The NBA universe saw one of the most lethal duos in Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. They won three successive titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and solidified themselves as one of the best. However, what would happen if the Big Diesel paired up with Michael Jordan instead? Well, His Airness and Shaq did just that for two games. And even one of the best defenders was left shaking his head.

Shaquille O’Neal and MJ were one of the craziest duos in the All-Star game. The pair first played together in the 1993 event right before Jordan’s first retirement. However, the East ended up on the losing side. A young Shaq wasn’t able to be as dominant just yet. On the other hand, Jordan’s 30-point effort went in vain. So they came back in 1996 to seek vengeance.

The NBA was lucky not to have such a ruthless guard/center combo ever become a reality. Even Gary Payton couldn’t help but wave his head in disbelief.

Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal, an unfair duo

The 1996 All-Star had the roots to be great even before the opening tip. Two years after Jordan took his infamous break, His Airness had returned to his kingdom. The stage was set for a grand contest between the West and the East. In Jordan’s corner, the starters were his Chicago Bulls right-hand Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, and the Big Diesel. Going into the game, everyone in the arena expected a how. However, when Shaq and Mike got it going, no one could believe their eyes.

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Two of the most celebrated players were playing side by side. Likewise, the contest was never fair. The East had to face the combined wrath of both Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. And after a sequence that showed their superiority, the Glove just became a spectator in awe.

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While the pair took the East to the top, there were major arguments at the end of the game. In his return, Jordan took the honors of All-Star MVP. But many believe the Big Aristotle should have taken the trophy home. MJ was nothing short of unstoppable scoring 21 points on an efficient 72% shooting. However, O’Neal led the game in scoring with 25 points. Moreover, he was the only player with a double-double.

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At the end of the day, while there are debates for the award, nothing could take away from what the Texas audience saw that night. A duo that could surely make the NBA their own league, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal were just too good together. Who knows just how many titles the pair could have taken home. But the bigger debate would be, who would be the best.