‘In the Crib’: Shaquille O’Neal Explains How Suns’ Chris Paul Made Game 6 Look Like Home Court

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen. But, after his retirement, his words on NBA on TNT are equally revered.

The multiple-time Emmy-winning show also includes Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. On the most recent edition of the show, the legendary crew reacted to the Phoenix Suns clinching a spot in the finals, and Shaq spoke about the impact Chris Paul has.

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What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Chris Paul?

Shaq seemed extremely happy about Chris Paul making his first-ever NBA championship finals. He said:

“I am so happy for him. But, the way he put his imprint in that 4th quarter. He was like, you know what even though I’m on the road, I’m in the crib, I played here 6 years. I know the rims, i know the building. I’m gonna get to my spots and do what I do.”

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CP3 has worked extremely hard to get to this point, and he deserves all the praise he’s getting. In fact, Chris Paul is one of the few true point guards left in the game.

Moreover, Chris Paul broke Michael Jordan’s record, becoming the oldest guard to score 40 points and record no turnovers in a Conference finals. For him to do what he did at 36-years-old is simply unheard of.

Coming to the Suns, they reached their first championship since 1993. They defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 130-102 and won the West.  Chris Paul, who reached his first NBA finals in his 16-year long career, led from the front as he scored 41 points while dishing out 8 assists. Moreover, he had 0 turnovers in the entire game.

We all are aware of Chris’ mid-range excellence, but it was his three-point shooting that took everyone by shock. Paul shot 7-8 from beyond the arc. In addition, he scored 31 points in the second half, 19 of those coming in the 4th quarter.

‘The Diesel’ and his Dominance

Shaquille O’Neal was the number 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. Drafted by the Orlando Magic, he quickly cemented himself as one of the best centers in the league. Likewise, he won Rookie of the Year and also took the Magic to the 1995 finals.

Later, he went on to join the Lakers. Famous for his on-court partnership with Kobe Bryant, he dominated the entire league.

For his size, he was surprisingly very athletic. Shaq could run the floor like a guard, and he made the paint his own.

Nicknamed ‘Superman’ for all the right reasons, he won 4 championships in his career. After 3-peating with Kobe and the Lakers, he went on to win a championship with Dwyane Wade in Miami.

He is a 15 time all-star, a league MVP, 3 times finals MVP, and a 4-time champion. ‘The Diesel’ is one of just 3 players to win All-star game MVP, Finals Mvp, and league MVP in the same season.

Shaq was an unstoppable force in the league during his time, which shows as he is the 8th all-time top scorer in the NBA. Even post-retirement, he has engaged in many ventures.

Do you think Chris Paul finally gets the championship he so desperately desires? Do you think there is anyone more dominant than ‘The Diesel’? Let us know in the comments.

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