1. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL VS. JERRY STACKHOUSE
This wasn’t exactly a fight, but you know what? That’s exactly why this finds its way to the top of the list. Name me another guard who took out the Diesel like that? O’Neal’s been fouled hard by people like Chris Dudley, Charles Barkley and Brad Miller, and gone down swinging. Hell, you remember when he tried to decapitate Miller? But in Game 4 of the 2006 NBA Finals, also known as the series where WWE officially became the acronym for “National Basketball Association,” Stackhouse decided to send a message, and he did, knocking the biggest player in the game on his ass on a breakaway dunk.

In response, O’Neal played it off like he didn’t realize what happened, and check out his teammates. They steered clear of Stackhouse like he had contracted the bubonic plague. They wanted no part of the NBA’s Fight Night king.

O’Neal tried to say later that his little daughters tackle him harder, but the damage was done. He got bodied Polamalu-style by a 6-6 two guard. In return, Stackhouse was suspended for Game 5, and Dallas was one step closer to melting down faster than the 2011 Red Sox.

Who was the toughest player ever to play in the NBA?

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