With just two strokes between him and Rory McIlroy’s lead, DeChambeau walks the quiet line where green meets glory, shaping his fate in the soft Masters dusk. But, at Augusta, is it possible for a basketball legend to tip the scales?

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who has been an established name at Reebok since 1992, publicly acknowledged DeChambeau, which increased the hype. This acknowledgement highlights Reebok’s strategic alliance with DeChambeau and Crushers GC, signaling the company’s daring comeback to the golf clothing market. So, let’s take a look at how The Scientist’s got backing from the NBA legend.

Strategic shoutout from Shaquille O’Neal: Reebok’s comeback to the fairway

Reebok’s re-entry into the golf industry aligns with Shaquille O’Neal’s strategic support of Bryson DeChambeau. A while ago, Shaq refused a multi-million dollar deal from Reebok after reading a woman’s comment calling out the pricey tags of those shoes. Almost immediately, the legend took it upon himself to launch a much more affordable footwear line (between $15 to $29). The business move had pulled chunky profits and a new age of affordability.

Now, Shaq, the president of basketball at Reebok, is using his position to draw attention to DeChambeau, the head of Crushers GC, a powerful force in LIV Golf. This new partnership is further cemented by O’Neal’s latest Instagram post, with the golfer wearing a Reebok t-shirt with the tagline, “The People’s Champ… Let’s go Bryson DeChambeau, Reebok.” This gesture demonstrates Shaq’s support for the brand beyond the hoops.

With their collaboration with DeChambeau and Crushers GC, Reebok has demonstrated its full dedication to golf by offering the team a wide range of clothing and footwear. “I’m proud to partner with Reebok to usher in the brand’s return to golf,” shared DeChambeau, who was excited about the partnership. In addition to performance gear, this partnership seeks to improve golf’s reputation and attractiveness.

This effort is strengthened by Shaq’s social media presence, which highlights DeChambeau’s skill and Reebok’s increased emphasis on golf. Shaq is successfully fusing sports marketing with strategic brand positioning with the golfer at a high-profile event like the Masters. This might impact market dynamics and audience engagement.

The focus now shifts from Shaq’s calculated endorsement to the fierce rivalry taking place at Augusta National.

The Masters matchup: McIlroy’s grand Slam aspirations

Having led the 2025 Masters at 12-under par following an outstanding third round, Rory McIlroy is poised to make history. A triumph would complete the career Grand Slam, which only five players before him have accomplished, and it would also be his first Masters title. With a birdie on the third and an eagle on the fourth, McIlroy recovered from a rough start in the final round, which included a double bogey on the first hole, to regain his lead over DeChambeau.

We get how it’s all important for McIlroy to take this one, but Bryson Dechambeau, too, has a good point. As LIV’s bold standard-bearer, his charge at Augusta fires a shot across golf’s old guard – proof that the rebels still reign where legends are made, and the Tour’s lost stars burn brightest on the grandest green.

Only two strokes behind McIlroy, he is still a strong opponent. Audiences have been enthralled by his explosive play and captivating demeanor, particularly during his third round when he birdied three of the last four holes. This is turning out to be one of the most exciting finishes in recent Masters history as McIlroy and DeChambeau square off against one another.

Around the world, golf fans are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the final round. Shaq’s confidence and momentum will help DeChambeau win, or will McIlroy’s career Grand Slam cement his place among the greats? The drama developing at Augusta National holds the solution!