Shaquille O’Neal’s scorching critique, calling Gobert the NBA’s worst all-time in September last year, once dominated headlines. Gobert fired back on social media, lamenting that Shaq “didn’t need” to stay relevant via such jabs. But after gobbling up 27 points and 24 rebounds in a single playoff outing, Shaq couldn’t help but concede, “I never thought I’d say these words… but Gobert is dominating”. Now the Hall of Famer warns that Minnesota must overhaul its game plan if it hopes to stymie Gobert’s newfound playoff menace

The Warriors survived a scare, then Buddy Hield torched Houston with nine threes. Stephen Curry vs Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler facing his former team, and Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert will lock horns once again. After having 27 points and 24 rebounds against the Lakers, his confidence must be sky high. Even if his confidence wavered, Shaquille O’Neal praising him twice in the span of a few days should do the trick.

After the Dub Nation secured their place with a 103-89 win, Steve Kerr spoke about his tactics for pick and roll with Draymond Green and Curry. “They’ve done a great job of taking away the Steph Draymond pick and roll all series by putting Fred Van Vleet on Draymond, and you know putting their center on one of our wings. And um so that was really a great strategic move for them,” said the Warriors HC. As per Shaq, the Wolves won’t use this same tactic.

“Now, the question from Minnesota is, are they going to use similar tactics? I don’t think they are.” Inside the NBA, broke down what’s next for Kerr’s side. Shaquille O’Neal continued and emphasized the importance of Gobert. “And cuz you know me and Chuck, we always talk about this. When Rudy’s in the game, it’s a different ball game. So you know Steve talked a little bit about matchups, but they’re definitely going to be looking for the mismatch and looking for the pick and roll.”

The need for change can also stem from Rockets’ unable to get the job done. Despite being better in won points in the paint, 46 to 34, second chance points were 15 to 0. Plus, Houston also led in fast-break points, 10-2. However, the Golden State Warriors were +36 from the three-point zone, which turned out to be the difference maker.

Can Rudy Gobert truly turn Shaquille O’Neal, one of his harshest critics, into his fan?

His 27 points and 24 boards were a true all-around performance. Shooting with an incredible accuracy of 12 for 15, plus he also had two blocks to his name. The French Center also etched his name in the history book by being only the sixth player in NBA playoff history to reach at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 75% field goal percentage in a single game. The other five before him–Moses Malone, Wes Unseld, Horace Grant, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Most Dominant of them all, Shaquille O’Neal.

Even though Shaq at first hesitated a little to credit the Wolves’ superstar. “I never thought I’d hear these words come out of my mouth.” However, proceeded to appreciate the 4x DPOY. “But Rudy Gobert is dominating, and I’m happy for him.” This was not all, “You’re 7’4”, you’re being aggressive — and now look: he’s scoring,” analyzed the Lakers legend.

“So now he’s running the floor, and he’s like, ‘Ah, I’m involved. Give it back to me.’ He’s throwing it down for the two-hand dunk. And I hate to say it, Ernie, Kenny, Chuck… Rudy Gobert is dominating.” Finally, Shaq is not berating the Center, but Gobert will have to continue to perform at similar levels so that he continues to receive praise from the Big Aristotle.