As the Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the youngest top seed, the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference are becoming hotter. Despite having a season deserving of MVP honours, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have to contend with fierce opposition in the Conference Semifinals from the Mavericks’ backcourt, which includes Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Shaquille O’Neal, though, doesn’t appear to agree.
All season long, Luka and Shai have been fighting it out for the MVP title, which was ultimately won by Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Now, the two teams led by superstars will have an opportunity to end the argument in the postseason. Shaq, though, is already set on his course.
The Big Diesel thinks Gilgeous-Alexander, his choice for the league MVP this season, and his Thunder will easily defeat the Mavs to go to the Conference Finals. “I think OKC will win this series handily. Dallas has two talented scorers, I know that. Yet the manner in which this youthful squad is performing,” Shaq said on Inside the NBA.
It’s evident from the squads that OKC plays more fluidly and relishes moving the ball around. O’Neal made the precise observation, saying, “They are a unit.” The four-time NBA champion thinks the Thunder’s cohesiveness will allow them to defeat Dallas’ superstar combination.
Shaq on the Thunder/Mavs series:
“I look for OKC to win this series very easily… They are so together. I think they’re on a mission.”pic.twitter.com/sZni1XRfz9
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 7, 2024
“They have such a strong bond. Shaq went on, “I believe they are on a mission, and when a team is on a mission, they are very difficult to beat. By defeating Denver and Minnesota in a three-way race to take the top spot in the West, the Thunder shown a great sense of resolve towards the end of the season.
Conversely, Kleber is likely out of the series, while Doncic’s knee problems have limited Dallas. But compared to the Thunder, the Mavs have more experience. And the seasoned players always win in the NBA postseason.
Shaq, though, supported the Thunder for a different reason. He thinks it will be difficult to get past them because they are on a mission. O’Neal may also be trying to get OKC excited since he believes SGA will win MVP this year and he would not want him to lose in the second round.
Shaquille O’Neal predicted that SGA would win MVP this year
The two teams played each other four times during the regular season prior to their current playoff encounter in the second round. Three of the four games were won by the Thunder, one of which was a blowout. O’Neal was questioned regarding Shai and the MVP race prior to the Paycom Center match in March.
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At the age of 25, Shaq declared that the SGA should be crowned MVP.
“At this moment, SGA is my MVP. He satisfies both of our requirements. O’Neal declared, “He’s the league’s baddest m-f-, shut-your-mouth player, and his team is winning.” “He’s obviously my MVP.”
Shaquille O’Neal believes that SGA is the MVP this season ???? pic.twitter.com/Yi81pi8nnG
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) March 27, 2024
This season, Shai averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, which proved he was worthy of being mentioned alongside Doncic and Jokic [per Stat Muse]. With over two thefts per game and 104 steals this season, he leads the league in steals as well. Watch to see if he can pick Doncic’s pocket in their next meeting in the second round.
