The long-standing rivalry between two basketball giants, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard, has once again taken center stage. This time, it resurfaces with renewed intensity, fueled by an iconic video clip from the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. As we delve into their contentious relationship, we explore Howard’s bold use of the ‘Superman’ moniker, Shaq’s retaliatory move, and the recent development involving Howard’s performance in Taiwan.
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The dynamic between Shaq and Howard has been far from harmonious. Over the years, they have engaged in occasional exchanges of barbs and jabs, showcasing their mutual animosity. However, a recent development in Howard’s career has reignited Shaq’s outspokenness and added fuel to the ongoing feud.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Disdain and the 2009 NBA All-Star Game
In his book Shaq Uncut, Shaquille O’Neal expressed his clear disdain for Dwight Howard’s lack of originality. Howard’s adoption of the ‘Superman’ moniker during the 2008 NBA Dunk Contest didn’t sit well with the dominant center. Shaq refrained from engaging in a debate at the time to preserve his children’s excitement. However, the tension between the two reached a climax during the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.
Dwight Howard challenges Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq responds with a give-and-go between DH12’s legs for the slam pic.twitter.com/27xImBGvyR
— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) July 5, 2023
During that game, in a resurfaced video clip now making waves on social media, Shaq unleashed his retaliation. With the ball in his hands, he executed a jaw-dropping move, dribbling it effortlessly through Howard’s legs before soaring for a powerful slam dunk. This impressive display came at a time when Howard was already a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, making Shaq’s move all the more significant.
Speaking about his tensions with Howard, Shaq said:
“Dwight Howard and I don’t really have a relationship. I don’t like people who lack originality. The whole Superman thing doesn’t work for me. The first time I heard Howard being called Superman I was watching the dunk contest with my kids. He lays down a marvelous dunk and Reggie Miller and Kenny Smith start saying, ‘Superman is in the building.’ So I’m thinking, Hmm, I believe that name is already taken. But I’m not getting into it. Hey, my little kids are running around with a little cape on and I’m not going to burst their bubble.”
Shaq Trolled Howard on His Struggles in Taiwan
Fast forward to the present, and Dwight Howard finds himself playing for the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League. Despite his past accomplishments, Howard’s team has been plagued by a poor record and struggles to climb the league standings. With a disappointing 3-11 record, the Leopards currently sit at the bottom. This recent development prompted Shaq to take another jab at Howard’s misfortunes.
On his podcast, Shaq couldn’t resist mocking Howard’s losing record in Taiwan. With a hint of sarcasm, he questioned how one could possibly have a losing record in such a league, highlighting the irony of the situation. Shaq’s comment underscores his unwavering confidence and desire to assert his superiority over his rival.
