Shaquille O’Neal Clarifies His Remarks on Knicks’ Championship Luck

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently clarified his comments about the New York Knicks’ championship win. When an interviewer suggested O’Neal said the Knicks got ‘lucky,’ the Hall of Famer corrected him, stating he actually said, ‘Luck was involved.’

O’Neal explained, ‘That’s not what I said. I hate people like you who don’t listen. I said, ‘Luck was involved.’ What if OG Anunoby didn’t get the tip? What if De’Aaron Fox held the ball back? That’s luck. What if Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum played the postseason? Everybody needs luck to win the championship. I started off by saying two of my championships were lucky.’

O’Neal then challenged Knicks fans by saying, ‘Run it back,’ encouraging another championship effort next season.

O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, won a three-peat with Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000, 2001, and 2002. During the 2000 championship, the Lakers faced Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers. After going up 2-1, Game 4 went into overtime, with O’Neal fouling out. Bryant made clutch free throws, and Miller missed a last-second three-pointer that could’ve tied the series. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-2.

O’Neal also won in 2006 with the Miami Heat. Their Finals matchup with Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks was intense. Dallas took a 2-0 lead and nearly went up 3-0, but Miami claimed Game 3 after escaping with a narrow 98-96 victory. Miami went on to win the series 4-2, despite controversies, including a disputed backcourt violation by Dwyane Wade.

While Knicks relied on some lucky moments against the San Antonio Spurs, they showcased grit and determination.

The Anunoby and Fox incidents highlighted both ‘luck’ and basketball skill. Anunoby’s timely tip-in demonstrated awareness, and Spurs could have boxed out better. Fox’s play was regarded as a veteran mistake, capitalized by Knicks’ defenders.

For more on the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.