Shaquille O’Neal, Who Shot 50.4% FT, Acknowledges Kevin Durant For Surpassing Him In Free Throws On The All-Time Playoffs List

The Phoenix Suns received immense competition from the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of their first-round series. Despite missing out on the services of the All-Star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Russell Westbrook produced an entertaining duel against his former teammate Kevin Durant.

Having played a team-high 40:27 minutes, Mr. Triple Double erupted for 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 17/29 shooting for the field. However, the 2017 MVP’s sensational outing was eclipsed by KD and Devin Booker’s heroics.

Combining for 61 points, the pair 19 of the team’s 41 FGs and 6 of the 9 total 3PM.

Jumping to the 7^th spot, Kevin Durant records 1,171 career free throws made in the playoffs

The Slim Reaper had quite the performance. Coming off a 28-point night in Game 3, the 2014 Most Valuable Player stuffed the stat sheet with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on an extremely efficient 52.9/75/90.9 shooting split.

Having attempted 11 shots from the charity stripe, Durantula managed to connect 10 of his free throws.

As he hit the 8^th free throw of the night, the 4-time scoring champ managed to surpass Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time list for free throws made in playoffs.

 

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As the 2-time NBA Finals MVP moved up to the 7th spot on the list, Shaq acknowledged him for the achievement.

Shaq congratulating Kevin Durant for passing him on the all-time list for free throws made in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/u7BDa6UbGU

— Advait Jajodia (@AdvaitJajodia) April 23, 2023

At the first glance, it seems rather peculiar to see O’Neal having hit 1,168 free throws. However, the 7-footer did attempt a whooping 2,317 shots from the charity stripe, while connecting merely 50.4% of them.

With the Suns projected to make a deep postseason run, Kevin has a legit shot at jumping up as high as the 5th spot on this same list by the end of the playoffs.

Devin Booker and KD become 3rd duo to achieve incredible record

KD’s night full of achievements also included becoming the 3rd duo, along with Booker, to score 25+ points in each of their first 4 games of a postseason.

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are the 3rd duo to each score 25-plus points in each of their first four games of a postseason.

They join Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2003 and Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in 1962. pic.twitter.com/4c0DvahB1U

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2023

The game-wise breakdown:

Game 1: 

Kevin Durant: 27 points

Devin Booker: 26 points

Game 2: 

Kevin Durant: 25 points

Devin Booker: 38 points

Game 3: 

Kevin Durant: 28 points

Devin Booker: 45 points

Game 4:

Kevin Durant: 31 points

Devin Booker: 30 points

Kevin Durant today:
31 PTS – 11 REB – 6 AST – 53% FG – 75% 3P

Devin Booker today:
30 PTS – 9 REB – 7 AST – 3 STL – 50% 3P

Chris Paul today:
19 PTS – 4 REB – 9 AST – 3 BLK – 3 STL – 50% 3P

🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rGBWDhi5IL

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 22, 2023

Averaging 62.5 PPG in the postseason between the two, it’s safe to say that the Suns’ offense is looking as lethal as everyone expected it to be.

Currently, Monty Williams’ boys have a 3-1 lead. Undoubtedly, the Suns are the favorites to win Game 5 and conclude the series.