Landing in the NBA with the 1st pick of the 1992 Draft, Shaquille O’Neal did not take long before acclimatizing to the Big League. From his second season, Shaq is a monster, averaging 29 points and delivering memorable performances. Among them, this monstrous triple-double placed on the nose of the Nets, one evening in November 1993.
November 20, 1993, precisely. That’s 31 years ago to the day. To put it in context, Shaq has just completed the first season of his life in the NBA, after his Draft by a very young Orlando franchise, in the summer of 92. His debut in the Big League? A formality. If he is not yet the Big Diesel as we know him today, O’Neal is already too powerful, too mobile and much more dominant than the majority of centers of the time. His rookie campaign, Shaq completed it with 23 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks on average and two broken baskets. A monster, but nothing comparable to what awaits the League for Year II of the giant.
Just a reminder that Shaq tore down a backboard during an NBA game. pic.twitter.com/Uf5iM2ruNA
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2019
This second campaign, let’s talk about it. In addition to counting on its (already) All-Star pivot, the Magic can now rely on another rookie with unlimited potential, a certain Anfernee Hardaway. Worn by Penny, Nick Anderson and Shaq, the Florida franchise is strong. Orlando is one of the strongest teams in the League and Big Diesel crushes everything in its path. The symbol of this domination? A monumental performance against the New Jersey Nets, a perfect representation of the power and dominance of Shaquille O’Neal at that time.
In November 93, back in New Jersey, where he was from, Shaq was not going to give Derrick Coleman and his gang the slightest chance. A brutal revenge, for the one who the pivot of the Nets had posterized the previous season, as if to welcome him to the NBA. That night, Shaq was simply unstoppable, and finished the game with a monstrous stat line: 24 points, 28 rebounds and 15 blocks. A colossal triple-double, the likes of which hardly ever happen today. Beyond the stats, it is above all the visual impression that we remember.
He may only be 21 years old, and facing one of the best interiors in the League at the time, O’Neal gives the impression of having fun with kids. The Florida interior is just too big and too powerful. That evening, the slightest bounce ended up in his enormous hands. Even when he misses a shot, Big Diesel recovers the ball and offers himself as many new chances as he wants (10 offensive rebounds in the match). Attack the Magic racket? An ordeal for the Nets. Almost every incursion of players from the New Jersey franchise ends with a huge counter from Shaq. At the end of the meeting, the future Hall of Famer handed out 15 blocksa franchise record that still stands.
On this day in 1993… 75th Anniversary Team member Shaquille O’Neal put up 24 points, 28 rebounds and 15 blocks for the @OrlandoMagic at just 21 years old. #NBAVault #NBA75
Learn more about Shaq at pic.twitter.com/YfQ9QowgNn
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 20, 2021
For the record, Chuck Daly, coach of the legendary Dream Team of 1992, and of the Nets at that time, declared after the meeting that some of Shaq’s counterattacks should not have been validated. Still, this triple-double from Shaquille O’Neal will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive performances of the pivot’s entire career. A legendary career, which will lead Big Diesel to retire being considered one – if not the – most dominant player that the NBA has ever had. But that’s another story…
What were the key factors that contributed to Shaquille O’Neal’s ability to dominate games during his peak years?
Interviewee 1: [Shaquille O’Neal, Former NBA Player]
Q: Shaquille, you had an impressive NBA career with numerous accomplishments. What was your reaction when you saw that your triple-double performance against the Nets on November 20, 1993, is still being talked about today?
Shaquille: It’s always great to know that your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. That night was special for me because I was playing against a team I was familiar with, and I used to watch growing up. Also, it was an opportunity to showcase my talent and dominance in the League. I mean, 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks? It’s not every day you see those kind of numbers.
Q: How did it feel to average 29 points per game in your second season in the NBA, especially being just 21 years old?
Shaquille: It was surreal. I was blessed with size, strength, and athleticism, but I also worked extremely hard to get to that level. My rookie year was all about adjusting to the speed and physicality of the League, and in my second year, I felt more comfortable and confident. I just wanted to provide for my team and win games.
Interviewee 2: [Chuck Daly, Former NBA Coach and Broadcaster]
Q: Coach Daly, you were the coach of the Nets during Shaq’s impressive performance against your team. What was going through your mind during that game, and how did you feel about his dominance that night?
Chuck: To be honest, it was frustrating. Shaq was simply too much for us, and I felt like some of his blocks were questionable. However, that’s part of the game. He was a dominant player, and we had to find a way to deal with it. As a coach, you just try to exploit other areas of the opponent’s weakness.
Q: Looking back, how do you view Shaq’s impact on the NBA during his career?
Chuck: He was one of the most dominant players the League has ever seen. His size, strength, and skill set
