Shaquille O’Neal Gives Joel Embiid His Flowers After Dominant Game 7 Performance: “I Salute You”

Shaquille O'Neal has often criticized Joel Embiid in the past for not playing like a true big man and exploiting his physical advantages.

Shaquille O’Neal Gives Joel Embiid His Flowers After Dominant Game 7 Performance: “I Salute You”

Shaquille O'Neal and Joel Embiid (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Joel Embiid averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in the decisive Game 7.
  • Shaquille O'Neal praised Embiid's performance, stating, "I salute you."
  • Embiid urged Philadelphia fans to support the team against the Knicks in the upcoming playoffs.

Joel Embiid is one of the best, if not the best, big men in the league. But his health has been the major reason he has not been able to fulfill that promise for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The last three years have been a struggle for the Cameroonian-French-American, as various trips to the doctor’s room left him unable to build on the MVP award he won in 2023.

Still, the 76ers stuck with him and even offered him contract extensions with the hope that someday it would all materialize. This season, too, he had his fair share of struggles.

Even his appendicitis surgery was seen as something inevitable, as injuries became a byline whenever the 32-year-old was mentioned in any sentence.

Then, he returned in time to help his teammates claw back from a 1-3 deficit. In four games, the 32-year-old averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.

From the ‘Lord Supreme’ of the big man alliance, I salute you… You played like a real big man.

Shaquille O’Neal said

This was the Diesel giving someone whom he had criticized a lot in the past, the flowers he deserved. Shaquille O’Neal was clapping when reviewing the Paris Olympics gold medalist’s impressive performance.

Then, as his Inside the NBA colleagues repeated Joel Embiid’s stat line from the deciding Game 7, the Hall of Famer reacted as if that performance gave him a jolt. That was O’Neal showing how impressed he was with the way Joel Embiid played.

Joel Embiid hopes fans help them against the Knicks

Shaquille O’Neal made sure to mention to the camera that he hoped Joel Embiid and the latter’s son were watching Inside the NBA, as he had nothing but respect for the 76ers center after such a performance.

It seems confidence is high for the Kansas alum. But he also wants franchise fans to be their pillar of support, especially when the Knicks come into town for Round 2.

I just have a message for our fans. Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like this was Madison Square Garden East. We’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you… If you need money, I got you.

Joel Embiid said

The big man was referring to the 2024 playoffs when the Philadelphia 76ers battled the New York Knicks in the first round. However, New Yorkers traveled to Philadelphia and filled out the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

At the time, Embiid had expressed his frustration about the lack of local fan support. He, and the rest of the basketball world, knew that Philly fans had sold their tickets to Knicks fans for a huge markup.

The father of one hopes this time it will be different. The 76ers need the help of their fans to overcome the resurgent Knicks. But if anyone still thinks they need to cash in on this opportunity, Joel Embiid has offered to help.

Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns’ history should spice up Round 2

Other than the historic Philadelphia vs. New York sports rivalry, the second round of the Eastern Conference playoff series will be between two players who also have quite a history between them.

Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns have history
Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns have history (Image via Knicks Muse/X)

A few years ago, in their battle to become known as the best young center in the league, Joel Embiid brawled with a certain Karl-Anthony Towns.

Since then, while they have not thrown hands at each other, the two have engaged in social media trash talk. Now, both appear to have matured and know what their limitations are.

However, in a playoff environment, there is a chance their history could become the talking point. It so happens that the two teams are almost evenly matched at every position.

Therefore, it is highly likely that the outcome will depend on which center plays better. If that is what this series comes down to, expect the historic tensions between the two to spill onto the court.

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