Shaquille O'Neal goes savage on claim that Gobert would limit him to 12 points: 'Yeah, in 3 minutes' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal wasn't convinced that three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert could hold him to 12 points on the court.

2-pointers this season

57%26,1Points made:26,1Accuracy:56,6%Place in standings:25Record max:38Record min:17Most made 2FGs:Donovan MitchellTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Speaking on 'The Big Podcast', O'Neal blasted his co-host, Spice Adams, who claimed Gobert could stop Shaq in his prime.

"12 points? Yeah, in the first three minutes. Let me tell you something, man. It's against my religion for somebody to hold me one-on-one. I take that personally. I do. First play of the game I always used to look and see what the defense is going to do.

Like 'Okay, he's doubling from Spice [Adams]. Spice is going to be wide open for the jumper.' Like, I always look at the first play. But if I get it and nobody's coming, I take that as a sign of disrespect.

You know what I'm going to do to him? He's a shot blocker. You can't shoot a shot. You've got to back his little skinny *ss up under the rim. Show him the 'bow so he gets scared and just go up," O'Neal spoke relentlessly.

Last year, Shaq also had some words to say about Rudy Gobert after the Frech big man signed his $200 million extension.

"I'm not gonna hate, but this should be an inspiration to all the little kids out there," O'Neal told. "You average 11 points in the NBA, you can get $200 million. The silver lining is he is a great agent, and I'm happy for him and his family. I'm happy for him, but this is a moment for a lot of kids who think they can't make it."

This season, the 29-year-old Gobert averaged 16.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks over 66 regular-season games. His team Utah Jazz finished the 2021-22 campaign in the first playoffs round, losing the series to Dallas Mavericks (2-4).

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