Shaquille O’Neal Shields 28YO NBA Star From Heated Allegations as Playoffs Reality Sets In

Jayson Tatum‘s collision with Miami Heat star Caleb Martin started a heated debate on the internet with netizens taking two sides. The TNT crew involving Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith discussed this controversial play to share their take. However, Shaq had the most to say, who gave the Boston Celtics a reality check about playoff basketball. The Lakers legend did not mince his words. 

On Inside the NBA Shaq shared, “Even if it was a dirty play, so what? This is playoff basketball, that’s players. Sometimes we do what we gotta do.” Ernie Johnson was taken aback and he questioned Shaq, “Let me check you just for a second…so you’re saying dirty plays are fine?” Shaq reiterated, “No, dirty play has been done before. I have seen it done before, however, it all falls into this playoff basketball. Not a dirty player, but sometimes instead of boxing out, you gotta touch him up[imitating an elbow].”

Shaq also added a few words about 28-year-old Martin, “Look one, he is not a dirty player, two, he was pushed, but listen, things like this happen in the playoffs. This is playoff basketball. These are things you have to endure.” Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had similar takes and sided with the Miami Heat forward to end the debate. 

Many might not agree with Shaq, because it is not fair to indulge in an unwanted collision or a physical play. However, Tatum and Shaq are on the same page on this. 

Jayson Tatum understands the physical changes in playoff basketball 

Right after Tatum took a fall, it seemed like he was irritated. However, in an interview after the game, the Celtics forward shared, “Just understanding it’s playoff basketball…It’s a physical game, playing against a physical team. S***’s gonna happen. It’s not the last time I’m probably going to get hit like that in this series.” It looks like he is ready for more challenges like this. 

However, on the dangerous side, even a minor injury would turn out to be a huge trouble for Tatum and the Celtics. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo out, the Milwaukee Bucks are struggling in the first round against the Indiana Pacers. Similarly, Zion Williamson’s absence is affecting the New Orleans Pelicans, who are already down 0-2 to the OKC Thunder. Playoff basketball can turn out to be a dream for a few, and a nightmare for many. Let’s hope that Tatum and the Celtics are not affected by intense basketball.