O'Neal's top ten goals of his career

Introduction: Shaquille O'Neal is a legend in the world of basketball, and his career has been filled with unforgettable moments and achievements. In this article, we will be discussing Shaq's top ten goals of his career. From his days at Louisiana State University (LSU) to his NBA career, Shaq has left fans in awe with his incredible moves on the court. Each goal on this list represents a milestone in Shaq's career, and we will be diving deep into the details behind each one. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and relive some of Shaq's greatest moments!

Goal #10: Career High 61 Points vs. LA Clippers

Shaquille O'Neal's 61-point game against the LA Clippers on March 6, 2000, is a night that is etched in history and the memory of every basketball fan who witnessed it. This performance was a testament to Shaq's immense talent and his ability to dominate any defense that stood in his way.

Playing for the Lakers, Shaq was in unstoppable form that night, as he scored at will against the Clippers. Using his massive frame and athleticism, he bulldozed his way through the Clippers' defense and made baskets from all over the court.

Of his performance, Shaq said, "I just wanted to dominate from start to finish. I knew I was hot, so I kept shooting the ball. It was just one of those games where everything I threw up was going in."

Details of the Game

Shaq's 61 points came from 24-for-35 shooting, 13-for-22 from the free-throw line, and he also grabbed 23 rebounds and had three assists. This was one of the most dominant performances in NBA history, and it was no surprise that Shaq's jersey from that night was retired by the Lakers in 2013.

The editor says: Shaq's 61-point game was a testament to his dominance and his ability to take over a game. This performance was a highlight of his career and is still revered by basketball fans to this day.

Goal #9: Shaq's Game-Winning Dunk to Clinch 2000 Western Conference Finals

In 2000, the Lakers faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. In game seven of the series, with the score tied at 87, Shaq seized the moment and threw down a game-winning dunk to send the Lakers to the NBA Finals.

This was a crucial moment in Shaq's career, as it cemented his status as one of the best players in the game. The Lakers went on to win the NBA Championship that year, and Shaq was named the Finals MVP for his outstanding performances throughout the playoffs.

Reflecting on the game, Shaq said, "It was one of the most important moments of my career. I knew I had to step up and make a play, and I was able to deliver for my team."

The Dunk

Shaq's game-winning dunk was a display of his power and athleticism, as he drove to the basket and threw down a thunderous dunk over Blazers' star Arvydas Sabonis. This moment will forever be remembered by Lakers fans and is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

The editor says: Shaq's game-winning dunk in the 2000 Western Conference Finals was a defining moment in his career and cemented his status as a legend in the game. This moment will forever be remembered by basketball fans around the world.

Goal #8: Rookie Season Slam Dunk Over David Robinson

Shaq's rookie season in the NBA was filled with memorable moments, but none were as impressive as his slam dunk over San Antonio Spurs' David Robinson on April 23, 1993.

At the time, Robinson was considered one of the best players in the league, and he was known for his dominant defense and shot-blocking ability. However, Shaq was not intimidated, and he rose up in the paint and threw down a powerful dunk over Robinson.

Describing the dunk, Shaq said, "I remember thinking to myself, 'I'm going to dunk on him.' It was a great feeling, and it showed that I could compete at the highest level."

The Dunk

Shaq's dunk over Robinson was a display of his raw athleticism and strength. The play has been replayed countless times and is regarded as one of the most iconic dunks in NBA history.

The editor says: Shaq's dunk over David Robinson in his rookie season was a sign of things to come in his career. It showed that Shaq was not afraid to take on the best players in the league and that he had the talent to compete at the highest level.

Goal #7: Shaq's Buzzer-Beating Tip-In to Beat Indiana in 1995 Eastern Conference Finals

During the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, the Orlando Magic faced off against the Indiana Pacers in a decisive game four. The score was tied at 105 with seconds left on the clock when Shaq made the game-winning play.

As teammate Penny Hardaway missed a jump shot, Shaq rose up and tipped the ball in as time expired, giving the Magic the victory in dramatic fashion. This moment was a testament to Shaq's clutch performance and his drive to win.

Reflecting on the moment, Shaq said, "It was one of the best moments of my career. I knew we needed a play, and I was able to make it happen. It was a great feeling to win the game that way."

The Tip-In

Shaq's buzzer-beating tip-in was a dramatic moment in basketball history. The play has been replayed countless times, and it is still remembered as one of the most clutch performances in NBA playoff history.

The editor says: Shaq's buzzer-beating tip-in against the Indiana Pacers was a moment of pure drama and excitement. It was a clutch performance that showed Shaq's dedication to winning.

Goal #6: Shaq's Dominant Performance in the 2002 NBA Finals

The 2002 NBA Finals saw the Lakers face off against the New Jersey Nets, and it was Shaq who dominated the series. In game two of the series, Shaq scored 36 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, leading the Lakers to victory.

Shaq's performance in the series was one of the most dominant in NBA history, as he averaged 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. He was named the Finals MVP for his outstanding play and his ability to lead the Lakers to another championship.

Of his play in the Finals, Shaq said, "It was a great feeling to win another championship, and I was proud of what we accomplished as a team. I knew I had to step up and make big plays, and I was able to do that."

Details of the Series

Shaq's dominance in the NBA Finals was a testament to his incredible skill and his ability to take over games. He was a force to be reckoned with on the court, and his performance in the series will forever be remembered as one of the best in NBA history.

