Shaquille O'Neal's wholesome reaction after defeating Michael Jordan in the 1995 playoffs: "He's the real Superman"
Shaquille O'Neal was a star on the rise in 1995, dominating the opposition with the Orlando Magic. He had the privilege of going against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs of the same year. MJ came back from his first retirement in March and everyone wondered if he could win another title even after he missed more than half of a season.
The Bulls and the Magic met in the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals. Jordan proved he could still score in bunches but was terribly out of basketball shape. Shaq didn't agree, though, as he gave Jordan his flowers.
"I don't think Michael ever gets tired. He is a real Superman and I am a real Superboy," Shaq said after leading the Magic to a 110-101 Game 3 win over the Bulls via NYT.
It was a humbling comment for Shaq, who witnessed Jordan go off for 40 points in that game. But with only Scottie Pippen providing Michael support, the Bulls failed to get over the resurgent Magic.
Jersey reversion hardly helped Jordan and the Bulls
Game 3 was the second game since Jordan reverted to his old jersey, no. 23. Michael initially wore no. 45, explaining that he felt it was a new beginning. It was the same jersey number he wore in high school.
Despite the jersey number change, the only good it did back then was seeing Jordan going back to his heavy-scoring ways. After scoring 19 points in Game 1, the last time he wore the no. 45, Michael went berserk in the games that followed. He scored, 38, 40, 26, 39 and 24 points in the succeeding games respectively.
Despite his efforts, Jordan's heavy scoring was not enough to overcome a gritty Magic team. Orlando knew it was impossible to prevent Michael from scoring. Hence, they did the next best thing, focusing their defense on the rest of the Bulls.
"We knew if we shut everyone else down, we had a chance," O'Neal said.Defeating Bulls was a must for Magic
Throughout that series, the Bulls got all the media attention because of Jordan. It overshadowed the stellar season that O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway had.
But for the Magic, they didn't care as it was all about proving they were the best at the time. The key was to defeat the Bulls, something they accomplished in six games.
Although Shaq was dominant, he gave props to Hardaway in that series. O'Neal pointed out how Hardaway held his own against Jordan, crediting his fearless mentality.
"Penny is the only guy I've seen who didn't really care that he was playing against Michael Jordan. He had that same fearless mentality that I had," O'Neal stated.
This didn't mean Hardaway disrespected Jordan. He held the same level of respect that Shaq had for him but knew that getting over MJ and Chicago was a must if they wanted a chance at the title.
"If you're the greatest of all time, which I respect, then you're going to have to show me. That was my mentality. I wanted to play against Michael Jordan. If we were going to get to a championship, we had to go through him," Hardaway quipped.
The Magic survived the Indiana Pacers in the 1995 Eastern Conference finals after that and the next matchup was against the Houston Rockets in the Finals. Orlando saw its run come to an abrupt end against Houston. Hakeem Olajuwon and company swept them.
They had a better 1995-96 regular season but fell short in the playoffs. Facing the Bulls again, this time in the ECF, Chicago got payback by sweeping Orlando to advance, as MJ was back to his old dominating form after a full offseason.
Things got even worse after that for the Magic with O'Neal leaving the franchise for the Los Angeles Lakers.
