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ORLANDO, FL – 1993: Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic poses with Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls prior to playing an NBA game circ 1993 at the TD WAterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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ORLANDO, FL – 1993: Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic poses with Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls prior to playing an NBA game circ 1993 at the TD WAterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
There was arguably no force as dominant as Shaquille O’Neal in the NBA. An unstoppable freak athlete, the four-time champion possibly had no equal match. However, before the Olympic gold medal and three Finals MVPs, his authority was challenged by Hakeem Olajuwon. The Houston Rockets legend demolished a young Shaq and the Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Finals. Fueled by his competitive spirit, the Los Angeles Lakers legend went out for revenge. Just months after their Finals matchup, they nearly pulled off something even Michael Jordan couldn’t.
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Back in the 1980s, Michael Jordan and Magic were the biggest NBA athletes. Their matchup was one of the most anticipated among NBA fans. And their dreams came true in 1991. The present and the future both met on the same floor on the grandest stage, the NBA Finals. His Airness came out on top in their fierce battle. However, just a year before their meeting, the two icons almost met in a real one vs one showdown. Unfortunately, David Stern and Isiah Thomas both opposed the mega event.
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Five years later, Shaq joined the party. Revenge coursing through his veins, he called out his Finals opponent, Hakeem Olajuwon to meet on the court without any of his teammates. A true battle of two of the greatest centers almost happened in Atlantic City.
When Shaquille O’Neal almost did something Michael Jordan couldn’t
The Atlantic City event was headlined by the two most dominant big men in 1995. Olajuwon and the Big Diesel were all set to settle their rivalry in an epic showdown. Multiple NBA stars were also lined up as the undercard. The atmosphere was almost like a boxing match. Olajuwon wanted to prove he was better than the four-time champion. However, Shaquille O’Neal had merely one goal in mind, to show the world he is the undisputed most dominant force among athletes.
As their showdown came into the works, Shaq said: “I wanted to show people that I’m unstoppable. Nobody can guard me on one-on-one.”
Previously, the league was able to oppose the clash between Jordan and Magic. However, in 1995, the league was in a lockout. Stern had no control over the situation. Hence, even with the knowledge, the Shaq-Olajuwon duel, dubbed the ‘War on the Floor’, was on. However, fans suffered disappointment yet again. Just a day before their contest, Olajuwon suffered a back injury. Tons of money was lost on the event, but Shaquille O’Neal held respect for his rival.
A successful event finally took place in 1992, ‘The Clash of The Legends’. Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and Dr. Julius Erving met for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
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Do you think it would be a good idea to get young NBA superstars of today to clash in a one vs one showdown? Let us know your views in the comments below.
