Big Shaq Cries On Live TV And Leaves Audience Speechless.
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Inside the NBA, known for its sharp basketball analysis and unfiltered humor, was on air that evening, just like any other. Shaquille O’Neal, often the life of the show with his larger-than-life personality, was laughing and joking with his co-hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. The banter between the crew was familiar, filled with playful jabs and off-the-cuff remarks. Shaq, always the comic figure, seemed in his element, making the studio feel like a comfortable, lively space, full of energy and lighthearted moments.
But on this particular night, something shifted. The usual playfulness took a sudden turn when the crew began discussing the McDonald’s All-American Games, an event that had significance beyond just the basketball world for Shaq. As the conversation continued, a highlight reel of Shaq’s youngest daughter, Miara O’Neal, played on the screen. Miara, who had recently made a significant impact during the game in Houston, had scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for the West team. She had already made a name for herself in the world of high school basketball, and Shaq could not hide his pride.
As the footage played, the studio grew quiet. Shaq, who was known for his quick wit and humor, suddenly became still. His eyes shimmered as he watched his daughter dribble, shoot, and rebound with the poise and skill that reminded him of his own basketball dominance. There was no laughter, no jokes – only an emotion so raw that it stopped the entire room in its tracks.
“I’m proud of her,” Shaq said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’m proud of all my kids, but this… this is special.”
The silence that followed was heavy, laden with emotion. For Shaq, this was not just a proud father moment. This was a reflection of the complex emotions tied to his own upbringing. Shaq’s biological father, Joseph “Tony” O’Neal, had abandoned him as a child, leaving his mother, Lucille, to raise him alone. It was Philip Harrison, a disciplined military man, who stepped in and became the father figure Shaq had longed for. He instilled values of hard work, accountability, and perseverance in Shaq, shaping him into the man he became.
“My real dad wasn’t there for me,” Shaq said, his voice trembling. “Philip Harrison was the man who raised me. He was tough, but he loved me. Everything I’ve done, every success I’ve had, is because of him.”
Despite the love and support from Philip, the absence of his biological father had left a scar on Shaq’s heart that he had carried with him for years. Over time, Shaq had forgiven his father, Tony, not for Tony’s sake, but for his own peace of mind and the sake of his own children.
“I used to be angry at Tony,” Shaq admitted. “I used to think, ‘Why didn’t he want me?’ But I’ve learned that holding on to anger doesn’t help. I forgave him, not for him, but for me. And for my kids.”
Watching Miara play in the same McDonald’s All-American Games he had participated in back in 1989 was a full-circle moment for Shaq. It brought back memories of his own father, Philip, yelling from the sidelines, pushing him to be his best. Though Shaq had once struggled to understand Philip’s tough love, he now appreciated it more than ever.
“Philip used to yell at me, telling me to be great, to never settle,” Shaq reflected. “Back then, I thought he was just being hard on me, but now, as a father, I get it. He wanted me to have moments like this, watching my daughter shine.”
Miara’s choice to commit to the University of Florida, rather than follow in her father’s footsteps at LSU, was another example of her independence and Shaq was entirely supportive.
“I told her, this is your life, make your own decisions,” Shaq said. “She’s doing her thing, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Adding another layer of emotion to the already charged atmosphere was guest analyst Candace Parker. Shaq had often made Miara watch Candace’s highlight reels, encouraging her to learn from the WNBA star’s leadership and determination.
“I used to make her watch Candace’s highlights,” Shaq shared, turning to Parker with gratitude. “I’d tell her, ‘This is how you lead, this is how you move.’ Because of women like you, my daughter believes she can do anything. So, thank you.”
Candace, visibly moved, responded, “There’s nothing like watching your kids play. It’s their journey, but as parents, we live through every moment with them. Shaq, it shows in your eyes. You’re so proud of her, you’re going to make me cry.”
Shaq, half-jokingly wiping away tears, smiled as he said, “You’re going to make me cry, Candace.”
