Los Angeles Lakers: Shaquille O’Neal’s Top 5 Finals Performances
5. June 13, 2004: Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons (Game 4)
During their previous three previous Finals appearances, the phrase “must win” wasn’t a subject that came up very often. However, coming off a 20-point thrashing by the Pistons in Game 3, this contest was exactly that for the Lakers.
The two teams battled back and forth for three quarters, with the scored tied at 56 heading into the final frame. That is when the Pistons seized control of the game with a 7-0 run that gave them a 77-67 edge with under five minutes left to play.
Unfortunately for Shaq and the Lakers, they would get no closer than seven points the rest of the way, as the Pistons came away with an 88-80 victory. The Pistons would go on to win Game 5 as well, knocking off a Lakers team that was making its fourth Finals appearance in five seasons.
O’Neal finished the contest with 36 points, 20 rebounds, two assists and a game score of 30.6. His scoring and rebounding numbers were the highest of any game of that series.
Next: No. 4