On Nov. 6, 1992, Shaquille O'Neal began his legendary NBA career.
The 7-foot-1 centre from LSU finished with 12 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks in his debut. At the time, his 18 boards were the most in a debut since Bill Walton in 1974.
Throwing it back to @SHAQ's NBA debut in 1992! #16HoopClass pic.twitter.com/wBxgx6eRGr
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2016
That was the first of 68 double-doubles that O'Neal recorded in his rookie season. He would go on to win Rookie of the Year with averages of 23.4 points (eighth in the NBA), 13.9 rebounds (second) and 3.5 blocks per game on 56.2% shooting from the field. He sparked a 20-win improvement for the Magic, leading them to a 41-41 record.
O'Neal was voted as an All-Star starter in his first season. In the process, he became the first rookie to start in an All-Star Game since Michael Jordan in 1985.
One of the most dominant players in NBA history, O'Neal received numerous accolades over the course of his 19-year career — 2000 NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, 15-time All-Star, 13-time All-NBA and three-time All-Star Game MVP.
Along with Jordan, O'Neal is one of only two players in NBA history to have won three consecutive Finals MVP. In addition, he is one of only 10 players in NBA history to win the MVP award, the NBA championship and the NBA Finals MVP Award in the same season.
Other notable events on Nov. 6
- In 1971, the Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first of an NBA record 16 consecutive road wins. The 16 straight road wins was part of the Lakers' 33-game winning streak, also an NBA record.
- In 1987, Mark Jackson (New York Knicks), Reggie Miller (Indiana Pacers), Kevin Johnson (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Reggie Lewis (Boston Celtics) made their NBA debuts.
From @NBAHistory: Before @rajonrondo’s 25 assists last night, the previous @pelicansnba franchise-high was 21 by @cp3 in 2007. pic.twitter.com/PVPgoscXlw
— Gaudy Stats Podcast (@GaudyStats) December 29, 2017
- In 2007, Chris Paul dished out a career-high 21 assists in a 118-104 win over the Lakers. Until Dec. 27, 2017, when Rajon Rondo dished out 25 assists, Paul's 21 assists were a Pelicans franchise record.
Notable game-winning buzzer-beaters on Nov. 6
Brandon Roy vs. Houston Rockets in 2008
"THE NATURAL! THE NATURAL!"
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 6, 2018
Happy 10 year anniversary to Brandon Roy's game winner vs the Rockets 😍 pic.twitter.com/4LjqZm6guy
Brian Shaw vs. Chicago Bulls in 1990
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