Shaq blames God for his terrible free throw shooting
During his career, Shaquille O’Neal was a player who defined a generation. He was one of the most dominant players of all time and one of the most beloved. However, Shaq had one major Achilles heel: free throws.
Something he himself has admitted earlier. Recently, Shak explained his belief that God made it for him to struggle at the free throw line alongside actor Anthony Anderson, according to The Big Podcast With Shak.
“It was God’s way of keeping me humble,” Shaq said.
During his career, Shaq shot a 52.7% free throw percentage. As a result, opponents would intentionally foul him to force him to the line. In the process, it would be famously called “Hack-a-Shak”.
Meanwhile, Shaq made 5,935 free throws and shot 50.4% from the foul line in the playoffs. Still, he had one of the most effective careers in NBA history.
O’Neal won four NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006), three with the Lakers and one with the Heat. Plus, Shaq was the NBA MVP in 2000 and was a three-time Finals MVP in 2000, 2001 and 2002. In addition, he was a 15-time NBA All-Star MVP and a three-time All-Star Game MVP.
Not to mention that Shaq has transcended the game as a pop culture icon and marketing genius.
Times when Shaq did well at the free throw line
It was at the height of his career when Shaq actually had a few cases of greatness in charity. During the 2000 NBA Western Conference Finals, he went 9-for-9 at the foul line in Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
A streak in which the Lakers won seven games en route to the title. During the Finals against the Pacers, Shaq attempted a career-high 39 free throws and made 19 in Game 2.
Two years later, he shot a career high 62.2% from the foul line during the 2002-03 season.
2025-11-13 22:01:00
