The Toyota Center in Houston witnessed a game between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. It also featured the four-time NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal in attendance. The Mavericks won 112-106 as Luka Doncic torched Jalen Green’s Rockets with his stellar performance.
Shaq was seen smiling at the cameras. He sported a black muffler, heavy jewelry, and a long-sleeved shirt at the game. It is no news that the NBA legend likes to watch basketball games. He is also an analyst at ‘NBA on TNT‘. A Shaq’s day out would invariably include a game of basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal witnesses Doncic’s career-best
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Luka Doncic put up a mesmerizing 50 points with 8 rebounds. He was unstoppable and his individual performance alone made up for half of the total points. It is not far from the truth to state that Doncic carried his team to victory. Furthermore, the next highest score from the team was 11.
Shaq also watched Rockets’ Jalen Green play his heart out. He finished the game with 23 points and 8 rebounds on the night. Shaq had once proclaimed that Green would be the next “superstar” of the league. Unfortunately, Jalen Green was bested by Luka Doncic this time around.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
.@SHAQ at Toyota Center for Rockets/Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/8TJKpg3X6d
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) December 24, 2022
Shaq taking in some Luka, Mavs action 🔥#MFFL pic.twitter.com/XcgElxjytg
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) December 24, 2022
The Mavericks with a Shaq-Tin moment with Shaq himself in the building.
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) December 24, 2022
Tonight @SHAQ is sitting courtside! Made sure to pose when I took a picture 😂 pic.twitter.com/noQ72xU6HD
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) December 24, 2022
SHAQ IS IN THE BUILDING?!?!?!?!? #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 | @SHAQ pic.twitter.com/oAE57j8esG
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) December 24, 2022
Shaquille O’Neal was seen leaving the court, waving at the camera. But true to his jester version, the Hall of Famer also entertained the crowds with his many poses.
The Rockets vs the Mavericks
Both teams faced each other with back-to-back losses. The Houston Rockets have the worst record (9-23) in the NBA and subsequently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks are the 8th seed with a 17-16 record.
The Rockets have impressive young blood such as Jalen Green?on the roster. Unfortunately, they are in the rebuilding phase and they have not been able to translate it into wins. Head coach, Stephen Silas praised Green for his role as a playmaker. “His development as a player makes him even more dangerous“, he said.
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Luka Doncic has usually never failed to impress the NBA world as talks regarding an MVP gain more and more traction with each passing game.
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The Mavericks are set to play against the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal’s former team next.
Do you think Doncic is the favorite to win the MVP this season? Let us know in the comments below.