When O'Neal moved to L.A., his rise to greatness was cemented. He won three titles in a row with the Lakers and bagged his first and only MVP in 2000. That three-year run was probably the most dominating run by a player in NBA history because nobody could stop O'Neal.This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Terry McLaurin skips start of Commanders training camp, placed on Reserve/Did Not Report List as WR seeks a new deal
Terry McLaurin is officially holding out. The Washington Commanders wide receiver missed a conditioning drill at the start of training camp on Tuesday and has since been placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report List. All other Commanders players were present for the drill, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McLaurin's absence signals the start of a holdout as the two-time Pro Bowl receiver seeks a new contract. McLaurin is approaching the third year of a three-year, $68.4 million contract with an average annual salary of $22.8 million. Amid a surging market with multiple receivers making more than $30 million annually, McLaurin is reportedly seeking $30-plus million per season. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] McLaurin's also approaching his age-30 season in a league where elite performance after 30 years old at the position is not the norm. The Commanders want to retain McLaurin but are reportedly not close to meeting his desire for $30-plus million per season. What McLaurin, Commanders have said about negotiations Commanders general manager Adam Peters addressed McLaurin's status during a news conference earlier Tuesday. "Just like with all of our players, we're expecting everybody to be here today," Peters said of McLaurin. "Without a doubt, I think everybody in this building values Terry very much. ... "In terms of where we're at, we've had conversations recently, and we'll look to have some more conversations. And we're gonna do everything we can in order to get a deal done." McLaurin, who sat out mandatory minicamp, told reporters last week that he was "frustrated" by the lack of progress on a new contract and that he wants "to be here." "With how the market is today, it conveys what guys of my caliber are deserving of," McLaurin said, per ESPN. "I feel I fit in that box because of how I've carried myself on and off the field. "I don't want to feel like you have to beg for someone to see your worth and value. Everything in previous regimes, and now I've done everything asked of me." McLaurin's case for a new deal McLaurin is a six-season NFL veteran who's played his entire career with the Commanders. He's emerged as one of the most consistent and productive receivers in football with 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of the last five seasons. He's started each game he's played in his career and has never played fewer than 14 games in a season. He's started all 17 regular-season games in each of the last four seasons. He's remained a reliable producer despite a rotating cast under center in Washington as 11 different quarterbacks have started for the Commanders since he joined the franchise in 2019. For the first time in decades, the Commanders have stability at quarterback after the fast-track emergence of 2024 rookie Jayden Daniels, who earned Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors while leading the Commanders to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. McLaurin was Daniels' favorite target and saw his own production increase as the tandem repeatedly connected for big plays throughout the season. McLaurin finished 2024 with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, by far the most of his career. He'd previously eclipsed five touchdowns in a season just once when he caught seven as a rookie. The stakes are high in Washington with expectations elevated for the second season of the Daniels era. McLaurin's seeking to leverage those stakes into a lucrative new deal.
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
2025 Patriots training camp: Everything fans need to know as practices begin in Foxboro
Wednesday marks the start of a brand new era of NFL football in New England, with a former Patriot and fan favorite now serving as the sideline boss in Foxboro. Super Bowl champ Mike Vrabel will be calling the shots when the Patriots conduct their first training camp practice on the grass fields behind Gillette Stadium. Veterans and rookies have reported to Foxboro, and it's now time to hit the field to begin preparing for the 2025 season. Wednesday's practice begins at 10:15 a.m., but gates will open to fans at 9:15 a.m. There will also be a pet adoption with animal shelters on site. The Patriots will also hold public practices this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Later this summer, New England will welcome the Washington Commanders to Foxboro for a joint practice on Aug. 6 ahead of their preseason opener on Aug. 8. What to know if you're heading to training camp: Important reminders for fans All practices are free of charge Bags will be checked by security No coolers, video cameras, noisemakers allowed No pets permitted unless it's a service animal Concessions available with cashless payment only The entire training camp practice schedule Wednesday, July 23 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, July 24 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Friday, July 25 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Saturday, July 26 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Sunday, July 27 No Public Practice Monday, July 28 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:30 a.m. Practice Begins Tuesday, July 29 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Wednesday, July 30 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, July 31 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Friday, August 1 No Public Practice Saturday, August 2 No Public Practice Sunday, August 3 No Public Practice Monday, August 4 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Tuesday, August 5 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:00 a.m. Practice Begins Wednesday, August 6 Joint practice with the Washington Commanders 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Thursday, August 7 No Public Practice Friday, August 8 7:30 p.m. Patriots Preseason Opener | New England Patriots vs. Washington Commanders Saturday, August 9 No Public Practice Sunday, August 10 9:15 a.m. Gates Open 10:15 a.m. Practice Begins Here are some key storylines as camp opens: New head coach in Foxboro Vrabel, a former three-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker with the Patriots, will be tasked with turning around a team that finished 4-13 in the 2024 season. Vrabel's most recent head coaching experience was with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2023, where