Shaquille O'Neal has high praise for Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal had high words for the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of Tuesday night's game.

On Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers took on the Indiana Pacers on the road. So far this season, the Cavaliers have been the best team to start the 2024-25 season. However, to solidify their position, the Cavaliers need to prove themselves in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

"I think they're the best team in the East," O'Neal said, via NBA on TNT.

The Cavaliers were at the top of the Eastern Conference with a record of 33 wins and 5 losses before the game. They have achieved a good record of 9 wins and 1 loss in the past ten games, although they just lost to the Pacers 93-108 at home and ended their winning streak.

According to StatMuse, before the Cavaliers lost to the Pacers on January 8, their performance was amazing:

• Ending the Thunder's 15-game winning streak

• Undefeated against Western Conference teams

• 11 consecutive wins

• Home record 19 wins and 1 loss

• Eastern Conference No. 1 seed

• At their current pace, they are on track to achieve a 73-win season record.

Although the Cavaliers currently have the best record in the league, many people may suggest to O'Neal that the Boston Celtics may be a more comprehensive team. Currently, the Celtics are 5.5 games behind the Cavaliers with a record of 28 wins and 11 losses, ranking second in the Eastern Conference.

It is worth mentioning that O'Neal played for the Cavaliers briefly during his brilliant 19-year career. In the 2009-10 season, the 37-year-old O'Neal averaged 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 56.6%, and played a total of 53 games.

Nevertheless, O'Neal's confidence in the Cavaliers shows that he is optimistic that this young and potential-filled team can make greater breakthroughs this season.