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Shaq Nikola Jokic MVP
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Shaq's confrontation with Jokic sparks major outrage

Published May 9, 2024 at 11:30
BY KEVIN BARREAU
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The NBA MVP debate just hit fever pitch, and Shaquille O'Neal is right in the thick of it. Shaq has been vocal for weeks, championing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his pick for the 2023-24 NBA MVP. So, you can imagine his disappointment when Nikola Jokić snagged the title for the third time.

But Shaq didn't just grumble about it in private. Oh no, he went straight to Jokić and told him face-to-face that he didn't think he deserved the MVP honor this time around. That bold move has stirred up quite the storm, with fans lighting up social media to call him out. Words like 'disrespectful' and 'pathetic' are flying around, painting Shaq as the bad guy in this drama.

"You know I love you, the best player in the league. I want to congratulate you," O'Neal said to Jokić during the TNT pregame show. "But I want you to hear it from me first. I thought that SGA should've been the MVP. That's no disrespect to you, but congratulations."




From my corner, I get where Shaq is coming from. SGA has been phenomenal, and many of us felt this could be his year to take home the MVP. But taking it to Jokić directly? That's classic Shaq—never one to shy away from speaking his mind, no matter the fallout. Yet, this confrontation might have stepped over the line, turning a personal opinion into a public spectacle that's ruffled more than just a few feathers. It's one thing to back your guy, but another to challenge another player's achievements so openly. What do you think—did Shaq cross the line, or was he just keeping it real?

Source Athlon Sports: Shaq Facing Intense Backlash For Confrontational Moment With Nikola Jokic
Source SI: Shaq Tells Nikola Jokic He Doesn't Believe Nuggets Star Deserved to Win Third MVP
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Shaq's confrontation with Jokic sparks major outrage

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