The editor says: Shaq's dominant performance in the 2002 NBA Finals was a display of his incredible talent and his dedication to winning. It was a series that will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive in NBA history.

Goal #5: Shaq's 3-Pointer vs. New Jersey Nets in 1996

Although Shaq was not known for his shooting ability, he did manage to hit a memorable 3-pointer in a game against the New Jersey Nets in 1996. The shot occurred in the final seconds of the game, with the Lakers trailing by two points.

Shaq received the ball out near the top of the key, and he launched a shot towards the basket that hit nothing but net, giving the Lakers the lead. The shot was a rare display of Shaq's shooting ability and his ability to make big plays when it mattered most.

Reflecting on the shot, Shaq said, "I had been practicing my shooting, and I felt confident that I could make the shot. When it went in, it was a great feeling."

The 3-Pointer

Shaq's 3-pointer against the New Jersey Nets was a memorable moment in his career. The shot was unexpected and showed that Shaq was more than just a dominant post player.

The editor says: Shaq's 3-pointer against the New Jersey Nets was a rare display of his shooting ability and his ability to make big plays when it mattered most. It was a moment that showcased his versatility on the court.

Goal #4: Shaq's Dunk Over Dikembe Mutombo in the 2001 NBA Finals

The 2001 NBA Finals saw the Lakers face off against the Philadelphia 76ers, and it was Shaq who dominated the series once again. In game two of the series, Shaq threw down a powerful dunk over Sixers' center Dikembe Mutombo.

The dunk was a display of Shaq's incredible athleticism and his ability to overpower even the best defenders in the league. It was a moment that showcased Shaq's dominance on the court and his ability to rise to the occasion.

Reflecting on the dunk, Shaq said, "It was a great feeling to make a big play in the Finals. I knew I had to step up and showcase my skills, and I was able to do that."

The Dunk

Shaq's dunk over Dikembe Mutombo was a powerful moment in basketball history. The play has been replayed countless times and is still remembered as one of the most iconic dunks in NBA playoff history.

The editor says: Shaq's dunk over Dikembe Mutombo in the 2001 NBA Finals was a display of his incredible athleticism and his ability to rise to the occasion. It was a moment that demonstrated Shaq's dominance on the court.

Goal #3: Shaq's Dominant Performance in Game 1 of the 2000 NBA Finals

The 2000 NBA Finals saw the Lakers face off against the Indiana Pacers, and it was Shaq who dominated the series. In game one of the series, Shaq scored 43 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, leading the Lakers to victory.

Shaq's performance in the game was a display of his incredible talent and his ability to take over a game. He was a force to be reckoned with on the court, and his performance in the game set the tone for the rest of the series.

Reflecting on the game, Shaq said, "It was a great feeling to dominate like that in the Finals. I knew I had to step up and make big plays, and I was able to do that."

Details of the Game

Shaq's dominant performance in game one of the 2000 NBA Finals was a statement to the league that he was the best player on the court. He was an unstoppable force, and his play in the game set the stage for the rest of the series.

The editor says: Shaq's dominant performance in game one of the 2000 NBA Finals was a showcase of his incredible talent and his ability to take over a game. It was a moment that set the tone for the rest of the series and demonstrated Shaq's dominance on the court.

Goal #2: Shaq's Behind-the-Back Dribble and Dunk vs. New Jersey Nets in 1994

During a game against the New Jersey Nets on November 20, 1994, Shaq made one of the most incredible plays of his career. With the ball at the top of the key, Shaq dribbled behind his back and then threw down a powerful dunk over Nets' center Chris Dudley.

The play was a display of Shaq's incredible athleticism and his ability to take on defenders one-on-one. It was a moment that showcased Shaq's unique skill set and his creativity on the court.

Reflecting on the play, Shaq said, "It was a great feeling to make a play like that. I knew I had to be creative and use my skills to get around my defender, and I was able to do that."

The Dribble and Dunk

Shaq's behind-the-back dribble and dunk against the New Jersey Nets was a legendary moment in basketball history. The play has been replayed countless times and is still remembered as one of the most incredible feats of athleticism and skill.

The editor says: Shaq's behind-the-back dribble and dunk against the New Jersey Nets was a moment of pure creativity and skill. It was a testament to Shaq's unique talent and his ability to take on defenders one-on-one.

Goal #1: Shaq's First NBA Championship in 2000

Shaquille O'Neal's first NBA Championship in 2000 was a monumental moment in his career. The Lakers faced off against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, and Shaq was dominant throughout the series.

Shaq was named the Finals MVP for his outstanding performance in the series, and he averaged 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game. The championship was a validation of Shaq's incredible talent and his dedication to winning.

Reflecting on the championship, Shaq said, "It was a moment I will never forget. Winning that first championship was a dream come true. I knew I had to dominate the series, and I was able to do that."

Details of the Championship

Shaq's first NBA Championship was a pivotal moment in his career. It set the stage for many more championships to come and solidified Shaq's status as one of the greatest players of all time.

The editor says: Shaq's first NBA Championship in 2000 was a defining moment in his career. It was a validation of his incredible talent and his dedication to winning. The championship set the stage for many more to come and cemented Shaq's legacy in the game of basketball.