Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Takes A Shot At Former Miami Heat Center Shaquille O’Neal

Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic may not have won this year’s MVP but he continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the playoffs.

Due to his high-level production against the Phoenix Suns, the Nuggets are just one win from advancing to the Western Conference Finals. In their Tuesday victory against the Suns, Jokic recorded 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. He moved ahead of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain for most triple-doubles by a center in the playoffs.

The achievement alone wasn’t enough. After the game, he took a shot at former Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal.

NBA on TNT’s Ernie Johnson let Jokic know about the milestone and congratulated him. Jokic thanked him and followed it up by questioning O’Neal’s place on the list.

“"Where is Shaq in that list? Is Shaq in that list?," Jokic asked.

O’Neal seemed to already have a response ready for him. After being asked, he told Jokic his unwillingness to pass is the reason he’s not on the list.

“No because I never pass, Big Honey,” O’Neal responded. “I never pass, Big Honey.”

"Where is Shaq in that list? Is Shaq in that list?" 😂😂

The Joker came for Shaq after passing Wilt for the most Playoff triple-doubles by a center 🤣 pic.twitter.com/lc0fCeGLFG
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 10, 2023

His immediate response had everyone laughing but he spoke the truth. Even though O’Neal is regarded as one of the best and most dominant players, he was known for using his strength in the paint as opposed to passing to open shooters.

While playing with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, he was the leader and the one his team could depend on. Of course, when he played with the late Kobe Bryant, they shared the leadership role which even led to disagreements.

But when he joined Dwyane Wade and the Heat, he was willing to let Wade take control, resulting in the Heat’s first championship in 2006. O’Neal was still dominant, leading the NBA in field goal percentage twice, but it was Wade who he depended on when it mattered most.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.