O’Neal Overcomes Early Jitters, Scores 25 in Debut to Lead Magic
A six-year, $40-million contract might have made Shaquille O’Neal nervous in his NBA debut.
O’Neal, the first pick in this year’s draft out of Louisiana State, committed four turnovers and scored only two points during the first quarter.
He was impressive thereafter, however, finishing with 25 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 107-102 exhibition victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night.
“I was nervous early,” O’Neal said. “I had butterflies. I didn’t think I would.”
O’Neal made 11 of 16 shots and three of eight free throws.
“Shaq did some great things,” Magic Coach Matt Guokas said. “He’s shown every indication of being a special young man and a special talent.”
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