“This is Shaq language.com”: Nikola Jokic clowns Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal on popular demand in TNT post-game interview

In yesterday’s post-game presser on TNT, D-Wade requested Nikola Jokic to call Shaquille O’Neal crazy in Serbian, and Jokic obliged.

TNT’s Tuesday coverage is often a refreshing change from Inside the NBA’s usual crew. The likes of Candace Parker and Dwyane Wade replace Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith and often have new insights.

Because Shaq often behaves insufferably, his TNT co-hosts enjoy ribbing him at every opportune moment. While this is always true of Chuck, Ernie and Kenny, it’s also becoming a popular trope for the new crew.

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Nikola Jokic compiled yet another vintage performance to lead the Nuggets to a win over the Blazers. It was a tough battle all night, but Jokic’s superior calm and supporting cast ensured that he was able to take Denver home.

Nikola Jokic calls Shaquille O’Neal ‘crazy’ in Serbian after Candace Parker eggs him on

Jokic compiled a 41-point night, taking 32 shots and imposing his will on Enes Kanter, Derrick Jones Jr and Carmelo. The 7-footer enhanced his MVP credentials with this outing in a Nuggets win, which isn’t always the case in his big games.

As a result, he ended up on the post-game show answering questions from an impressed lot in the studio. Shaq wanted to greet Jokic in Serbian, with a little help of an automated translation.

Parker, meanwhile, asked Nikola to call Shaquille O’Neal a crazy man in Serbian, to which Jokic obliged.

“Don’t do the bad words.” 😂@SHAQ struggled with his postgame message to Jokic. pic.twitter.com/WMFAL7yA3O

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 24, 2021

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Shaq also earned some criticism from people after he began comparing Jokic to Rik Smits. Now Smits was a pretty good stretch 5 for his time, and had undeniable shooting skill. But this would be like comparing Shaq himself to Deandre Ayton, for example.