics face off against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite being present for the first two games, Shaq expressed his disappointment, labeling the series as the dullest in the history of NBA Finals.
Shaq attributed his lack of enthusiasm to the absence of a compelling narrative or dramatic moments throughout the series. He nostalgically recalled the thrilling moments from the NBA Finals of his youth, such as Magic Johnson’s skyhook and Larry Bird’s fadeaway jumpers. These moments, he emphasized, crafted a storyline that enhanced the overall experience for fans.
While acknowledging that some might argue that the matchup between Kyrie Irving and his former team, the Celtics, could have added intrigue, Shaq felt that it didn’t measure up to the legendary showdowns he had watched growing up.
In essence, Shaq believed the 2024 NBA Finals fell short in terms of excitement and drama compared to previous championships. Although his opinion might differ from others, he underscored the significance of a captivating narrative in making sports events memorable and engaging.
Shaquille O’Neal also came to the defense of Jayson Tatum’s post-championship celebrations. Tatum had faced criticism for allegedly mimicking the celebratory styles of Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry. Shaq, however, interpreted these actions as tributes to Tatum’s favorite players.
Reflecting on his childhood memories of iconic championship celebrations, Shaq understood Tatum’s desire to honor his idols. He pointed out that Tatum, who grew up watching legends like Kobe Bryant win titles, was simply paying homage by emulating them.
Ultimately, Shaq viewed Tatum’s celebrations as an emotional release after the arduous journey to his first NBA championship. He believed that regardless of the originality of the celebrations, what truly mattered was Tatum’s significant achievement.
