Bol Bol is proving Shaq right in the most impressive way possible. In the recent game between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers, Bol Bol showed his skills during the second quarter. Despite his limited playing time in the previous season, Shaq continued to sing his praises as a dominant big man. Finally, during his first game of 2024, Bol Bol left everyone in awe.
It was clear that Bol Bol had a point to make, and he made it well. In 2023, Bol Bol's minutes per game were sparse, averaging only 2.3. This was nowhere near the level of Victor Wembanyama, whom Shaq consistently compared Bol Bol to.
However, in this game, Bol Bol was given more playing time, and he made the most of it. Fans started to see the validity in Shaq's campaign to give Bol Bol the respect and playing time he deserved.
Shaq had all the evidence he needed to prove his point about Bol Bol's talent. Bol Bol kicked off the year with an impressive performance against the Blazers. In a quick succession of actions, he ran the entire court and made a eurostep dunk in transition. Shaq wasted no time in sharing this incredible play on his Instagram Stories, leaving out any explicit captions but making it clear that he was saying, "I told you so.
"
The Suns ultimately won the game against the Blazers with an impressive score of 109-88, much to the delight of the home crowd in the Footprint Center. Bol Bol went from being the player with the least playing time to making a significant impact on the game. In the 20 minutes he played, he scored 11 points, had 1 assist, and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Bol Bol's contribution to the game was evident from the second quarter onwards. With the Suns trailing 29-20 to the Blazers, Bol Bol grabbed a rebound and quickly transitioned into a slam dunk, bringing the Suns within three points. From there, the Suns continued to dominate the game.
Bol Bol even made his first three-pointer of the season.
Bol Bol's defensive abilities were also on full display, leaving viewers in awe. By the time he returned to the bench, the score had completely flipped, and the Suns were leading 44-28.
The impact of Bol Bol's game could not be denied, and fans started to see the truth in Shaq's comparisons to Wembanyama. They realized that the only difference between the two players was the amount of playing time they received. People began calling for Bol Bol to be given more minutes, as they saw his potential. It was clear that Shaq's campaign for Bol Bol was starting to see results.
Shaq must have been thrilled to see Bol Bol's performance. Fans predicted that he would be doing a victory dance after witnessing Bol Bol's incredible skills. Now, it was evident that Shaq's belief in Bol Bol was not unfounded.
In the end, Bol Bol's game proved Shaq's point in magnificent fashion. He showcased his talent, proving that he deserved more playing time and recognition. With this game, Bol Bol's star began to rise, and fans were finally starting to see what Shaq had seen all along.