WATCH: “Eat some fried chicken” – NBA’s 21-year-old star HILARIOUSLY impersonates Shaquille O’Neal at All-Star event leaving fans in splits

Indiana Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin stole the spotlight with a commendable performance in the NBA Rising Stars game

WATCH: “Eat some fried chicken” – NBA’s 21-year-old star HILARIOUSLY impersonates Shaquille O’Neal at All-Star event leaving fans in splits

Bennedict Mathurin does the perfect Shaquille O'Neal impersonation (ESPN)

In a moment that blended humor with the high stakes of the NBA Rising Stars event, 21-year-old Indiana Pacers sensation Bennedict Mathurin brought the house down with a hilariously uncanny impersonation of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. This lighthearted episode unfolded during an interview, showcasing Mathurin’s multifaceted personality and leaving fans and attendees in stitches.

The young star, newly crowned as the NBA Rising Stars MVP, got a nudge to show his impersonation skills. The interviewer had heard about his remarkable Shaq mimicry. Mathurin playfully responded with a “Maybe,” initially hesitant. He was soon persuaded, leading to a memorable highlight of the night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk4UI_ZqRX4

Bennedict Mathurin was asked to do the impression again after winning the NBA Rising Stars game MVP. This is what he said in Shaq’s voice:

FS Video
Imma be honest, tonight… tonight was a long night. I'm just looking forward to get home, eat some fried chicken. (breaks into laughter, and switches back to his regular voice) This the last time I'm doing this or Shaq is coming for me man.

The young, cheeky star appeared nervous, frequently looking over his shoulder for the 7’1″ giant. His performance, filled with laughter, captured Shaq’s essence beautifully. It showcased Mathurin’s talent for entertainment, extending far beyond basketball.

Leading Team Jalen to victory, Mathurin netted 18 points in the semifinal versus Team Tamika, showing significant effort in the final against Team Detlef. His stellar performance, along with his charismatic personality, hinted at a rising star adept both on and off the court.

Fans are losing it over Benn’s hilarious Shaq impression

Mathurin’s impersonation quickly became a sensation, sparking reactions across social media platforms. Fans were delighted, with comments ranging from admiration for his spot-on Shaq voice to comparisons with other notable impersonations.

Bennedict Mathurin wins the NBA Rising Stars MVP Award (Bleacher Report)
Bennedict Mathurin won the NBA Rising Stars MVP Award (Bleacher Report)

Here are some of the reactions on X. Most fans were left delighted with his acting sills:

https://twitter.com/TahjSales/status/1758553094168744320

This episode at the Rising Stars game adds another layer to Mathurin’s rapidly rising profile. Not only is he a formidable presence on the court, but his ability to connect with fans through humor underscores his potential to be a beloved figure in the NBA for years to come.

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