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Shaquille O'Neal Shares Harsh Criticism for Thunder After NBA Finals Loss
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The NBA Finals is officially underway and Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers did not disappoint. While the Thunder were certainly disappointed, fans got to witness a shocking comeback from the Pacers and pure basketball entertainment.
Despite leading the game by a score of 108-99 with 2:52 remaining in the game, Oklahoma City could not put Indiana away. Instead, the Thunder ended up losing by a final score of 111-110 on another game-winner from Tyrese Haliburton.
Just like the Pacers have done before in this playoff run, they were able to steal a game that they had no business winning. That has worked out well for them this postseason.
Shaquille O'Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement Press Conference on April 07, 2021 in McDonough, Georgia.
Shaquille O'Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement Press Conference on April 07, 2021 in McDonough, Georgia.
Photo byfor Pepsi Stronger Together
Following blowing Game 1, the Thunder sparked a harsh reaction from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. He spoke out with major criticism about Oklahoma City.
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"It's not just another game. I understand it's your first time here," O'Neal said. "There may be another chance you don't get back. This is not another game. This is the NBA Finals. This is the championship run. You gotta have that killer. When you get a team down, you gotta put your foot on their throat."
O'Neal could not be more accurate with his take on the situation. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks allowed Indiana to make a massive comeback in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. They were unable to recover from blowing that win.
In the loss, the Thunder saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put together a strong performance. He scored 38 points on 14-for-30 shooting. Jalen Williams, on the other hand, scored just 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting, while Chet Holmgren scored six points on 2-for-9 shooting.
On the other side of the court, Pascal Siakam led the way for Indiana with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Haliburton chipped in 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Obi Toppin came off the bench for 17.
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Gilgeous-Alexander spoke out after the loss with blunt honesty.
"We had control of the game for the most part," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Now, it's a 48-minute game. And they teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league — the hard way."
Game 2 will be played on Sunday evening at 8 p.m. ET. After blowing Game 1, the Thunder need to rebound strong. As for the Pacers, they'll look to steal both games on the road, which would be a major stunner.
For more on Pacers, Thunder, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
