Shaquille O’Neal APOLOGIZES to Devin Booker, recreates viral meme
The Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 124-129 behind another impressive performance from Devin Booker.
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Shaquille O’Neal (L- Huffpost) and Devin Booker (R-Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns has now become a tough battle. Although Denver took a 2-0 series lead, the Suns knew very well how to defend their home court. Devin Booker has been in excellent touch and is racking formidable after formidable performances every night. Moreover, with Chris Paul out with an injury, the Suns had a greater task of scoring, but with Kevin Durant and Booker in tandem, Phoenix has now tied the series 2-2.
The Suns’ guard has been averaging a whopping 36.8 points per game in the 2023 NBA playoffs. He has been the force behind Phoenix’s comeback in the series against Denver. Game 4 saw another mind-blowing display by Devin Booker. The guard put up 36 points with six rebounds and 12 assists while going an amazing 14 of 18 from the field. Kevin Durant scored just as many in a Phoenix victory. Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, had a career-high 53-point game for the Denver Nuggets. However, his performance was in vain, as the Suns won 124-129.
Speaking on NBA Insider, former NBA player turned analyst; Shaquille O’Neal recreated an old meme of his. He was all in praise for Devin Booker as he apologized for underestimating his skill and ability. “Devin Booker, I’m sorry. I owe you an apology. I got on TV and said you will not go 20-25 again. You messed around with 14-18 (field goals), 3-4 (three-pointers). I’m so sorry. I apologize. Love the way you play,” the NBA legend said.
Fans on social media are in splits after Shaq’s response to Booker’s performance. Many are recalling the moment when the former player made a similar apology to Christian Wood. Shaq said, “I owe you an apology. I wasn’t really familiar with your game,” to Wood after an impressive game against the San Antonio Spurs. Interestingly, this apology didn’t take much time to turn into a meme. After Game 4, the same meme resurfaced after Shaq’s comments on Devin Booker.
Related: Where does Devin Booker live? All you need to know about his $3.2 million house
How is the Nuggets-Suns series shaping up?
While the Denver Nuggets had a 2-0 series lead, they will now head back home with a lot to reflect on. Although Nikola Jokic has been in fine touch for them all season, the rest of the roster has been pretty inconsistent. Moreover, they will have to come up with a new strategy to contain Devin Booker. On the other hand, with Kevin Durant finding some rhythm again, the Suns look pretty solid even without Chris Paul.
The Phoenix Suns, on the flip side, would be very happy with the turnaround they’ve made in the series. However, they would know the importance of keeping their winning streak going and would look to do exactly that in Game 5. Deandre Ayton has been a weak link in the tight Phoenix roster, and they would expect a valuable contribution from him soon. Moreover, Booker would need consistent assistance from his teammates if the Suns want to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Nevertheless, with the series now tied at 2-2, we can expect a real fight from both teams in Game 5. Will the former MVP lead Denver to a home win, or will the Durant-Booker duo give Phoenix a 3-2 lead before coming back home for Game 6? We will have to wait and watch.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)