In a recent NBA game, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most playoff games with a triple-double. Jokic’s accomplishment did not go unnoticed, as he received praise from NBA analysts and fans alike. However, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal had a humorous response to Jokic’s record-breaking achievement.
During a segment on Inside The NBA, Jokic was congratulated by co-host Ernie Johnson for his record-breaking feat. Jokic then slyly asked, “Where is Shaq? Is Shaq on that list?” referring to O’Neal’s lack of triple-doubles in his career.
What did Shaquille O’Neal say afterward?
O’Neal, known for his dominant presence as a center during his playing days, took the jab in stride and responded with a witty comeback. “I never passed Big Honey,” he said, referring to Jokic’s nickname.
Jokic jokes pic.twitter.com/JAckeNcpVf
— James Burnes (@JamesBurnes8) May 10, 2023
Although O’Neal was not known for his passing ability during his career, he did acknowledge that he was better than he gives himself credit for. However, his career average of 2.5 assists per game pales in comparison to Jokic’s impressive average of 6.6 assists per game.
While there have been many dominant centers in NBA history, Jokic’s offensive prowess and passing ability set him apart from the rest. And despite O’Neal’s humorous clap back, Jokic’s record-breaking achievement further cements his status as one of the league’s top players.
Nuggets Dominate Suns in Game 5 to Take 3-2 Series Lead
Nikola Jokic recorded his 10th playoff triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 118-102 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of their Western Conference semi-final series.
Bruce Brown contributed 25 points off the bench, while Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray each added 19 points, and Aaron Gordon finished with 10. The Nuggets now hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday night in Phoenix.
Nikola Jokic puts up a triple-double as the @nuggets win Game 5 to secure a 3-2 lead!
29 PTS
13 REB
12 ASTDEN/PHX Game 6: Thurs. | 10pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/hr9d2nEoUx
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2023
After a closely contested first half, the Nuggets took control of the game in a chippy third quarter. Denver surged ahead with a 17-4 run to open the second half, leading 69-53. They continued to increase their lead with Murray and Jokic leading the charge, eventually going up 77-57 with 4:46 left in the period.
Despite a strong effort from Suns’ Kevin Durant, who finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Devin Booker, who scored 28 points, the Nuggets held on to their lead throughout the fourth quarter. An immediate run in the final period put the game out of reach for the Suns.
Things got heated towards the end of the third quarter when Brown and Jokic were near the Phoenix huddle, and Durant elbowed Jokic, resulting in technicals for Brown and Durant.
Denver held a 91-74 lead going into the fourth quarter, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin of 16 points. The Suns had briefly taken the lead in the second quarter, but Denver went into halftime up 52-49.
