The debate over the NBA’s greatest player of all time (GOAT) is one that never truly ends. 

Fans, analysts, and even former players all have their own criteria—whether it’s scoring ability, leadership, championships, or sheer dominance. 

And while opinions vary, one thing remains constant: when a legend like Shaquille O’Neal speaks, people listen.

However, agreeing with him is another story. 

This became evident when Shaq recently sparked controversy by insisting that Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry should be included in the GOAT discussion. 

His bold take ignited a firestorm of reactions, both in support and opposition, leading to an intense social media debate.

Steph Curry’s Unstoppable Performance at MSG

The controversy began on Tuesday night, following another spectacular performance from Curry at Madison Square Garden. The two-time MVP led the Warriors to a 114-102 victory over the New York Knicks, showcasing his signature skills with 28 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. He also drained five of his nine three-point attempts, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

What makes this even more impressive is his track record at MSG—Curry has not lost a game in the iconic arena in over a decade, maintaining an undefeated streak from 2014 to 2025. His consistent dominance on that stage only added more fuel to the GOAT debate.

Shaq’s Bold Statement Sparks Backlash

During TNT’s post-game analysis, Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hold back his admiration for Curry. The Hall of Famer took a firm stance, demanding that basketball fans start including Curry in the GOAT conversation.

“I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation,” Shaq declared with conviction during the live broadcast.

Given Shaq’s legendary status, his words carried significant weight. However, not everyone agreed with his take, and social media quickly erupted with reactions.

Fans React: Praise, Debate, and Trolls

Shortly after Shaq’s comments aired, the official NBA on TNT Instagram account shared the clip, captioning it: “Shaq did NOT mince words when talking about @stephencurry30 after the Warriors win 🗣️🐐”

From that moment, the comment section exploded with responses from fans. While some agreed with Shaq, others vehemently opposed the idea of Curry being in the GOAT discussion. Many fans pointed out that Curry’s impact on the game is undeniable—his revolutionary shooting and ability to change how basketball is played have left an everlasting mark.

However, critics were quick to argue that while Curry is undoubtedly one of the greatest shooters ever, he does not fit the traditional GOAT criteria. Detractors pointed to players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, who not only dominated the league statistically but also had a level of all-around dominance that many believe Curry lacks.

Trolls also joined the conversation, mocking Shaq’s statement and suggesting that his praise for Curry was exaggerated. Some comments joked that Shaq was simply caught up in the moment after Curry’s impressive game at MSG, while others sarcastically asked if Curry’s undefeated streak at Madison Square Garden alone was enough to place him above legends like Jordan.

Curry’s Legacy and the GOAT Debate

Regardless of the backlash, Shaq’s comments have reignited an important conversation about Curry’s place in NBA history. There is no denying that Curry has changed the game in ways few players have. His influence extends beyond his championship rings, MVP awards, and three-point records—he has fundamentally altered how teams approach offense and player development.

But does that make him the GOAT?

The traditional GOAT argument often revolves around players who dominate every facet of the game—offense, defense, leadership, and longevity. While Curry is a generational talent, some critics believe he does not have the same all-around dominance as a Jordan or LeBron. Others argue that his impact on the game transcends individual stats and accolades, making him deserving of a place in the conversation.

Shaq Stands By His Statement

Despite the mixed reactions, Shaquille O’Neal is unlikely to back down from his stance. As a four-time NBA champion and one of the most dominant big men in history, Shaq knows what it takes to be great. His belief in Curry’s GOAT candidacy speaks volumes, even if it remains a hotly debated topic among fans.

One thing is certain: Steph Curry continues to prove his greatness every time he steps on the court. Whether or not he will ever be universally recognized as the greatest of all time is still up for debate, but with legends like Shaq advocating for his place in the discussion, the conversation is far from over.

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