Shaquille O’Neal posted an Instagram story showing Nikola Jokic dominating New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the low post. The video in the story is titled “Nikola O’Neal,” a nod to Shaq’s overpowering low-post game, which destroyed hundreds of opponents. O’Neal, as usual, posted the video without accompanying text. Meanwhile, officials from Portfiesta produced a video with the caption, “Who do you choose, Shaq or Joker?”

“Nikola O’Neal”: Shaquille O’Neal Displays Nuggets Player’s ‘Dominance’ Against Pelicans Big

The footage shows Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas attempting to guard Jokic in the mid-range region. The Joker continually pushed Valanciunas’ chest with his big size and lower-base power, displacing him. The Nuggets’ center gets near to the basket by using his shoulders and lower foundation.

Unable to defend against the onslaught, the Pelicans Center flew out of bounds as Jokic dunked with ease. This is a typical example of what Shaq calls a “bully ball.” Valanciunas, who measures 6’11” and weighs more than 250 pounds, was unable to absorb the impact at the post.

The way the 2023 Finals MVP handled the Pelicans Center was reminiscent of classic Shaq moves. On the other hand, the Joker’s low-posting style split fans on Instagram. One of the users claimed Jokic had committed an offensive foul. A user said, “I think Jokic totally shouldered him twice…”

Another commenter said, “That was an offensive foul.” Others, however, felt Valanciunas did not sell an aggressive foul call well. A person wrote, “Y Jonas flopping though”. Another remark agreed, writing, “The flopping nowadays is mad” followed by a laughing emoji.

Meanwhile, in a comical turn of events, considering Travis Kelce-Jonas Valanciunas’s resemblance and Kelce’s romance with Taylor Swift, a commenter had a clever answer, “Taylor Swift boyfriend became soft” followed by a sobbing emoji.

Shaquille O’Neal acknowledged Joker as the league’s best center.Prior to the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Diesel dubbed the Joker the “best Center”. This was despite the fact that 76ers center Joel Embiid earned MVP after leading the league in scoring during the 2022-23 season. However, Embiid was unable to guide the 76ers to a victory over the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Shaquille O’Neal showers praise on Nikola Jokic following the Nuggets’ Game 1 triumph, adding him to ‘The Big Man Alliance’ | Sporting News

Jokic, the eventual Finals MVP, had led a dominant Nuggets run to the NBA Finals, including a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. On his ‘The Big Podcast’, Shaq lauded Jokic for not relying primarily on jumpers and for developing a well-crafted post-game to lead the “new wave of Centers”.

“Joker is at the upper center. He has changed the game of basketball, yet he plays in the manner that I believe a new wave center should. Five years ago, centers depended entirely on jump shots. Shaquille O’Neal said, “Joker is the best big man, and he’s proven it.”

While Jokic has already joined the elite big men’s club, it will be interesting to see how his resume compares to Shaq once all is said and done. To do so, he requires two more Finals MVPs, implying that the Nuggets must win at least two titles. In any case, he has left an indelible mark on the league as one of the most effective players ever.