The article discusses the rivalry between Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, particularly in the 1990s. The two basketball legends had a complex and often subtle rivalry, with Shaq seeking to dethrone Jordan as the best player in the NBA. After Jordan's brief retirement, Shaq asserted himself as the dominant player, leading the Orlando Magic to a series win over the Chicago Bulls in the 1995 playoffs. However, Jordan returned to the league and led the Bulls to a dominating sweep of the Magic in the 1996 playoffs, reminding Shaq that the crown was not yet his. The article suggests that Jordan's beatdown on Shaq may have contributed to Shaq's decision to leave the Magic and join the Los Angeles Lakers. The rivalry between the two players had a lasting impact on the NBA, with Shaq eventually becoming a dominant force in the league after learning from his experiences against Jordan.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal had a notable duel on January 16, 1993, where Jordan scored 64 points and Shaq had a 30-20 game with 5 blocks.
2. The Orlando Magic, led by Shaq, defeated the reigning NBA champion Chicago Bulls in that game.
3. It was only the second time Shaq faced off against Jordan.
4. Shaq was a rookie in the 1992-1993 season and was putting up impressive stats.
5. In 1996, Shaq made the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list at the age of 23.
6. Shaq was on the same list as the best players to ever play in the NBA.
7. Shaq's success was overshadowed by Jordan's dominance in the league.
8. Jordan retired from basketball after the 1992-1993 season, leaving the door open for Shaq to take over the league.
9. Shaq asserted himself as the most dominant player in the league during Jordan's retirement.
10. The Orlando Magic established themselves as a top team in the East with Shaq and Penny Hardaway.
11. Shaq led the Magic to a 57-win season in 1994-1995.
12. Shaq was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and won a scoring title at the age of 22.
13. Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995 and led the Bulls to a 72-win season.
14. The Bulls defeated the Magic in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals, sweeping the series 4-0.
15. Shaq and the Magic were unable to overcome Jordan and the Bulls in the playoffs.
16. Shaq left the Magic and joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996.
17. The Shaq-Penny duo is considered one of the biggest what-ifs in 90s NBA history.
18. Shaq has credited Michael Jordan with teaching him how to handle failure and succeed in the NBA.