Feud between Shaq, JaVale McGee escalates after heated Twitter exchange

Basketball Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal escalated his feud with his favorite "Shaqtin' A Fool" target Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee on Thursday.

Basketball Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal escalated his feud with his favorite "Shaqtin' A Fool" target Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee on Thursday.

McGee has been featured during Shaq's regular segment on TNT's Inside the NBA for his frequent gaffes on the court. A new package ran on Thursday night devoted exclusively to McGee bloopers that likely sparked the interaction.

After the Warriors 123–113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night, Shaq went in on McGee via social media calling him a "bumass" (sic) and McGee responding by calling him an "old bastard."

ESPN reported Friday that the Warriors had reached out to Turner Sports to discuss the network’s coverage of McGee and arguing that it hurt his reputation to be repeatedly mocked. Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant came to his defense as well.

Some of the tweet exchange, which grew increasingly nasty, is below.

@SHAQ get my 🥜's out of your mouth! And EAD! #thatisall

— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) February 24, 2017

@JaValeMcGee34 now since you on a good team u wanna act like you a player now stop it u will only be remembered for shaqtin a fool #bumass

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017

@JaValeMcGee34 don't be acting like u a g I'll smack the s**t out yo bum ass u da one that be looking stupid with your dumb ass #bumass

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017

Oh we threatening people now? Kick rocks you old bastard... you ain't gone do sh** !!! And that's on my mama... stick to cooning! https://t.co/ZFuGREc1WJ

— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) February 24, 2017

Forget being on a good team... Ima grown man... you've had these 🥜's in yo mouth for 5-6 years now... u thought I was just gone stay silent? https://t.co/3gTpTgVgmU

— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) February 24, 2017

Aight y'all I'm done responding... I think🤔🤔🤔

— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) February 24, 2017

America meet Javale "BUM" McGee pic.twitter.com/ENw4VLE5I7

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017

McGee’s teammate Kevin Durant came to his defense Friday afternoon.

Kevin Durant comes to JaVale McGee's defense vs Shaq: "I didn't know cops could threaten civilians like that" pic.twitter.com/gsx79h04c8

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 24, 2017

O’Neal responded to Durant later Friday.

@KDTrey5 mind yo business this ain't for you,

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017

@KDTrey5 I understand u sticking up for your teammate that's cool but your boy @JaValeMcGee34 is still a bum, he started it I'm a finish it

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017

The NBA recently released a memo to teams and players surrounding the tone of social media usage, aiming to have official accounts better reflect on the league.