Why Shaquille O'Neal believes OKC Thunder will make Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder took control of the NBA playoffs series with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, rolling to a 124-92 victory at Paycom Center for a 2-0 series lead.

And that was enough to impress Shaquille O’Neal.

So much so that Shaq is predicting a long playoff run for the young Thunder, which is the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

“The way they play, I think they are going to be in the Western Conference finals,” he said on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” after the game.

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All five of OKC’s starters scored in double figures in the win. Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 33, while rookie Chet Holmgren had 26 and Jalen Williams had 21.

“What they are is together,” Shaq said, pointing to the balanced attack.

Shaq said the biggest difference between Game 1 — a two-point nailbiter — and Wednesday for the Thunder was the nerves were gone.

But he was the only one on the show willing to put OKC into the conference finals.

Charles Barkley hesitated, pointing to the path for the Thunder. If OKC eliminates the Pelicans, the Mavericks or Clippers await in the next round. Barkley said OKC could beat either team but it is far from a given.

“Let’s not put them in the conference finals yet,” Barkley said. “We don’t know who is going to win that series.”

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shaquille O'Neal says Thunder will make 2024 Western Conference Finals