Game recognizes game and Shaquille O’Neal is living by that.
The 51-year-old legendary NBA big man was left in awe after watching Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic dominate Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
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After the game, the NBA TV crew and Shaq discussed Denver’s win with Charles Barkley, Grant Hill, and Matt Winer alongside him.
The Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in Game 1 104-93 to take a 1-0 series lead, and Shaq had some serious praise for Jokic.
“He’s the true definition of letting the game come to you…This guy is super impressive as a big man, and I’m happy I got to see him live.”
Jokic was unstoppable in Game 1 and finished with 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in Denver’s win over the Heat.
It’s his sixth triple-double in his last seven games.
Shaq continued his praise for the two-time NBA MVP and expressed that Jokic showed why he’s a great player tonight.
“He’s the true definition of a great player., Not only does he make himself look good, he makes everybody else look good.”
Jokic later joined the broadcast for a postgame interview with NBA TV and was asked by Hill: “Growing up overseas, who were the guys that you wanted to pattern your game after?”
Jokic responded jokingly: “I think it’s Shaq,” before laughing and pointing at him.
Shaq quickly responded: “That means a lot, brother.”
Jokic fired back: “Nah, I’m joking.”
At the end of the interview, Shaq does something he rarely does and gives another fellow center praise.
Shaq is notoriously known for critiquing big men harshly and holding them to a high standard.
Before Jokic left, Shaq gave him an important message: “One last thing, I don’t give a lot of props to a lot of big guys, but I give you all the props in the world, brother.”
“Very, very, very, impressive to watch.”
“Thank you, Shaq, that means a lot,” Jokic replied.
Denver will face the Heat on Sunday for Game Two of the NBA Finals.
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