N※N

Shaq's 2000 Finals Stats Were Historic

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. 2/05/shaq-s-2000-finals-stats-were-historic.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 17:07 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Indiana, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 5, 2026 - The year 2000 feels like a lifetime ago for many NBA fans, yet the memory of Shaquille O'Neal's dominance in the NBA Finals remains vividly etched in the collective consciousness. While the Los Angeles Lakers' sweep of the Indiana Pacers is commonly recalled as a decisive victory, a recent discussion on "The Road Trippin' Podcast" featuring Rick Fox, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green has brought a truly astonishing statistic to the forefront, further illuminating the sheer force of Shaq's performance.

The 2000 Finals weren't just a Lakers victory; it was a demonstration of power unlike anything the NBA had seen. The Lakers dispatched the Pacers with an average margin of victory exceeding double digits in each game. However, beyond the scoreboards and highlight reels lies a singular statistical achievement by O'Neal that sets him apart in NBA history.

Shaquille O'Neal averaged a monstrous 38.0 points and 16.7 rebounds per game against the Pacers. Those numbers alone are impressive, befitting a Finals MVP. But it's the accompanying field goal percentage that truly boggles the mind: a staggering 73.3%.

As Fox passionately pointed out on the podcast, Shaq isn't just one of a handful to achieve such numbers. He is, unequivocally, the only player in NBA Finals history to average over 30 points per game while maintaining a field goal percentage above 70% in a series. This isn't a minor feat; it's a unique landmark in a competition filled with legendary performances. Consider the context - the Finals represent the pinnacle of NBA competition, with defensive schemes honed to perfection and every possession fiercely contested. To not only score at an elite level but to do so with extraordinary efficiency is a testament to O'Neal's unparalleled skill set.

What made this performance even more remarkable was the confluence of factors at play. O'Neal wasn't simply a raw physical force; he possessed surprising agility and a refined touch around the basket. But his dominance wasn't a solo act. The Lakers, under coach Phil Jackson, implemented a system specifically designed to maximize O'Neal's strengths. The team's offense revolved around getting him the ball in advantageous positions, allowing him to leverage his size and power against smaller defenders. The contributions of players like Kobe Bryant, who recognized O'Neal's central role and willingly adapted his game, were critical. Bryant's ability to draw defensive attention and create opportunities for O'Neal proved invaluable.

Looking back, the 73.3% shooting percentage isn't simply a measure of O'Neal's accuracy. It represents the Pacers' inability to effectively stop him. Double-teams often resulted in easy kick-outs to open shooters, while one-on-one matchups were routinely exploited. The Pacers, a strong defensive team throughout the regular season, were simply overwhelmed by O'Neal's sheer physicality and the Lakers' strategic offensive approach.

This 2000 Finals performance serves as a powerful reminder of just how dominant Shaq was during his prime. While debates rage on regarding the greatest players of all time, O'Neal's statistical anomaly stands as a compelling piece of evidence supporting his claim to the throne. It's a testament to a player who redefined the center position and left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. Beyond the championships and accolades, it's the combination of volume scoring and incredible efficiency that truly separates Shaq from his peers and solidifies his place among the NBA's all-time greats. The 2000 Finals weren't just a series win for the Lakers; it was a statistical coronation for Shaquille O'Neal.