O'Neal was a unanimous choice for Finals MVP, playing all but one minute in Game 6 and contributing 41 points. It took Shaquille O Neal eight long seasons, but he finally reached the pinnacle. The Lakers 116-111 victory in Game Six that gave L.A. its first NBA championship since 1988, ended a torturous journey that took several cruel and often humbling turns for O Neal. He had to endure critics who questioned his ability to win and his dedication to the game. But he withstood it all, learning to just grin and bear it.
Opponents weren t so lucky.
Triple Crown Three players have earned MVP honors in the All-Star Game, the regular season and the Finals in the same season. In Game Six, Shaq was in total attack mode, and Indiana never had a chance. O Neal used his 47 minutes of playing time to take out all the frustration on Rik Smits and any other Indiana Pacer who got in his way. He scored 41 points in that time and left Smits and company wondering what hit them. The prophecy of Shaq as the next great Lakers center was fulfilled.