NBA fans had a field day with Shaquille O'Neal jumping into the Christmas tree and turning into a costume: "My little feet", "Best show in sports"
The shenanigans continued recently on Inside the NBA when Kenny 'The Jet' Smith and Shaquille O'Neal raced to the big board. Midway through the opening game of the NBA on TNT broadcast, the two men began the race to the board in Studio J. With Smith eager to beat the Hall of Famer to the board, he gave Shaq a shove that sent the big-man flying into a gigantic Christmas Tree.
The moment was reminiscent of a similar situation on Inside the NBA back in 2014 when the two men raced to the board during the Sprint Halftime Report. Smith shoved O'Neal into a tree on set, sending Shaq careening to the floor. As the crew laughed hysterically, Smith apologized, explaining that he didn't try to shove Shaquille O'Neal to the ground.
Meanwhile, O'Neal revealed that Smith's actions were a declaration of war. Based on how things went this week, apparently, The Jet is still getting the last word all these years later. Quickly, fans took to social media to react to the hilarious situation.
KENNY LAUNCHED SHAQ INTO THE TREE 🎄💀 https://t.co/WBltT8jflx
@SportsGrid @BleacherReport « My little feet » 🤣. Man wears a size 22/23 shoe 🤣
@BleacherReport Best show in sports right now and it’s not even close
@BleacherReport Kenny be sleeping with one eye open for a while 😂
@BleacherReport Nobody:
The wicked witch of the east: https://t.co/i6OaZ5lE6q
@BleacherReport “Alright Kenny” 🤣💀 https://t.co/mhCP2Wye3Y
@BleacherReport Man If I had this type of job you wouldn't even have to pay me. The joy they have at work.
@BleacherReport Kenny said https://t.co/2hLNfoR5dD
@BleacherReport Kenny (scared of death) is ruled out tomorrow from TNT 😭😭
@BleacherReport Parents everywhere, “You better stay away from that damn tree.”
Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny ;The Jet' Smith's tree-shoving rivalry
Some alleged that it was Shaquille O'Neal who suggested Smith push him into the tree way back in 2014. Charles Barkley, however, says that isn't the case. He recently took aim at fans and critics who think the shove was rehearsed beforehand. Here's what he said on the Dan Patrick Show:
"I've heard people saying it was fake. First of all, if you know Kenny and Shaq, they're not gonna be at work early to rehearse nothing. If we go on at six or seven, Kenneth's gonna show at 6:52. He's not gonna be there early."
He continued, explaining that at over 350 pounds and 50 years old, O'Neal isn't exactly known for his balance:
"I think what just really happened, I think Shaq just got off balance. I don't think Kenny really meant to knock him hard into the tree. It's kinda like you're last couple of years when you're an NBA player when you can run, but can't stop. I think he hit him, he just caught him off guard and Shaq couldn't just stop."
Despite that, many have suggested that other fans watch the Inside the NBA documentary titled 'The Inside Story' where Shaquille O'Neal allegedly comes clean. You can see Barkley recalling the situation shortly after the 5-minute mark in the video below.
Inside the NBA crew sticking together
As many quickly stated after O'Neal's recent fall into the tree, they hope the Inside the NBA crew will stick together. The team has become one of the most beloved crews in all sports, and have earned countless awards to back it up.
Fortunately for fans, with Barkley recently extending his contract with TNT, it seems as though the beloved program isn't going anywhere any time soon. You can see the group in action on Tuesday's TNT doubleheader. The Golden State Warriors take on the Milwaukee Bucks before coverage then shifts to the Boston Celtics-LA Lakers game.