Shaq’s Untouchable Reign: The NBA’s Scoring Titan of the Century

Can anyone truly challenge the colossal legacy of Shaquille O’Neal? In the 2000 NBA Finals, the Diesel roared through the Indiana Pacers, averaging a jaw-dropping 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game—a performance that still towers over the NBA’s scoring landscape like a skyscraper in a sea of bungalows. Was this the peak of basketball dominance, or just a glimpse of Shaq’s unrelenting power? From Kevin Durant’s sharpshooting to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s modern-day heroics, no one has matched the sheer force of O’Neal’s reign since the turn of the century. Let’s dive into the numbers, the battles, and the story of a giant who redefined the game.

In 2000, Shaq was more than a player—he was a force of nature. Standing 7’1” and weighing over 300 pounds, he dominated the paint with a ferocity that left defenders helpless. Against the Pacers, he didn’t just play; he demolished. His 38.0 points per game in the Finals remain the highest postseason scoring average since 2000, outpacing even Kevin Durant’s 35.2 in 2017 or Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35.2 in 2021. Shaq’s 16.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game underscored his two-way dominance, anchoring the Lakers’ first of three straight titles. The Pacers’ big men—Rik Smits and Dale Davis—were no match for his blend of size, skill, and sheer will.

What made Shaq’s performance so untouchable? It wasn’t just the stats. It was the way he bent the game to his will. Double-teams collapsed under his power; rims groaned under his dunks. The NBA even reinforced baskets to withstand his ferocity. Compare this to modern stars like Stephen Curry (31.2 PPG in 2022) or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.3 PPG in 2025), whose brilliance lies in finesse or versatility. Shaq’s dominance was raw, unapologetic, and singular. No one since has combined his physicality with such scoring prowess in a playoff setting.

Yet, Shaq’s reign wasn’t without challengers. Kevin Durant’s 2017 Finals showcased surgical precision, while Giannis’ 2021 run blended athleticism with grit. Kobe Bryant’s 32.4 PPG in 2009 and Dwyane Wade’s 34.7 in 2006 were heroic, but none carried the same game-altering presence. Shaq’s 2000 Finals weren’t just about numbers; they were a statement. He exposed the league’s shift away from dominant big men, as teams began prioritizing perimeter play. Even today, as the NBA embraces three-point shooting, no one has replicated his interior dominance.

So, why does Shaq’s shadow still loom? His 2000 performance set a benchmark for what a big man could be—unstoppable, charismatic, and clutch. Today’s game, with its pace-and-space philosophy, makes such a feat unlikely to be repeated. The closest comparison might be Giannis, but even he operates in a different mold, relying on speed rather than overwhelming mass. Shaq’s era was the last stand of the true center, and his 38.0 PPG remains a monument to that legacy.

As we look back, Shaq’s 2000 Finals remind us of a time when one man could dominate an entire sport. His battles with the Pacers weren’t just games; they were spectacles. For fans, analysts, and players, his reign is a yardstick for greatness. Will anyone ever topple the Diesel’s throne? Only time will tell, but for now, Shaq’s legacy as the NBA’s scoring titan of the century stands unchallenged.