The New York Knicks faced off against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Finals showdown, and it was filled with some incredibly intense moments. However, the real jaw-dropper came even before the tip-off, featuring none other than the legendary Shaquille O’Neal.
O’Neal was present on the courtside, eagerly anticipating the high-stakes match-up between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their playoff series. As the excitement in the arena built, a lighthearted moment unfolded before the game began.
Behind O’Neal, a man donned with a comically small basketball hoop stood, perfectly positioned to witness the antics about to unfold. The arena buzzed with laughter as the Pacers’ mascot, Boomer, entered the scene. With a small basketball cradled in his hands, Boomer burst into action, charging towards the tiny rim with infectious enthusiasm.
Shaq got dunked on by @PacersBoomer 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/MYNbi5soYw
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 25, 2025
In a comedic attempt to execute a slam dunk, Boomer took off but unexpectedly misjudged his jump. Instead of soaring gracefully towards the rim, he landed clumsily right on O’Neal. When the clip of the incident surfaced on social media, fans erupted in laughter as Shaq, known for his towering height and imposing presence, found himself playfully squished beneath the mascot.
Shaquille O’Neal Evaluates Karl-Anthony Towns’ Shot Selection During First Half Play
The Knicks delivered a stellar performance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers. Jalen Brunson played for 31 minutes, scoring 23 points, along with one assist and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a significant impact, contributing 24 points, one assist, and 15 rebounds. These strong performances helped the Knicks secure a 106-100 victory over the Pacers. After the game, Shaquille O’Neal reflected on Towns’ shot selection in the first half.
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“Things like this should never happen. 6’11 right here, right at the basket, you’ve got to make this, you’ve got to play with force. He’s not playing well, this shot right here, we’d be fighting in the locker room right now. We’re down 0-2, and you’re taking 35-footers and missed this shot right here,” O’neal said.
Shaq & Chuck weren't feeling KAT's shot selection in the first half 😬 pic.twitter.com/CMKibEOBsV
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 26, 2025
With their Game 3 victory, the Knicks secured their first win in the conference finals series against the Pacers. They will play Game 4 of the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal Reveals The Real Reason James Harden Struggles Under Playoff Pressure
