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Shaq Performed CPR on Stuffed Animal Hawk After Atlanta's Slow NBA Play-In Start

The Hawks needed some life against Orlando on Tuesday night.
Michael Kadlick|
Shaq giving CPR to a stuffed animal Hawk.
Shaq giving CPR to a stuffed animal Hawk. | Screenshot via NBA on TNT.

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Atlanta HawksOrlando Magic

The Atlanta Hawks got off to quite the uninspiring start to their NBA play-in game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

In fact, the first half was so bad for the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed that instead of bringing out a live hawk at halftime like they apparently originally planned, the NBA on TNT crew had Shaquille O'Neal perform CPR on a stuffed hawk in an attempt to breathe life into Atlanta’s lifeless performance.

Here's a look at the hilarious clip:

"You're only down 14!" joked host Ernie Johnson.

It doesn't matter, he's dead. The Hawk is dead," quipped Shaq.

The Hawks entered halftime at Orlando's Kia Center down 61-47 to the Magic, with star Trae Young scoring just nine points. The winner of Tuesday night's contest will take on the Celtics this coming Sunday in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Boston's TD Garden.

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Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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