Shaquille O’Neal stole the spotlight at Friday night’s crucial WNBA matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, a game with significant playoff implications. The NBA legend turned heads even before the tip-off, arriving in a colorful shirt, sunglasses, and a massive chain with a crown emblem, exuding his trademark style. Fans and social media quickly buzzed with excitement, with a video of his entrance shared by Yahoo Sports rapidly gaining traction online.
O’Neal, a mentor to Chicago Sky star Angel Reese since her LSU days, attended the game to support her as she faced off against Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. The event, dubbed “Barbie Night” in honor of Reese, saw Shaq embracing the theme, showing up looking like Ken. His presence energized the crowd, and it was clear that his support meant a lot to both Reese and WNBA fans alike.
In a live interview during the game, O’Neal voiced his desire to see WNBA players receive better pay, highlighting the importance of supporting women’s sports. He noted the rising WNBA viewership this season, crediting stars like Reese and Clark for drawing more eyes to the game since their college days.
On the court, Reese and Clark continue to shine. Reese is averaging 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this season. She’s on the verge of breaking the WNBA rookie record for most rebounds in a single season, needing just 11 more against the Fever to achieve the milestone. Meanwhile, Clark has been electrifying, with averages of 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. She’s already shattered WNBA rookie records for most assists and three-pointers made in a season.
He even showed up to the game in style. O’Neal was spotted entering the arena in a nice looking SUV. The video shows O’Neal mingling with fans before taking a seat.
It’s cool to see an NBA legend supporting Reese and the WNBA. He’s been an advocate for women’s sports over the years. During a live interview at Friday night’s game, O’Neal claimed he’d love to see WNBA athletes to receive better pay like the men in the NBA, according to Timeout Sports.
With that said, WNBA viewership is way up. Reese and Clark have played major role in that, as they’ve brought eyes to women’s basketball since their days in college.
Both players are strong contenders for the Rookie of the Year award, and as the regular season winds down, their performances are pivotal in their teams’ quests for playoff spots. O’Neal’s presence underscored the significance of this game and the impact these young stars are having on the WNBA.
