When expectations are sky high, even the smallest misstep feels seismic. Jaylen Brown now stands where greats like Shaquille O’Neal once did—under the glare of championship pressure and public scrutiny. Reason? Shaquille O’Neal has been part of the team that was favored to win the next year. It’s the same pressure cooker Jaylen Brown finds himself in with the Boston Celtics. And it’s not the first time that the Lakers legend has some advice up his sleeve for last year’s Finals MVP. That wisdom seems to have left a mark, as even Brown himself echoed similar sentiments today, following an embarrassing loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals.

Boston had 20 FGA in the third quarter, yet the surprising stat is that they had 19 were 3-pointers. Yet, it was Clutch Player of the Year, Brunson, and the last play steal from Bridges, enough for the Knicks to steal the win in overtime. It’s the same old story for the C’s when there’s rain down, they look supernatural team, but when it doesn’t, the team has no other alternative. Brown pointed this out in the post-game conference.

“We can’t just fire up threes to break up momentum, you got to get to the free throw line, get to the paint, get to the basket, hit some free throws, and then maybe the next three-pointer feels a little bit better.” Joe Mazzulla’s side continued to rely on beyond-the-arc shooting and kept failing. The Boston Celtics’ 45 missed threes tonight are the MOST ever in a playoff game. So, Shaquille O’Neal shared one tip that Brown should be doing in these circumstances: moving forward.

“Jaylen Brown made interesting points, but you need to have the word of thought to make that point during the game.” Inside the NBA crew reviewed the game, and that’s when Shaq said Brown should be vocal on the court as well. “Like, hey man, ‘We shooting too many threes.’  I play with a guy that shot a lot, and if we miss two or three in a row, I have to look at my guy and be like ‘Hey, don’t shoot another three ever.'”

That’s when he named his former teammates with the Lakers during the championship-winning 2000-01 season. “Devean George, Mike Penberthy, B Shaw, (Brian Shaw), and Rick Fox do not shoot another three. We missed three in a row, do something else.” Since Shaquille O’Neal was the leader of the team, he was vocal with his teammates. He expects the same from Brown moving forward.

Previous advice from Shaquille O’Neal to Jaylen Brown

If you are a fan of Beantown, then it may feel like the narratives against the team might never stop. Last year, despite winning the championship, some stated that it was an easier path to the finals. This year, the Cavs and the Thunder have the better record, so they are the favorites to win. But the Celtics had a 61-21 record, so they are not an easy opponent. Another point was whether Brown and Tatum can co-exist on the team.

Shaquille O’Neal, who has played with superstar teammates like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Penny Hardaway, had some solid advice. “They’re trying to separate you and your guy by saying who’s better. … who’s the man, don’t matter. Let’s go win these championships!” The 4x NBA champion warned against any notion that can cause a rift between Brown and Tatum.

Jaylen Brown couldn’t agree more. “We’ve been just extremely focused on what our roles and our jobs are. … Right now, at this point, it’s whatever it takes to win, and we can’t let any outside interpretations try to get in between.” This was all last year, but Shaq made sure to drop another advice for the Celtics today. After all, Brown and Tatum were part of his All-Star team. So, maybe another reason for the Lakers legend to understand the duo.