FanPost

Oden vs Shaq III (w/ Update)

This matchup has been pretty one-sided so far as The Big ______ (I can't really keep up anymore, it changes too much) really seems to these games on his calendar. In OvS I he dominated with 19/17 on 75% shooting, but was quieter in OvS II with 19/6 with 64% shooting. Of course the real story of the last matchup was B-Roy going for 52 and showing the world how dominating a slow and unathletic SG can be (j/k).

Unfortunately Oden had more fouls (10) than rebounds (3) in these games. The only positive was he looked to be getting his legs against Shaq in the second matchup until getting saddled with early fouls.

Is tonight the night? Phoenix is still very alive in the playoff race, and the Diesel gets up for games against the young guys who are supposed to dethrone him (in his mind b/c in reality Howard owns him already). Working in Greg's favor is the fact that Shaq logged 34min yesterday in a closely won game against the Utah "make you hurt" Jazz. Greg also played very well in the Philly game as he stayed on the floor with 5 fouls through the 4th quarter and OT, while looking more explosive.

OK, so who do you think gets the better of this matchup?

 

UPDATE: To help prove my point about him still thinking he's the top center, here's an excerpt from Geoffrey C. Arnold's Oregonian article:

"I'm the CEO of centers in this league," O'Neal said. "I'm the shogun and the rest of the guys must go through the ninjas before they get to me."

He was pretty positive when asked about the young centers and said that Oden was just in need of a "go-to move" and that he should become a "great center."

Link: http://www.oregonlive.com/nba/index.ssf/2009/03/shaquille_oneal_critically_mas.html