The Denver Nuggets stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. After a hard-fought seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver had to face a rested OKC team that completed a 4-0 sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite having more rest and home court advantage, Oklahoma City coughed up a 14-point lead to lose on a game-winning 3-pointer by Aaron Gordon. While it was Gordon who hit the game-winner, Denver was led by Nikola Jokic who finished with 42 points, 22 rebounds and six assists.
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The Nuggets needed Jokic’s big night, especially because Jamal Murray struggled.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27).© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Shooting just 6-for-16, Murray was unable to get much going offensively. This was the first thing NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal asked him about during his postgame interview on TNT.
“Every time I’ve jumped on you, you’ve stepped up and played fabulous,” O’Neal began. “How do you feel about a 6-for-16 game? And what do you say to yourself to play better? Because you know and I know, they’re gonna need you to play at a super high level if you want to win another championship.”
O’Neal, who won three-straight championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been facing backlash from fans who felt his question was inappropriate after Denver’s big victory.
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“Shaq’s acting like Murray’s 6 of 16 was awful,” said one fan. “He played 44 minutes and had 21 pts, 6 assists and 6 rbs.”
“Shaq asking such a dumb question to Murray,” said another.
“Shaq forgot the Nuggets just won, asking Jamal Murray about shooting 6-16,” claimed one.
“Why is Shaq’s heart filled with so much hate?” a fan asked. “Bro acts like he never had an off night in his career.”
“Shaq always ruining the mood in the interviews,” added one.
“Shaq just asked jamal Murray the dumbest question man I hate hearing him talk basketball,” wrote another.
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