It’s no secret how dominant prime Shaquille O’Neal was back during the day. Turns out Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki had to find out the hard way on the court.
Throughout his remarkable 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks, the All-Star power forward amassed an impressive 31,560 points, securing the sixth position in the all-time NBA scoring rankings. He stands behind legendary figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
![Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Recalls Hilarious Time He Had To Guard Shaquille O'Neal 1 Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_12067609_168400517_lowres.jpg)
His scoring prowess played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ overall success, leading them to 15 playoff appearances from 2001 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2016. However, his most significant achievement came in 2011 when he guided the Mavericks to their first and only NBA championship.
Throughout his tenure, he became synonymous with the Mavericks and was the driving force behind their success. His remarkable ability to put the ball in the net not only earned him numerous accolades but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Reveals Time He Had To Defend Prime Shaquille O’Neal
![Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Recalls Hilarious Time He Had To Guard Shaquille O'Neal 2 Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_14377891-scaled.jpg)
Years after he has retired from the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks legend has come forth with various stories about his time in the league. One such anecdote was shared during an episode of The Big Pod with O’Neal, as seen in a video posted by the podcast’s official X account.
Dirk Nowitzki on the time he had to guard Shaq 🤣
Full episode: https://t.co/uzUFJCiNTu
Full Uncensored & Ad-Free episode: https://t.co/mRBBO9802y pic.twitter.com/zEB10gGEi6
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) June 9, 2024
Unlike his first year in the league during the 1998-99 season, Nowitzki raised his numbers to 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his second year with the Dallas Mavericks. From there, he became the franchise’s GOAT and established himself as an icon for the Mavs.
![Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Recalls Hilarious Time He Had To Guard Shaquille O'Neal 3 Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_18150199_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
Although O’Neal trampled his way through Nowitzki, there could have been a time when the two stars could have played together. While that didn’t happen, their careers still ended up being legendary.
![Dallas Mavericks Icon Dirk Nowitzki Recalls Hilarious Time He Had To Guard Shaquille O'Neal 4 NBA, Shaquille O'Neal](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_22056901_168400517_lowres-1-scaled.jpg)
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