Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2001 NBA Finals after winning the championship in 2000 vs. the Indiana Pacers in six games. The duo faced off against Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals.
Dikembe Mutombo was an instrumental part of the 76ers’ success that season. He battled it out vs. Shaq in the NBA Finals. But the Diesel didn’t like Mutombo’s playing style after getting fouled out in Game 3 of the series. Shaq even called out Mutombo in a press conference later.
“Play me like a man,” Shaq said, per ESPN. “I said what I said and I meant what I said. OK? Good. Challenge me. Treat me like a game of checkers and play me. That’s all I’m asking. Just play me. I’m allowed to pivot. I’m allowed to play strong. I’m allowed to be powerful. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole career. So just play. Treat me like Sega and play me.”
O’Neal accused Mutombo was flopping in Game 3 of the series, which led to his departure from the game. Despite getting fouled out, Shaq finished the game with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks. His performance was enough to lead the Lakers to a 96-91 win over the 76ers.
Dikembe Mutombo Didn’t Like Shaquille O’Neal’s Criticism
During the 2001 NBA Finals, Shaquille O’Neal was in the middle of his prime. He was an unstoppable force and didn’t back down from talking trash to his opponents.
But Dikembe Mutombo didn’t like the Diesel’s criticism. In fact, he labeled it stupid.
“It’s stupid. It doesn’t make sense,” Mutombo said of O’Neal’s criticism. “I think he’s stupid to say that. Based on what? Trying to relate that to what? Fouling out? What — am I the referee? It’s just he hasn’t had so many people who can guard him like I have been guarding him. That’s the only way I can answer. This is the Finals. This is the NBA championship.”
Mutombo was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year that season, but even he couldn’t stop Shaq and the Lakers. The Purple and Gold wrapped up the series in five games, with O’Neal averaging 33.0 PPG, 15.8 RPG, and 4.8 APG. He won the second NBA Finals MVP of his career as well.
On the other hand, Mutombo had 16.8 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 0.4 APG in the 2001 NBA Finals. It was obvious who was the better player between the two stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJCTpbOuDKU
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