The NBA Playoffs are heating up, and so is Shaquille O’Neal—both on the mic and on the move.
Let’s start in Boston, where the Celtics opened their first-round series with a commanding 103–86 win over the Orlando Magic. But the big story wasn’t just the scoreboard—it was a late-game flagrant foul that sent Jayson Tatum crashing to the court and left fans (and the Celtics bench) holding their breath.
The hit, delivered by Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, was ruled a flagrant and had Tatum clutching his right wrist in obvious pain. Though the All-Star stayed in the game—racking up 17 points and 14 rebounds—concerns quickly turned medical. ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed Tatum suffered a bone bruise, and he’s now listed as doubtful for Game 2.
Shaq, never one to sugarcoat things, had a strong reaction on TNT’s Inside the NBA:
“SFW—so freaking what?” the big man said bluntly. “It’s playoff basketball. Just because you’re Jayson Tatum, they’re supposed to let you through? No.”
Vintage Diesel. Always keeping it 100. Shaq reminded fans that the postseason isn’t supposed to be soft—especially not when you’re aiming for back-to-back championships, like Boston is.
Still, Tatum’s potential absence could swing the series. And with the Magic already undermanned—missing key players like Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner—even Shaq has previously predicted a Boston sweep unless Orlando can rally fast.
But speaking of rallying fast…
Later that same night, Shaq gave fans another kind of unforgettable moment—this time, far away from the court. In the middle of Inside the NBA, with zero warning, the Big Fella suddenly got up and left the set mid-discussion.
“Shaq had to hustle out of Studio J,” the NBA on TNT account posted on X, and the internet wasted no time in turning it into a meme-worthy moment. When Kenny Smith asked, “You alright, big fella?” Shaq coolly replied, “Go ahead. Keep talking, gents,” as he briskly power-walked off-camera.
The studio crew erupted with laughter.
“He’s been drinking olive oil to clean his gut,” Kenny joked.
“I didn’t like his gait,” added Ernie Johnson. “That was not a typical walk.”
And yes, they broke down Shaq’s bathroom break with slow-motion replays. You know, just like a crucial buzzer-beater—only this one involved less basketball and more… biology.
When Shaq returned, he blamed Charles Barkley for talking too long during the break:
“I’m sitting there like shut the hell up and hurry up,” Shaq said with a grin.
From calling out soft playoff fouls to sprinting for the restroom live on air, Shaq stays unpredictable—and fans are here for all of it. Whether it’s calling games or causing giggles, the Big Aristotle remains the MVP of NBA entertainment.