Despite the rivalry between them, O'Neal recognized Yao's skills and legacy. Like Shaq, his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Robert Horry also acknowledged how special Yao was as a player.

Shaq had just led the Lakers to a three-peat and was named Finals MVP in all three championship seasons. In their first two meetings during the 2002-03 campaign, O'Neal owned Yao by dropping 31 ...

Or better, using both. Perhaps the Rockets aren't far away on the latter, but it's clear they don't come close on the former. Kelvin Cato, at his best, is more quack than Shaq. But you look at Yao ...