Shaq is very confident that the Rockets will beat the Bulls, and he’s even more confident that Dwight Howard will lead the way. When asked for his prediction on NBA on TNT, Shaq said:
“Rockets. Dwight is gonna have a big night. Forget the shots. I’m saying Dwight is gonna get 19 and 8 tonight. If he don’t get 19 and 8, I’ll do the last segment in my underwear. That’s a deal?”
Everyone else on the desk groaned. Over All-Star Weekend, Charles Barkley doubted Shaq’s dunking abilities, so Shaq threw down a ridiculous slam in (basically) a suit. I think they all know he’s serious about this underwear thing.
Depending on which side of this you’re on this could be good or bad news: Howard has seven points and eight rebounds at the half. The score is knotted at 52-52.
Update: Not only did the Bulls beat the Rockets, 103-100, but Howard fell well short of Shaq’s mark. The big man finished with seven points and 13 rebounds.
Shaq refused to strip down when asked, so I guess he was bluffing … this time. Although I’m not sure why, since he’s done this before.
Update 2: Shaq did wind up walking onto the set without his pants at the very end of the night. He’s a man of his word.