Sunday night in Indianapolis, the spotlight will be on Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Pacers, fresh off two narrow victories at Madison Square Garden, hold a commanding 2-0 series lead heading into tonight’s 8 PM tip-off (TNT/Max).
The Knicks are seeking their first conference finals win since 2000.
But before the drama unfolds on the court, a single image of two of the game’s greatest centers has captured the attention of NBA fans.
Ahead of tip-off, the NBA shared a photo on X of Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal and Patrick Ewing courtside.
NBA fans quickly reacted to the post.
One commenter replied, "Shaq is the ð," to which another fan responded, "iconic combo ð."
Another user commented, "Best! ❤️❤️," while one other fan replied, "Big Blockers Club."
Another fan responded with, "Two dudes who got worked by Dream."
One other user said, "2 real legends from when basketball was a contact sport."
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion (2000-2002 with the Lakers; 2006 with the Heat), was the league MVP in 2000 and was named Finals MVP three times (2000-2002).
A 15-time All-Star and member of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (1996) and 75 Greatest Players (2021), O’Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks over 19 seasons.
Since 2011, he has also served as an analyst for TNT's "Inside the NBA."
Shaquille O'Neal.
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Ewing, the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, spent 15 seasons as the Knicks’ anchor, earning 11 All-Star nods and seven All-NBA selections.
He averaged 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks for his career and led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999. In 2003, Ewing had his No. 33 retired by New York.
Both O'Neal and Ewing are widely considered two of the greatest centers in NBA history.