Shaq faces backlash over bizarre post-game interview with Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal came under fire for his incredibly awkward interview with Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell on Thursday night. Mitchell and Jazz beat Pelicans, 129-118, for ir seventh straight win which propelled Quin Snyder's men to second in Western Conference standings. However, Mitchell's postgame interview with Shaq became talk of town on social media. 

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Pelicans vs Jazz: Quin Snyder's men record seventh straight win in a row

Jazz have been able to keep in step with  Los Angeles Lakers and  Los Angeles Clippers near top of Western Conference, and guard Donovan Mitchell is a big reason why. NBA All-Star put in anor sublime shift for Jazz against Pelicans on Thursday, finishing with a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Jazz's 129-118 win over Pelicans at Vivint Arena extended ir winning run to seven straight games. 

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Shaq interview with Donovan Mitchell: Fans hammer NBA legend on social media for awkward NBA on TNT exchange

Soon after game ended, Mitchell went on TNT for his interview and h to hear Shaq say, “ Mitch, I said earlier tonight that you are one of my favourite players but you don’t have what it takes to get to next level. I said it on purpose because I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?”.

Jazz star appeared to be taken stunned by Shaq's remark but replied with a simple "A'ight" leing to an awkward silence between two. Shaq n attempted to get a bit more out of Mitchell and asked him "Is that all?" to which guard replied, "Yea, I've been hearing that since my rookie days". 

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Fans on social media were quick to spot awkward exchange between Donovan Mitchell and Shaq and netizens slammed NBA great for making Mitchell feel out of place following his superb performance against Pelicans. On Twitter, one wrote, "Shaq acts like an idiot sometimes. Can't seem to give credit when it's due". Anor ded, "Lol. That reply from Mitch appeared to shut Shaq up. Deserves him right for spitting out senseless comments."

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Image Credits - AP, Donovan Mitchell Instagram