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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Some traditions in professional sports are not as well received as others.
San Antonio’s first play of the 2008-09 season was designed and executed perfectly. Spurs’ center Tim Duncan didn’t bother jumping for the opening tap, conceding it to Phoenix’s Shaquille O’Neal.
Five seconds later, Michael Finley wrapped his arms around O’Neal for an intentional foul.
O’Neal was livid. That is, until he saw Spurs coach Gregg Popovich breaking into hysterics and giving him two thumbs up.
Yes, Hack-a-Shaq used to be a laughing matter.