There hasn’t been a more charismatic and influential sports personality than Michael Jordan in the history of the NBA. One would seldom come across players who haven’t been awed by His Airness’ sheer presence, including his peers and opponents, such was his aura.
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MJ was a once-in-a-lifetime attraction and one of the first to open the international doors for the NBA. While nominees of the GOAT debates have seen changes over the years, Jordan’s nomination has always been a given. The Bulls legend soon became the yardstick when it came to measuring the success of a player.
Another player joining MJ’s list of devotees was the seven-foot freight train, Shaquille O’Neal. The two freaks of nature did have some intense battles on the hardwood, especially the back-to-back playoff meetings in 1995-96. Relatively new in the league, the Big Diesel was as intimidated as most facing Black Jesus.
Also read: 7-foot Shaquille O’Neal publicly roasts Michael Jordan
During a recent interview, Shaq declared Jordan as the GOAT, spellbound by the Bulls MVP’s aura, admitting to having posters of him too.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Michael Jordan moment.
Addressed as Black Jesus, Jordan continues to have a generation of players starstruck, one such being Shaq. In a recent interview, the Hall of Famer spoke about his admiration for His Airness, saying the following.
“I think the greatest player is Michael Jordan. He’s the only man that had me terrified on the court,” revealed O’Neal.
“Cause I went from high school admiring him, college admiring him, and then he’s there right in front of you. All that sh*t you see on your poster, he’s right there doing it in front of you.”
Ironically, Shaq is the only player to stop Jordan in the playoffs between 1991-98. Playing for the Orlando Magic, the former ROTY would eliminate the Bulls in six games during the eastern conference semi-finals.
At the time, MJ was returning from his baseball sabbatical, looking to reclaim his throne. Nonetheless, His Airness would get his revenge next year, sweeping the Magic 4-0 in the ECF.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Michael Jordan stats.
In their 11 meetings on the court, Shaq holds a 5-6 record against MJ. The Lakers center averaged an impressive 25.0 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks during those contests, shooting an impressive 56.5% from the field.
On the other hand, His Airness averaged 27.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, shooting 41.3% from the field.
Also read: Shaquille O’Neal describes the moment he found out Michael Jordan was a human
