Fans Saddened By Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘Petty’ Message to Nikola Jokic After MVP Win

Nikola Jokic has once again been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

The Nuggets' big man formally received the honor for the third time in his career on Wednesday night after averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and nine assists for Denver during the regular season.

There weren't many who disagreed with Jokic winning the award this year, however, one major voice of opposition this evening came from none other than former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal.

After announcing that Jokic had won the award for a third time, Shaq told Jokic that he felt Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved it.

"I want to congratulate you. But I want you to hear it from me first - I thought that SGA should have been the MVP, that’s no disrespect to you," O'Neal said.

That's certainly one way to greet the newest three-time NBA MVP, Shaq.

Fans everywhere were blown away by O'Neal's 'petty' comments directed at Jokic just moments after winning the prestigious award.

"This was so petty of shaq," Cade said.

"Of course Shaq doesn’t want a big man to have 3 MVP trophies. His whole thing is being bitter about how many MVP’s he should have. Petty x1000," Josh said.

"Shaq is petty for this. Let people enjoy their moment," another fan argued.

Jokic and the Nuggets have found themselves in a surprising 0-2 series hole against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.

The now three-time NBA MVP will look to lead Denver to a win in Game 3 on Friday night.