When Shaquille O’Neal talks about dominating the biggest stage in basketball, people tend to listen.
After all, the man collected four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, and enough unforgettable playoff performances to fill a highlight reel that could run all weekend. So when the Big Diesel watched Victor Wembanyama take over Madison Square Garden during the 2026 NBA Finals, he immediately recognized what he was seeing.
A superstar grabbing control of the moment.
Speaking from New York before Game 3 of the Finals, Shaq admitted he was blown away by the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were hosting an NBA Finals game for the first time in nearly three decades, and the building was packed with celebrities, former players, and some of the loudest fans on the planet.
For Shaq, it brought back memories.
He joked that his first reaction was a little “professional jealousy,” something every great athlete can understand. Then came the question he always asks when the lights are brightest: Who’s going to control the night?
Back in his playing days, Shaq never wanted to leave that question unanswered.
The Hall of Famer laughed while recalling Finals games in Los Angeles where celebrities filled the arena and all eyes were on the court. In those moments, he wanted the basketball and intended to make sure everyone remembered who was in charge.
That’s exactly what he saw from Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-4 phenom delivered 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to help San Antonio earn a crucial Finals victory. More importantly, in Shaq’s eyes, Wembanyama seized control of the stage.
Of course, being Shaq, he couldn’t resist adding a little playful exaggeration.
When asked how he would have performed in the same situation, the Big Diesel confidently claimed he would have dropped 45 points and 19 rebounds before heading out on the town and doing it all over again the next game.
Some things never change.
As for the Finals themselves, Shaq isn’t ready to make any bold predictions just yet. He believes the series could swing dramatically depending on the next result. A Knicks win would put New York firmly in control, but a Spurs victory would reset everything and transform the Finals into a tense best-of-three showdown.
While basketball remains a huge part of Shaq’s life, it’s far from the only thing keeping him busy.
The NBA legend has spent years building one of the most successful post-playing careers in sports history. Between broadcasting, business ventures, endorsements, and brand partnerships, Shaq’s calendar stays packed year-round.
He’s also become a vocal advocate for health awareness after being diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea following his retirement from basketball. Since then, he has worked to improve his health through lifestyle changes and treatment while encouraging others to speak with their doctors and take the condition seriously.
And if you thought retirement meant slowing down, think again.
Shaq says he’s focused on expanding the SHAQ brand, filming a reality television project, and continuing his education. He’s also helping oversee Reebok Basketball’s resurgence while trusting his leadership team to handle day-to-day operations.
That management style sounds a lot like the way he used to approach basketball. Put talented people in position to succeed, trust them to do their jobs, and step in when the team needs a big performance.
Fortunately for Shaq, things seem to be rolling smoothly these days.
Whether he’s analyzing the NBA Finals, mentoring the next generation, growing his business empire, or cheering on stars like Wembanyama, one thing is clear: The Big Diesel may have retired from basketball, but he’s nowhere near finished making an impact.