“If They Don’t Step on Milwaukee’s Neck”: Shaquille O’Neal Raises Concern Despite Bobby Portis Ejection

If the problem is the big man on the court, Shaquille O’Neal takes his side. The once tyrant of a center doesn’t condone extreme ways that could get a player ejected. When that happened to the Bucks’ Bobby Portis in the first halftime today, O’Neal chalked it up to some aggressive playing. Even though Charles Barkley wished Portis was smarter about it Shaq believes the Pacers should be just as aggressive. Which may be working because the Pacers took the lead in the second half.

“I am concerned for Indiana, because without all those guys and with the Bobby Portis situation, I thought this would be a blowout. So if they don’t step on Milwaukee’s neck right now, they can be in trouble,” was Shaq’s concern.

O’Neal is referring to the Bucks being down two of their best offensive players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard today. Meanwhile Brook Lopez filled the void with Kris Middleton. With five minutes left in the first quarter, Portis got tangled with Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard, resulting in a shoving match. Portis struck Nembhard above the neck and got a technical foul, leading to his ejection. Portis had only played 7 minutes and made 4 points and 3 rebounds.

Technicals abounded today as emotions ran high in the series at 2-1, with Indiana close to taking the lead. Indiana’s Paskcal Siakam and Milwaukee’s Pat Beverly earned technicals before Portis’ ejection for separate incidents. While Shaq was all for that aggressive display, Chuck was left disappointed.

Shaq doesn’t take Chuck’s ‘smarter’ route

Sometimes he defends player’s aggressive actions. But today, Sir Charles said, “that can’t happen under any circumstances in this situation.” He didn’t think what Portis did was wise considering the Bucks need him when two of their best players are injured.

O’Neal is neither saying if Portis’ action was right or wrong. He’s in favor of upping the ante. Earlier this week, he said that Antetokounmpo’s absence was helping the Bucks because players like Portis were seeing more playtime. Today, he knew without Dame too, Milwaukee would bring the pressure and he wanted Indiana to increase the pressure.

The pressure was undoubtedly brought. Indiana closed the game at 126-113, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. Myles Turner was the team’s leading scorer with 29 points, followed by Tyrese Haliburton with 24 points. The one who got hit by Portis, Nembhard made 15 points in 38 minutes.

Portis and his team is yet to respond regarding that scuffle. Perhaps what they say will change Shaq and Chuck’s stance on Inside the NBA.