Shaquille O’Neal is a giant of a man. His height was recorded at 7’1” when he started playing in the NBA. His height was one of the features of his game. Shaq’s dominance was even more effective because of his physique. He was always strong around the rim. Shaq was also brilliant defensively. Easily one of the greatest centers and, in fact, one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA.

Shaq was the best big man during his playing time. Speaking of big men playing in the NBA, Chinese center Yao Ming is one of the tallest basketball players to ever play in the NBA. His height was recorded at 7’6”. Even Shaq was shocked when he had his first meeting with the Houston Rockets star.

“My first impression of Yao was: who the f*** is this?” Shaq revealed what his first impression and introduction to Yao Ming was like. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Tallest players in the NBA featuring Shaq and Yao.

“Because he came in and I tried to hit him with a smooth finger roll move, block! Next play, I tried to hit him with a fadeaway, block! Next time I tried to come up, dunk, block! First guy that blocked my shot three times in a row. So he’s definitely the first guy I had to like change how I played against a man. And he’s also the first guy to get it, turn around, look me right in the face and just shoot right over me. So that’s what I first thought of when I first thought of Yao.” Shaq said about Yao Ming.

Shaquille O’Neal vs Yao Ming matchup

Shaq and Yao Ming had a good friendship. On the court, they met quite a few times. The game Shaq talked about was just their first of many meetings.

ALSO READ: From Trash Talkers to Good Friends, How Yao Ming Won Over His NBA Idol Shaquille O’Neal

In 18 games against each other, Shaq won 10 while Yao 8. Out of those 8, Yao could only win once in the playoffs, so 7 in the regular season. Whereas Shaq won 4 in the playoffs and 6 in the regular season. Against each other, Yao averaged 17.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Whereas Shaq averaged 21.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

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The game-high for Yao was 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. Whereas for Shaq it was 39 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Hall of Famers are certainly among the best centers in the history of the NBA.