This is a tough game. There are times when you’ve got to play hurt, when you’ve got to block out the pain.

Meaning of the quote

This quote by basketball player Shaquille O'Neal is telling us that playing sports can be really hard and challenging. Sometimes you have to keep playing even when you're feeling pain or hurt, and you have to focus on the game and block out the pain. It's all about being tough and determined to keep going, even when things get difficult.

About Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, known as Shaq, is a legendary NBA player who dominated the court with his size and skill. He won 4 NBA championships, was a 15-time All-Star, and is considered one of the greatest centers of all time. Beyond basketball, Shaq has also found success in music, film, and media, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

More about the author

More quotes from Shaquille O’Neal

But, hey I did everything the right way and earned my spot in this game, nothing was given to me.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I have never been a shooter.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Me shooting 40% at the foul line is just God’s way to say nobody’s perfect.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Everything happens for a reason. I’m used to it, I prepare for it. Like I say, at the end of the day, those in charge of their own destiny are going to do what’s rights for them and their family.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Why don’t you bring your face up here and let me punch it? Then you can tell me (if I’m stronger).

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I’m very excited about my new agreement with the Heat. This contract allows me to address all of my family’s long-term financial goals while allowing the Heat the ability to acquire those players that we need to win a championship.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I started out as a young Ninja and killed all of the Shoguns. I am a Shogun now and I’m holding my spot. There probably won’t be another Shogun after this.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I put a lot into it, and when I am done playing, I plan on going undercover and then being the sheriff or chief of police somewhere, either Miami or Orlando, I don’t know yet.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

And I want to do it the right way, like everybody else, not just a famous figurehead that gets a job because he is a famous basketball player. I want to really learn the business.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

David Stern should get with the mothers of the NBA and let the moms decide what the dress code should be. I asked my mother if I could wear a chain, and she told me yeah. So I do stuff that my parents allow me to do.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I guess people think the taller you are the more dominant you have to be.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

One lucky shot deserves another.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

But that is the only thing that slows me down is the system. No one, two or three was big enough to slow me down, only the system. It was the system that slowed me down to make my numbers fall. Not because I am older.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

We want to win. We want to win big. We want to win the whole thing.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Our offense is like the pythagorean theorem: There is no answer!

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I would like to be refered to as ‘The Big Aristotle’.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I started out as a football player. I liked to inflict pain. In basketball, it was the same thing.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I don’t believe that I personally have been changed by the money. The bad thing is people assume you’ve changed because now you have money.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I want to be strong, dominant. Like Wilt Chamberlain.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

That is why one day I said my game will be like the Pythagorean Theorem – hard to figure out. A lot of people really don’t know the Pythagorean Theory. They don’t make them like me anymore. They don’t want to make them like that anymore.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

We’re just going to come out and play. We know that we’re supposed to win all the games, but if we don’t, we just have to take the next game and focus on what we did wrong in the game before and just try to do better at the next game.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I average 25 with three guys on me and they are just looking at stats I guess.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

If you got the game, you got the game. That’s why Tiger Woods is out there playing golf with Greg Norman.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I am the number one Ninja and I have killed all the Shoguns in front of me.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I don’t get nervous in any situation. There’s no such thing as nerves when you’re playing games.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

This is a tough game. There are times when you’ve got to play hurt, when you’ve got to block out the pain.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I play against a front and a back every night, Ming does not have to do that, Duncan does not have to do that, Garnett doesn’t do that. I am the only one that has to do that.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Being here feels like I’m out of prison. This is the right place, the right time, the right team.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

Someday I might have to put down a basketball and have a regular 9-to-5 like everybody else.

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)

I had an awful first quarter but I picked it up. To all you single guys out there, it’s not how you start the date, it’s how you finish it sir. A lot of people can, you know, start the date with flowers and candy, but if you don’t finish the date – you know what I mean?

Shaquille O’Neal

American basketball player (born 1972)