Shaquille O’Neal hating on Zion Williamson’s triple-double has fans fuming – “This guy just try to downplay everything”

Pelicans star Zion Williamson did not impress NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal despite putting in impressive numbers in the Clippers matchup.

Shaquille O’Neal hating on Zion Williamson’s triple-double has fans fuming – “This guy just try to downplay everything”

Zion Williamson and Shaquille O'Neal

A fully healthy Zion Williamson returned to the court against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, delivering a strong performance in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 127-120 victory. Williamson recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, and a block, helping New Orleans secure just their 17th win of the season.

However, former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal was not a big fan of his performance. As Adam Lefkoe and Candace Parker attempted to ring in Williamson’s performance, O’Neal dismissed it as “good, but not enough.” Notably, Williamson missed the entire November and December this year due to an injury but has now participated in 21 of the team’s previous 30 games.

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You giving him props for that? I need more. Anybody can get 20 points now. That’s not good enough. I’m not impressed by that.

Shaquille O’Neal said on TNT

However, these remarks did not sit well with many fans around the NBA world. Mainly because Williamson has just returned from a hamstring injury, due to which he missed the Memphis Grizzlies’ game on Sunday.

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In addition, Williamson went 8-13 from the field and 6-6 from the foul line against the Clippers. Given the Pelicans’ record, it appears unlikely that Williamson will do much to draw in the old guard’s praises this year.

Fans annoyed with Shaquille O’Neal’s remarks regarding Zion Williamson

Shaquille O’Neal is known for his varied opinions of NBA players regarding their performances. Given that, the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson had a top-notch performance against the Clippers. He guided his side to a much-needed win. Despite that, O’Neal condemned Williamson and believes he can do better.

This annoyed many NBA fans. They took to various social media apps to put forward their views and thoughts regarding O’Neal’s latest comments. One fan wrote on X, “Does this guy just try to downplay everything?” Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Williamson surely had the backing of the NBA fanbase. Mostly because he has been battling injuries throughout the last few years. At one point, people tipped him to be the NBA’s next face, but the injuries he has suffered have now made him just an average center.

Zion Williamson named player of the game by the New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans earned their 18th win of the year on Tuesday. Thanks to standout forward Zion Williamson’s triple-double performance. Williamson compiled his stats in just 32 minutes of on-court activity.

Williamson’s performance was the second triple-double of his NBA career. The first came on February 27, when he had 27 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in a victory over the Phoenix Suns. Following the game, the Pelicans named Williamson Player of the Game.

Williamson was out for a substantial chunk of the 2024-25 NBA campaign due to injuries. But when he’s fit and on the floor, he averages 24.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 28.4 minutes per game.

Moreover, the Pelicans are presently the No. 14 seed in the Western Conference, with an 18-48 record. Up next, Williamson and his teammates will face the Orlando Magic in their next game on Thursday night.