When it comes to Shaquille O’Neal and Joel Embiid, the two haven’t exactly seen eye to eye.
There have been moments when the former Los Angeles Lakers center has praised Embiid for his performances, but O’Neal has been extremely critical of the Sixers’ big man more often than not.
O’Neal prefers Embiid to play more like a traditional center, dominating in the paint. Meanwhile, the Sixers’ All-Star has always proved he’s much more than that. Embiid is one of the better three-level-scoring big men in the league.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 14: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shake hands after game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
But during the seven-game series against the Boston Celtics, Embiid had to show Boston how it’s done down low more often than not. When the series officially concluded with the 76ers on top on Saturday night, multiple members of the Celtics highlighted the clear difference-maker in the series… Joel Embiid.
Shaq Raves Over Joel Embiid’s Dominance vs. Boston Celtics
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 05: Shaquille O’Neal attends the Shaquille O’Neal Big Pod Event at Home Room San Antonio on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Saucedo/Getty Images)
“Joel, I know you and your son is watching. That’s what I’m talking about. From the ‘Lord Supreme’ of the big man alliance, I salute you, big man. You played like a real big man,” O’Neal said before the Raptors-Cavaliers game on Sunday.
Embiid didn’t have an opportunity to play in the full series against the Celtics. He debuted in Game 4. At the time, the Sixers trailed 1-2. Embiid’s first game included 26 points and 10 rebounds, but the Sixers still lost.
From that point on, the 76ers went undefeated to rally and complete a 1-3 comeback.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In Game 7, Embiid checked in for 39 minutes. The star center produced 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. The 76ers won the matchup 109-100.
Throughout the four-game stretch, Embiid shot 44.3% from the field, but struggled from three. Sticking to his game down low, Embiid averaged 28.0 points per game. He also came down with 9.0 rebounds per game and dished out 7.0 assists per game.
The job isn’t finished for Embiid and the 76ers, who have championship dreams. But the fact that the star center returned 17 days after surgery to lead a seventh-seeded team to a victory over a No. 2 seed deserves plenty of praise.
Now, the Sixers will see if they can get the job done in round two against the New York Knicks.