Knicks Win NBA Title Despite Shaq's Luck Claims
The New York Knicks are the latest team that Shaquille O'Neal refuses to give credit to. O'Neal, the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, spoke this week on the latest episode of his "The Big Podcast with Shaq." During the episode, O'Neal addressed the Knicks' championship victory and said that he believes they got lucky in winning it all.
What Happened?
"If you don't get that tip [by OG Anunoby in Game 4 of the NBA Finals] it's over," said O'Neal. "You don't win that game. If De'Aaron Fox don't f--ing try to score with 8 seconds left … That's two instances right there." O'Neal was referencing the San Antonio Spurs' star Fox's last-second blunder in Game 4 of the Finals that opened the door for OG Anunoby's game-winning tip-in to cap off a 29-point collapse by the Spurs to the Knicks.
Why It Matters for New York Knicks
However, O'Neal failed to account for the fact that the Knicks beat the Spurs in five games and also had 12 double-digit wins overall in the 2026 playoffs. Every NBA championship is rooted (to some degree) in luck, whether it be injury luck, matchup luck, or just a friendly bounce of the ball or two that ends up swinging a series. But the Knicks, in rallying from multiple late deficits to the Spurs in the Finals and in walloping every single Eastern Conference opponent prior to that, proved that they were far more good than lucky.
What Comes Next?
Still, this is just par for the course for O'Neal, who has consistently proven to be one of the biggest haters in sports media today. The Knicks, on the other hand, are basking in the glory of their championship win, which marked their first title in over a decade. Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14). Recent form (last 5): 4W-0D-1L (WWWWL, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. The team's impressive playoff run and 12 double-digit wins prove they were more than just fortunate.
Conclusion
The Knicks' championship win was a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they deserve all the credit for their impressive playoff run. Shaq's claims of luck may be a bit off-base, but it's clear that the Knicks are a team to be reckoned with in the NBA.
