How do you define greatness when Shaq comes into the picture? Of course big. Similarly, the figures 30, 15, 5 (aside from a triple-double) reflect an NBA athlete’s potential as a true all-rounder, but is there a secret to it? One may wonder why anyone would want to go for assists when he is on a scoring hot streak that led him to 30 points? While there could be multiple reasons, but who wouldn’t like to hear it from the legend himself? And, as usual, the Big man has not upset fans. Shaquille O’Neal has pointed out one that’s beyond the control of the record-maker itself.

The conversation lit up on NBA on TNT after Orlando Magic’s rising star Paolo Banchero turned heads with a monster night: 33 points, a career-high 18 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 109-97 win over the Washington Wizards. That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen. It takes a complete game—and a lot of control on both ends of the floor.

As the crew broke down Banchero’s performance, it was revealed that only five other players in Magic history had ever posted similar numbers. And yes, Shaq was one of them. Naturally, Candace Parker had a burning question for the big man—“Why are you passing if you’ve already got 30?” Shaq, never one to mince words, didn’t hesitate. “Because I get triple-teamed,” he replied on the show.

Well, it’s no secret that Big Diesel was the most dominating player of his era, and thus attracted all the attention from the defense. In fact, he has admitted that he would’ve scored more had he not been the near-sole focus of opposing defense. Amid such circumstances, one cannot help but dish an assist to the open teammate.

And there have been stars who have done it well during their time in the Magic, achieving the numbers Banchero recently did. Nikola Vucevic has done it the most—5 times—in a Magic jersey. Right next on the list is Shaquille O’Neal with three instances where he reached the 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists mark for the Magic.

And Paolo Banchero? Well, he is now leveled up with Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, and Tobias Harris, who have all created this iconic record once. However, this is not Shaq’s only record that could be in danger from Banchero.

Paolo Banchero is inching closer to another one of Shaquille O’Neal’s records in the Magic

When the Orlando Magic faced off against the Lakers in March end, it wasn’t just another game—it was a statement. And that statement came loud and clear from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who lit up the scoreboard with a combined 62 points. That kind of firepower doesn’t just win games; it puts you in elite company. In this case, the duo now found themselves mentioned in the same breath as Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. What’s even more impressive?

This marked the fourth time Banchero and Wagner each dropped 30 or more in the same game. Only Shaq and Penny have done it more as a duo in the Magic jersey, pulling it off ten times. That’s a legacy to chase but needs some serious synergy, which Banchero seems to have found:

“We just really understand each other’s game,” he said. “We push each other and know where we want the ball. He’s a great teammate—I love playing with him.” Chances are high that Banchero and Wagner could level up with Shaq and Penny, but the chances of Paolo matching Shaquille O’Neal’s 3 instances of 30, 10, and 5 are higher. Especially now that Big Diesel has spilled the secret to it.