he compiled a 54-45 record, including 3 playoff appearances, an AFC Championship Game appearance, and an AP Coach of the Year award in the 2021-22 NFL season. After Vrabel was hired in January, Boston 25's Butch Stearns sat down with the Patriots Hall of Famer to discuss forging a new legacy in New England, his past coaching experience, and his vision for the new culture in Foxboro. He is the 16th head coach in Patriots history. Year 2 of Drake Maye Promising second-year quarterback Drake Maye is gearing up to lead the Patriots in a full-time role after starting 12 games in 2024. Maye flashed upside in those games, completing 66% of his passes for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 22-year-old, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, also showed the ability to impact games with his legs, rushing for 421 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. Maye now gets an opportunity to flourish under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who orchestrated many prolific scoring attacks alongside the great Tom Brady. Maye is also now a married man. He got hitched to his longtime sweetheart in June. Maye and Ann Michael Hudson met in middle school, continued their relationship at the University of North Carolina, and got engaged in January. Key offseason additions Will Campbell The Patriots drafted Will Campbell out of Louisiana State University with the fourth overall pick in April's draft. There is high hope he can hold the left tackle position along the offensive line, protecting Maye's back for years to come. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) and rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams (Washington State) could also play major roles within the offense. Stefon Diggs Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs joined the Patriots in the offseason after suffering an ACL tear last October. Vrabel says Diggs won't have any limitations at the start of camp. Diggs, now 31, has played for the Vikings, Bills, and Texans over 10 seasons. He had piled up five consecutive seasons with more than 100 receptions before the injury limited him to just eight games in 2024. Diggs should give the Patriots a dynamic, downfield aerial threat in the passing game. Other notable offseason additions Defensive tackle Milton Williams Cornerback Carlton Davis Linebackers Robert Spillane and Harold Landry Offensive tackle Morgan Moses Wide receiver Mack Hollins Center Garrett Bradbury For more information on Patriots training camp, click here. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Justin Gaethje 'going to be upset' if UFC offers Paddy Pimblett, not Ilia Topuria
Justin Gaethje said he will have some serious decisions to make if he's left out of the UFC lightweight title picture and pushed toward Paddy Pimblett next. Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) is stumping hard to be the next to challenge newly crowned 155-pound titleholder Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) next and "El Matador" knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June to capture the vacant belt. With three wins in his past four fights, with the lone exception being his famous knockout loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title fight at UFC 300, Gaethje thinks his track record and reliability makes him the top candidate for Topuria's first title defense. Gaethje acknowledges that Holloway, who just beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 this past Saturday, and Arman Tsarukyan should also be in the running. However, he thinks he should be the selection. "I've been talking a lot, saying what I feel I deserve, what I want – but ultimately I think it's such a timing thing when it comes down to who is going to fight Ilia next," Gaethje told ESPN. "I think I'm one of three, with Max having a big win. It's me, Arman or Max I would assume that has to fight him, if he's going to fight this year. If he's not going to fight this year then who knows what's going to happen. But for me, I've said my piece and now I need to train and work out and all these guys are really good. "I hope it's Ilia, I hope it's November and I hope it's in Madison Square Garden. That's what I'm planning for and trying to speak into existence, but you never know with the UFC and I can only worry about what I can control, and that's how ready I'll be for my next fight." Following Topuria's win over Oliveira at UFC 317, he was passive about the idea of facing Gaethje next and noted it would be unfair matchmaking. Prior to the event, Topuria said a logical title eliminator would be Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett, and Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) agreed with that notion. But then he beat Oliveira and Pimblett was brought into the octagon for a faceoff with Topuria, putting momentum between those two longtime rivals. Although UFC CEO Dana White said afterward that Pimblett entering the octagon for the staredown was a promotional misstep, he didn't articulate any clear plans for Topuria's first defense. Gaethje, 36, said if the UFC goes another direction with Topuria and then tries to book him against Pimblett, he might have to reconsider his place in the organization. "Absolutely not (fighting Pimblett)," Gaethje said. "If that's the route that they want me to take, then I don't believe that they need me anymore. I know that sounds petty or whatever, but I'm No. 3, I'm 3-1 in my last four, the champion (Islam Makhachev) was calling to fight me and he vacated. They bring a new guy in and give a guy who is 2-2 the fight. If their algorithm and their match tells them to just use me until I get beat, then I'm going to have to really reevaluate what I'm doing here. "I've signed up for a merit-based system. I have lived by that. If they want to give Arman, which Arman had the fight, then I had the fight and I took someone else. He had the fight and pulled out. Those are two different scenarios. For me to get put in the same position and fight for my spot, then I'm going to be upset about that." Ultimately, Gaethje said he's one to focus on the positive. He is thinking about the ideal outcome for his own career, and that would be getting the title shot against Topuria before the 2025 calendar closes out, then go into 2026 with the desire to rematch Holloway at the UFC White House card and cap his own career in epic fashion. Best case scenario, best chapter of my book, if it happens I will believe this is a simulation, but I beat Topuria this year, defend it against Holloway on the White House lawn, then retire with the BMF and the championship belts," Gaethje said. "There's no better way for me to write it. But I'm a little bias." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Justin Gaethje wants Ilia Topuria UFC title fight, not Paddy Pimblett
