The Heat were down the Mavericks 0-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals and seemed like they were going to lose the series. After Shaquille O’Neal‘s lackluster performance in Game 2, Dwyane Wade, who excelled in the two losses, criticized his teammate. The guard was forced to provide one of the greatest Finals performances ever, though, by the then three-time NBA champion who completely changed the game plan.
Shaquille O’Neal’s words to Dwyane Wade
Wade talked about trying to get O’Neal to play at the same level as he did during the Lakers’ three-peat at the beginning of the millennium, following the player’s abysmal five-point performance in Game 2. Wade made this revelation on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.
But the center told him it was his turn to step up and referred to his resume. Recalling, the Hall of Famer said:
“[Shaq] tried to use a little reverse psychology on me…We’re down 0-2 and Shaq is not playing up to Shaq’s standards… What he did to me is, he just kind of put it on me… So, he put a little fire under me, like, ‘Yo, this is your time. I already got three(rings). What you gon do?’”
O’Neal’s remarks were effective. Wade averaged 39.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals over the course of the next four games, helping the Heat win four straight and capture their first-ever NBA championship. The center was happy to be the supporting cast member for once after his mental tricks helped him win his fourth NBA championship.
