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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Shaquille O’Neal challenges Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce to a basketball game

Kansas City Chiefs all-pros Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will be hitting the golf course together when they participate in “The Match” charity golf challenge, against NBA’s Golden State Warriors all-star pair of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, for a 6:30 p.m. start on June 29 on TNT.

Mahomes was a guest on TNT on Thursday night before the network’s NBA playoff coverage. Speaking with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, the two-time Super Bowl champion had fun with the crew assessing his golf skills, ankle recovery, and boasting about his abilities on the basketball court leading to a challenge from a Hall of Famer.

“It’s good. It definitely took a lot longer than I expected to heal.” Said Mahomes regarding his ankle recovery, “But at this point, now, I’ve been able to run around, get some golf balls, throw the football around you whatever. And I’ve been in a good spot. And that’s been working on my jump shot too. So I’m happy to show you all that at some point.”

Mahomes’ comment sparked a challenge from O’Neal, trying to get the reigning league MVP and Kelce in a two on two basketball game. “I don’t know, you’re not moving really well, so I might have a chance,” said Mahomes jokingly as O’Neal reminded everyone he has a new hip after surgery recently.

The former Texas Tech multi-sport athlete addressed his and Kelce’s golf game and chances heading into next month’s showdown.

“Yeah, so my game, I’m actually pretty consistent with how ugly my golf swing technically is. I’m kind of figuring it out. A baseball player that plays golf. Trav (Travis) has a long swing, but when he hits it right, he hits it really far. So I’m hoping in the scramble shamble or whatever format it is to help us,” said Mahomes. “Obviously, we know Steph is a scratch golfer, so that’s kind of the guy that we were gonna be shooting, trying to go against. And then Klay. I’ve heard a little bit, but I’m sure he can golf a little bit. Being up there and being buddies with Steph. I’m sure they get out on the course. But like I said, I think the competitor in me and Trav that we’re going to come out we’ve actually won a celebrity tournament at the Wynn before, so we’re trying to make sure the trophy stays in our hand.”

The duo was victorious last year in the inaugural “8AM Golf Invitational” hosted by Justin Timberlake and Wynn Las Vegas. Let’s see if lightning will strike twice at the same course for next month’s event.

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