“New York is a tough team to play against,” O’Neal said. “But this was the fear I had for Joel Embiid. You arrogantly announce: I don’t play back-to-backs, Ernie. I’m not hurt, but I’m in pain. I’ll come back when I want to come back. ‘When you say things like that, you are expected to come back with extra energy. 0-3, I would have been 0-15. But you know what you guys would have said. “Hey, Shaq isn’t playing well, but he’s playing aggressive.” The plan they have isn’t working. And not only that, I say this with respect. Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and attitude right.” -via Terrible Announcement / November 13, 2024