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Los Angeles Lakers: Shaquille O’Neal’s Top 5 Finals Performances

By James D. Tillman III

AUBURN HILLS, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers challenges long-time basketball fan James Goldstein during questions prior to practicing for game five of the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons 14 June 2004 at The Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. O'Neal said he would cut Goldstein's hair if the Lakers win the best-of-seven series which the Pistons lead 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers challenges long-time basketball fan James Goldstein during questions prior to practicing for game five of the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons 14 June 2004 at The Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. O'Neal said he would cut Goldstein's hair if the Lakers win the best-of-seven series which the Pistons lead 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 10: Shaquille O’Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench in the fourth quarter of game three of the 2004 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons on June 10, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 10: Shaquille O’Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench in the fourth quarter of game three of the 2004 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons on June 10, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) /

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

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