Ernie Johnson, ever the calming presence, reflected on the significance of Shaq’s journey and his role as a father.
“Shaq, you’ve done what every parent hopes to do,” Ernie said. “You’ve taken the lessons from your past, the good and the bad, and turned them into something beautiful for your kids. That’s what legacy is all about.”
Charles Barkley, who had known Shaq for years, broke his usual pattern of teasing and spoke earnestly.
“Big fella,” Barkley said, “I’ve known you for a long time. Seeing you like this shows how much you love your kids. That’s what matters most. Basketball is great, but family is everything.”
Kenny Smith, drawing from his own experiences as a father, added, “Watching your kids succeed is better than any ring, any trophy. It’s like watching a part of yourself grow into something even better.”
The conversation returned to Miara’s future, but Shaq could no longer contain his emotions. He wasn’t just proud of Miara as a player; he was proud of the person she had become.
“She’s not just a great player,” Shaq said, fighting back tears. “She’s a great person, and that’s what makes me proudest.”
The tears that fell were not just for Miara’s success. They were for Shaq’s entire journey: the lessons from his mother, the love from his stepfather, the pain of his biological father’s absence, and the forgiveness he had learned to offer. The moment was a reminder that, for Shaq, family came first – and that the most meaningful victories in life were not always found on the basketball court, but in the love shared between a father and his children.
As the segment concluded, the camera lingered on Shaq, his eyes still glistening with tears, a man who had come full circle. For Shaq, the night was about more than basketball. It was about healing, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child. It was a lesson that transcended sports, leaving viewers across the world with a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.
SEE MORE: Klay Thompson Shouts Out LeBron James After Reaching 16,000 NBA Points
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Dallas Mavericks swingman Klay Thompson made NBA history by scoring his 16,000th point in the Mavericks’ 101-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Thompson is the 17th-highest active scorer in the NBA right now, with 16,000 points being an incredible achievement.
He was asked to discuss the bittersweet nature of making history in a loss after the game, but the achievement made him realize how incredible LeBron James is to have scored over 40,000 NBA points.
“It’s cool, but it makes you realize how ridiculous it is that LeBron has 40,000. It’s insane. But it’s cool. Anytime you do something like that in the NBA, it’s a special moment.”
Klay led the Mavericks in scoring in this game with 25 points (9-19 FG) and six rebounds. They went into the final 12 minutes with a 10-point lead, but a fourth-quarter collapse cost them the game.
The fact that Thompson has only reached 16,000 points for his career seems shockingly low until you contextualize the reality of his career. He didn’t get off to a hot scoring start after being drafted in 2011, slowly earning his stripes as the solidified backcourt partner for Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.
His scoring total isn’t as high as many expect, currently behind other active players such as Brook Lopez, Kyle Lowry, and Nikola Vucevic. But it’s still an incredible achievement to have been as prolific as Thompson over a career.
He has a few more years in the tank, so it’ll be interesting to see how much more he can score before inevitably hanging it up.
LeBron’s 40,000 points can be viewed with greater perspective now, as no modern player is even remotely close to where he’s at. James has currently scored 41,261 NBA points in his career, with the next-closest Kevin Durant having 29,656 points.
Klay Thompson Needs To Lead Without Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving
The Mavericks were without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the court and a win tonight would’ve easily been their most impressive of the season as they faced the healthy Nuggets with a returning Aaron Gordon tonight.
Klay tried his best to lead the Mavs to a win as their primary offensive option. This is a role he’ll have to embrace going forward as the team is relying on his production until their stars are back.
He opened up about the challenge of playing without Doncic and Irving after the game.
“It’s definitely an adjustment, and that’s the fun part of the season…It’s welcomed, and I enjoy these moments where we gotta battle adversity.”
Thompson is averaging 14.2 points and 3.4 rebounds this season
The Mavs and Nuggets will clash once again on Tuesday in the second game of a baseball series between the Conference rivals. Dallas will once again be outmatched, but they have an opportunity to complete the shocking win they almost pulled off tonight.
