Head-to-Head: Games Played Between Yao Ming and Shaquille O'Neal This is the detail of … Six minutes to the game, Yao definitely had an edge with 6 points to Shaq’s zero. Beijing, 10:30 in the morning, the whole country of China was watching Yao Ming versus Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal and Yao could’ve met two months ago at Stapes, if not for Shaq’s surgically repaired big toe, which kept him in street clothes.After their battle, Shaq praised his game, “He has all the tools, he can shoot, dribble, he can play, he’s no slouch, he shall be the Man in a few years to come.”Yao Ming even sent a Christmas card to Shaq in December 2002, and he invited him to his house.

All of his rebounds came after half time, and most of his six blocks came against Shaq.In the 4th quarter, O’Neal got rolling and scored a couple of baskets over backup center Kelvin Cato, Yao returned with nearly 8 minutes remaining and the score tied 77-77.Shaq hit a difficult turnaround shot from the baseline over Yao to give Lakers a two-point lead.After forcing Yao to miss, Shaq displayed some great footwork with and up and under layup two minutes later. Sometimes he says good jokes, some times bad. Shaq even congratulated Yao when he overtook him in 2003 All-Star balloting. He became a rebounding force grabbing offensive rebound that led Derek Fisher basket, a defensive rebound that led Kobe basket and another offensive rebound in the final minute.But Yao set a great screen that opened Steve Francis for a game-tying 3 pointer to send the game over time.Shaq nearly gave the Lakers win at the end of regulation, but his putback came just after the final buzzer. The matchup to a heavyweight title fight, one bigger than media-driven controversy, in his first year, Yao Ming was a 7-foot-5 reality in the NBA. He was also noted for his prickly demeanor toward his competition. He became a factor. It was an NBA final hyped event. He arrived Houston and Rocket’s practice later that morning, and he presented Yao Christmas Card, Yao autographed it.Shaq said, “Let me tell you something, Yao is my brother.

He injured his left index finger blocking a shot by O’Neal. By all appearances, Shaq’s relationship with Yao was growing. This move is still nasty ? I’m his brother. He publicly challenged Ming by laying out racially-charged bait. He scored 10 in overtime, including a vicious dunk over Yao, but several suspect calls played a major part in the outcome. He delivered two statement dunks, one tough reverse bank shot to keep Lakers close.A questionable flagrant foul Shaq against Steve Francis, who scored 44 in the same night, and technical against Phil Jackson, helped Rockets push out to a 102-98 lead heading into the final minute.Yao Ming blocked Shaq’s first three shots, altered Kobe Bryant’s attempt at the end of the regulation, and dunked with 10.2 seconds left in overtime for the biggest basket of the night. Shaq had his 11 first-half points, Yao with 6.Yao continued to struggle against Shaq, couldn’t gain a firm position on offense, and that hurt the Rockets. But that didn’t last too long. It was Shaq’s first chance to duel the game’s next big man.

Yao Ming Vs. Shaquille O’Neal: First Meeting and Friendship Clearly, he reserved his energy for the court, because Ming matched against Shaq far better than even the best estimations, as In honor of Yao Ming & Shaquille O'Neal's inductions into the HOF, SVP looks back at their 1st ever head-to-head.Shaq’s brutal offense needed adjustments against Ming, who easily blocked O’Neal’s first three shot attempts. Former NBA center Yao Ming has a case for being one of the greatest big men in league history.

Played tough and with skill in an impressive debut against his idol.At the other end, Yao took a pass from the deep in the lane and knocked down a smooth hook shot over Shaq.Yao consistently beat Shaq to his favorite spot on the floor.