The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns ended in a victory for the Suns. However, an altercation between Patrick Beverly and DeAndre Ayton took all the headlines. While many bashed Beverly for attacking Ayton, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal offered a different perspective in his podcast recently.

During a segment on The Big Podcast with Shaq, the four-time NBA champion seemed to be impressed with Beverley taking a stand for the team and holding nothing back. 

Moreover, he also wished that there were a few seconds of pushing after the initial altercation during the game. Addressing the issue, he also called out the Suns players for not indulging in a brief pushing contest, if not a brawl.

Shaquille O’Neal lauds Patrick Beverly for his actions

Los Angeles Lakers guard Patrick Beverley has not had the best of starts to the 2022-23 NBA season. However, he has had his fair share of controversies. In the game against the Phoenix Suns, Beverley pushed 7-foot center DeAndre Ayton from the back with around 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter. This got him ejected from the game.

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While many have criticized Patrick Beverley for his actions, Shaquille O’Neal stated that it’s necessary to have somebody like him on the team.. On ‘Inside the NBA’, he lauded Beverley for taking a stand. Moreover, on the latest episode of his podcast, O’Neal had similar thoughts again.

He said, “I’m proud of him because when you are in a team and you’re trying to win the championship, not saying they are going to win a championship but, it’s 12-15 people against the world.”

Interestingly enough, the Lakers legend wished to see some of the other teammates of Ayton get involved in the fight. When co-host Nichelle Turner asked whether he wanted others to join the fight, Shaq said, “Yes, definitely, definitely. It should have been a couple of seconds pushing match.”

Beverley has been suspended by the NBA for three games following this altercation. According to Shaq, the suspension is warranted as Pat Bev probably saw it coming. However, the Big Diesel wanted to see the Suns player respond more passionately than they did. He opposed the idea of a brawl during the game but wished to see at least some pushing and shoving going on.

Beverley revealed the real reason behind the outburst

On the Pat Bev Pod, the NBA veteran addressed the issue with DeAndre Ayton. He talked about how it all started before the tip-off as Ayton refused to shake his hands. 

Moreover, following a foul by Devin Booker on Austin Reaves, Ayton stood over Reaves while he lay on the floor. Beverley asserted that he acted in such a way in order to protect his teammate.

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Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal’s thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments down below.