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Shaquille O’Neal Aggressively Demands Stephen Curry be Put on a Massive Pedestal

Published 12/20/2023, 1:18 AM EST

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After lagging behind the Celtics, the Golden State Warriors turned the tide to get the 130-126 victory in overtime. Credit goes to Stephen Curry for that last-second Hail Mary shot. He tallied a total of 33 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds in 38 minutes on the court and left more than a few impressed. It prompted even Shaquille O’Neal to include him in that conversation.

I’m just wondering, because [Curry] has been consistently the best shooter his whole career, I’m wondering if it’s time to put him as the best player of all time.” Shaq’s not exactly asking. He’s demanding everyone start admitting this.

Kenny Smith was so taken aback, that he asked Shaq if he was putting The Chef over himself too. Shaq’s response was, “Of course.” Despite Kenny’s hesitation, Shaq is insistent that Curry deserves to be counted among the best shooters of all time. As per Kenny, that’s a shallow pool including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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It didn’t stop Shaq from insisting that answer out of Kenny, no matter how much The Jet didn’t want to include Curry in that club with the three legends. What Kenny did admit was that Curry is the most “timely” blessing to the Warriors. He was seemingly not up to par, scoring only 13 points in the first three quarters while Derrick White stole the show. The Warriors, looking less ‘Green,’ had 23-year-old Trayce Jackson-Davis being the much-needed reinforcement carrying the team for most of the game.

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The last quarter was when Curry shone though. He hit the 3-pointer to tie the game. Dragging it into a nasty overtime, Curry made a shot that would play in slow-motion in a movie and secure a dub for the Dubs. He celebrated that heroic move with a “timely” ‘night-night’ gesture.

He’s impressive alright. But Shaq’s claim is a little hard to digest, and not just for Kenny.

Shaquille O’Neal is feeling humble before Stephen Curry

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Both Shaq and Curry have four championships to their name. Curry still has a shot at matching Kobe Bryant‘s record while Shaq will never hit Curry’s 3-point record given that he’s only made one in his entire career.

Shaq has every right to personally state Curry is better himself. Fans on the other hand… Many side with Kenny, reluctant to compare Curry to Shaq, let alone Jordan and Kareem.

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The running argument is that Curry has won NBA Finals MVP once. Shaq has three of those, which he won in a row.  O’Neal made it clear he’s only “wondering,” not saying if it’s time to throw Curry’s name in the hat for the ‘greatest.’

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It doesn’t have to mean he is the greatest. Shaq just believes he deserves the respect of being included. What do you think?

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Written by:

Caroline John

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I was 7 when I saw 'Space Jam' but didn't know till the third rewatch the lead actor is actually a living basketball legend. It was while studying journalism that my friend would go on about the Warriors from Golden State. Keen on athletes' personas outside their arenas, it was Stephen Curry's confidence and philanthropy that drew me to follow the news on NBA pros and explore sports media.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair