We missed out on Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley playing against one another when both were in their prime. The basktball gods just did not love us in that way. Given just how hilarious the two have been on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” over the years, we really want to speak to who didn’t make that happen. It is really a crying shame.
Alas, it was not to be.
The two Basketball Hall of Famers and larger-than-life personalities took it another step during TNT’s broadcast of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First-Round matchup between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
As we’re sure you already know, Miami pulled off the shocking upset by the score of 111-101. Boston won a league-high 64 games during the regular season. It lost just four at home. Meanwhile, Miami inched into the playoffs via the NBA Play-In Tournament and was playing without GOAT Jimmy Butler.
Who in their right mind would pick the Heat to win by double digits with all of that as a backdrop? Call the former Miami player a homer or whatever, but Shaq did just that.
Related: Charles Barkley Delivers Strong Take On Bronny James’ NBA Future, Playing With LeBron James
Shaquille O’Neal Drops Charles Barkley In “Friendly” Bet
Prior to the game Wednesday night, Shaq casually said that the Heat were going to win by double digits as the broadcast was going to commercial. Barkley had a one word response, “bet.”
What followed was must-see television at its absolute best. Check out the entire cut-up.
Yes, Shaq really doubled up the bet at half with Boston up by three points. Did we mention a dude by the name of Jimmy Buckets was not playing? It seems as if he’s that guy you want sitting next to you during a high-stakes game of Blackjack, because, that’s insane.
The best part? Shaq legitimately pulled out a wad of cash when pretending to answer his phone. Talk about an elite-level troll job.
Related: Shaquille O’Neal Would Like To Know How Ben Simmons Gets Paid Millions For Hardly Ever Playing
It’s all fun and games until someone loses the Bennie’s. Known as a hot-head during his playing days, Chuck took it all in stride. Most would have pulled a Dave Chappelle.
Then again, most people aren’t worth a cool $60 million like the Chuckster.