The recently concluded 94th Academy Awards were bittersweet as well as dramatic, to put it mildly. On an otherwise sensational night, the show was overhauled by the shocking incident of ‘Best Actor’ winner Will Smith letting loose on host-comedian Chris Rock. Meanwhile, an interesting clip of Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal from 1999 has now resurfaced, and fans have gone rogue. Naturally, there were instant Will Smith comparisons.

Will Smith brutally smacks Chris Rock over joke at Oscars

The 94th edition of the Academy Awards was set to be among the most grand occasions. With the night having started on a bright note, things only proceeded to go downhill from there on. Popular comedian Chris Rock, who was set to announce the nominations for Best Documentary, ended up causing a huge stir. The incident left fans worldwide in a state of disbelief.

WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Stars Reacting to Will Smith-Chris Rock

Rock, who spotted 53-year-old Will Smith and his wife Jada in the audience, decided to have some fun. He went on to say, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see you.” Interestingly, everything seemed okay, as even Will was seen laughing at first.

In the sequence of disasters that followed, the ‘King Richard’ star walked up and smacked Rock, before returning to his seat and yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out your f**king mouth!”

Shaquille O’Neal clip from 1999 reminds fans of the Oscars

Over the years, there has been an everlasting notion that the NBA is becoming increasingly ‘soft’. In a clip that has resurfaced and gone viral, 15-time All-Star Shaquille O’Neal seems to be proving the point. As seen in the video, the now 50-year-old makes a destructive dunk over Chris Dudley, before shoving him to the floor. Have a look.

Even till today, this historic play remains one of the most deadly act of physicality in the NBA. And who else to be at the helm of it all, than big Shaq himself. Subsequently, the clip has gone viral at the right time, and fans have begun the hilarious comparisons to the Oscars already. Here are some of the best reactions.

What did you think of the Will Smith-Chris Rock altercation? Who was the antagonist, and who was the victim? Nonetheless, Shaq has acted as a temporary distraction from all the heat!

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