What is Shaquille O’Neal known for? NBA icon who last played back in 2011. Since then, he has successfully transitioned as a DJ, analyst, and a savant entrepreneur. Along with those skills, he has developed into a viral sensation. Be it his playful commercials or his social media antics. Recently, one such social media activity led him to trend again.

It was a business opportunity to promote a product, which led to Shaq stepping back on the hardwood. Naturally, the bunch of kids at Pier 36 in New York City were pretty excited to see the 4x NBA champion in action earlier today. It wasn’t a regular game, nor was it a battle with money on the line. It was a battle of egos, since George “The Messiah” Papoutsis, an infamous NYC hooper and former taxi driver, played one-on-one. The rule was simple: the first person to sink wins the task.

Papoutsis, who previously challenged NBA legend Brian Scalabrine, was up for the task once again. Although he lost that battle, the social media creator known for his flashy trick shots and trash-talking personality started with the ball. After attempting to shake Shaq,’ The Messiah’ attempted a mid-range jump shot, which he unfortunately bricked. Now, time for the Lakers legend who has a history of poor throws, but this time the challenge was different.

The Big Aristotle easily went to work, backing George down, and found an opportunity that he didn’t miss to sink the baby hook. The crowd erupted like it was an NBA Finals. After embarrassing Papoutsis with his shot, Shaq stared down the social media creator, creating another viral moment.

Shaquille O’Neal was in NYC to promote his latest launch of Hershey candy, Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies. The new XL Gummies in Sneaker Shapes signify O’Neal famously rocked size 22 kicks.

Buckets, candies, trash talk, no doubt that the kids in the crowd when Shaq won. Although this event was less controversial for Shaq’s opponent.

Before losing to Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers legend’s former teammates set the record straight against ‘Messiah’

As stated earlier, Papoutsis has street skills and once cashed it in against Brian Scalabrine, the legendary “White Mamba”. It started when The Messiah casually name-dropped Scalabrine and added, “I got him”. Signifying that the former Celtics star, despite his NBA status, was no match for the viral MYC creator. Naturally, it didn’t go down well in the NBA community. Shaquille O’Neal’s former teammate and Celtics legend Kevin Garnett was the first to react.

“Oooooooo DID THE MESSIAH JUST WANT SMOKE WITH SCAL 😤🫣🤔😂😂 @whitemamba WM you might have to come out of retirement…George thinks it’s sweet 😳😳😳😳😳 what we doingggg 😤😤🤷🤷💯”. This was enough motivation for White Mamba to deliver a beating of 11-0. During the matchup, George played dirty, throwing fouls left and right, which later irked another former teammate of Shaquille O’Neal. Matt Barnes, who played with Shaq on the Suns team, was vocal on his podcast.

“Actually, the Messiah dude hit me and asked me if I’m next.” On his podcast ALL THE SMOKE, Matt Barnes let loose, “And I said, play m————- your level bro, quit talking to me like that because you foul me like that, Imma fight you on the spot.” Further adding, “But the way this dude is fouling Scal… but I loved what Scal (did). Scal, shout out bro.” Maybe that’s why this game against Shaq wasn’t for 11 points. Or maybe the last drama with former NBA stars was too much for the Messiah.