In a closely contested game against the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks’s defensive performance became the focal point of discussion, particularly scrutinized by Charles Barkley. This scrutiny, however, did not go unchallenged, as Shaquille O’Neal, while not as critical as Chuck, initiated another fiery debate between them.

Shaq drew inspiration from legendary coaches like Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, who argued that his championship-winning teams—the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat—wouldn’t jubilate over a hard-fought victory against one of the league’s bottom-tier teams. Instead, he asserted that truly great teams elevate their defensive prowess when faced with adversity, particularly in high-stakes moments like the Playoffs. Shaq expressed confidence in the Bucks’ capability to achieve this. However, Barkley vehemently disagreed, setting the stage for yet another impassioned exchange between the two basketball legends.

The former Phoenix Suns star claimed that defense is not something to be compromised on. He said, “This is the Milwaukee Bucks. They live and die on the offensive end. They don’t have any defensive intensity,” taking names of the Spurs players who managed to have big scoring nights. “If you don’t develop good habits defensively, this is where me and Shaq disagree. He says, ‘You gotta get timely stops.’ You don’t get timely stops unless you plan to stop it all the time.”

Barkley further disregarded the notion that Playoffs would automatically force the team to raise their level. He also claimed that O’Neal’s judgment wasn’t right as he looks at everything from a “Great player” perspective. Shaq proceeded to justify his claim but he was again interrupted by Barkley.

“It’s different with you and Kobe Bryant,” Barkley said. However, Shaq would escalate the situation, claiming, “It’s Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and Damian Lillard.” For the Philadelphia 76ers legend, that is “not the same,” though. However, Shaq wouldn’t budge either.

“How is it not the same?” The irony of the situation was that the 1994 NBA MVP was praising the 7-footer, claiming, “They’re not as good as you.” But, remembering himself, he would then turn it around on the big man. “He can’t be like you and ride the coattails of Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.”

While the two disagreed on this defensive aspect, there is some truth to Barkley’s statement. Last season, the Bucks were 4th in the league in Defensive Rating with 110.9.

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However, since the arrival of Lillard this year, they rank 22nd in the league with a defensive rating of 115.9. For a team known for its defensive prowess over the years, this is an alarming drop-off. Despite a historic night in for Shaquille O’Neal, the Round Mound of Rebound was unwilling to give him some solace.

Shaquille O’Neal earns historic honor

While his tenures with Miami and LA would give him championship glory, his NBA journey began in Florida with the Orlando Magic. After being drafted in 1992, the 7-footer would spend 4 seasons with the team, instantly transforming them into a contender. By year 3, they had a Finals appearance in the books already.

Now, nearly 30 years after the initial drafting, O’Neal is joining the history books for Orlando. An accomplishment that even had his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, beaming. Shaquille O’Neal is officially the first player in franchise history to have his jersey retired.

For a franchise that would inadvertently turn his entire life around, the Magic holds a special part in his heart. As a result, the big man would turn reminiscent of his time with the team, even finding a comparison to Victor Wembanyama in the process.

Let’s hope the Barkley slight does not take away from the historic night for O’Neal.

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