SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Shaq scores 61 points

Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal was quite possibly the most powerful center in NBA history.
Aptly nicknamed Superman and Shaq Diesel, he would routinely overpower centers that dared to try to stop him, putting them and the basketball in the rim whenever he felt like it.

Then-Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers Monday, March 6, 2000.  In this season of campaigns, Shaquille O'Neal made a convincing pitch to MVP voters — a career-high 61 points.  "It's a good feeling," O'Neal said after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Clippers 123-103 for their 16th consecutive victory, equaling their longest winning streak of the season. Photo credit: E.J. Flynn, The Associated Press
Then-Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers Monday, March 6, 2000. In this season of campaigns, Shaquille O’Neal made a convincing pitch to MVP voters — a career-high 61 points. “It’s a good feeling,” O’Neal said after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Clippers 123-103 for their 16th consecutive victory, equaling their longest winning streak of the season. Photo credit: E.J. Flynn, The Associated Press

On March 6, 2000, O’Neal was definitely feeling like it, as the Lakers took on the Los Angeles Clippers. Shaquille O’Neal would destroy the Clippers, scoring 61 points in the Lakers’ 123-103 win.

Shaq would go on to average 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists as he led the
Lakers to their first NBA championship since 1988. The Lakers would defeat the Pacers in the NBA Finals four games to two.

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