Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers had a career-high game against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000, scoring 61 points. What made that feat extra special was that Shaq accomplished it for his birthday.
Also, the LSU product explained that he got extra motivation in that game because of a Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shaq said he got offended when Kaarem was allegedly giving pointers to a Clippers big man, Keith Closs, so he decided to start dominating him to show Jabbar Closs can't stop him.
In an interview with the 7-foot-3 former center on Sports Bytes Philippines , Closs admitted that he had heard of that story, but the funny thing is that he never played in the game Shaq mentioned.
"He's a funny guy. He can actually do comedy if he wanted to. He's a hell of a storyteller and that's how comedians thrive…I happened to be the punchline for the last 24 years for a game that I didn't even play in," the 48-year-old said.
Fact-check needed
Although it gave Closs some publicity, the Central Connecticut product set some facts straight.
"They still don't know I didn't play. Because he said it on television, it had to be true. My only response to them is, 'Oh man, check the box scores. How much did I give him?'" Closs pointed out.
The claims of The Boss were true. In fact, a look at the box scores via ESPN showed that he wasn't even used in the game. However, there were other big men on the roster that O'Neal could have been referring to, such as Mike Olowakandi or Anthony Avent.
"It wasn't me at all. I didn't play that game. I think he was talking [about] Michael Olowokandi. Most of that game, I was out with back spasms, I'm in street clothes. Most of that game, I was back in the family area with my infant son, playing with him. I just felt bad for the guys, but what could I do?" Closs mentioned.
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Dominant Shaq
O'Neal went 24 of 35 from the field and converted 13 of 22 free throws in that game. The Lakers won, 123-103, sweeping their regular season series with the Clippers back then.
Keith and others who learned about the truth continue to wonder why O'Neal would get that story mixed up. The 2005 CBA blocks leader believes that it was just in the character of 1993 Rookie of the Year to make playful jabs.
"He's on the right platform to do it. So anytime he's got a chance to take a playful jab, he is going to do it. I don't blame him. I'd do the same. I'm the same way," Closs added.
O'Neal knew how to entertain people with his jokes and funny antics. In fact, he continues to do so until today. However, some fact-checking sometimes needs to be done.
Related: “He didn’t want to tame us” - Shaquille O’Neal explains how Phil Jackson managed his and Kobe Bryant’s ego
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