Shaquille O’Neal, the dominant force in the NBA during the 90s, seems to be in agreement with Michael Jordan’s perspective on the physicality of the game during that era. As a rookie in 1992, O’Neal witnessed the rise of Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dynasty. In 1995, O’Neal’s Orlando Magic became the last team to defeat the Bulls in the playoffs during Jordan’s reign.
Shaquille O’Neal and Michael JordanUnite: Nodding to the Physicality of 90s NBA
Even before entering the NBA, O’Neal was known for his overpowering style of play, drawing comparisons to the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. He was no stranger to physicality, both giving and receiving it on the court. Since retiring in 2011, O’Neal has become a prominent basketball analyst for TNT, consistently emphasizing the increased physical nature of the game in the 90s. He has often pondered how today’s big men would fare in the rough and tumble environment of his early years in the league.
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Recently, O’Neal shared an interview on Instagram where Michael Jordan expressed similar sentiments about the physicality of the game during their era. Jordan highlighted the intensity and roughness of play, reminiscing about the constant checks, illegal screens, and holding that players had to endure. He emphasized the need to pay a price for being aggressive and the understanding that going inside meant taking hits.
Jordan himself faced the brunt of physicality, particularly against the infamous Detroit Pistons in the late 80s. Known as the “Bad Boys,” the Pistons made sure Jordan paid the price whenever he attacked the rim. However, Jordan never backed down and ultimately triumphed over the physical and unforgiving style of play the Pistons employed.
Similarly, O’Neal encountered numerous battles on the court, enduring intentional fouls rather than allowing him easy dunks. As a behemoth in the paint, O’Neal had to withstand punishing fouls that would likely result in ejections in today’s NBA.
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The shared perspective of both Jordan and O’Neal highlights the physicality and toughness that characterized the game during the 90s. It was an era where players had to endure and overcome the physical challenges to succeed. Today’s NBA has evolved, with a greater emphasis on skill, finesse, and protecting player safety. The game may have changed, but the memories of the physical battles waged by these legends remain.
