BOSTON — Call it a slam dunk performance.

Shaquille O'Neal added to his growing list of accomplishments Monday night when he served as conductor for the Boston Pops.

"[Celtics PR director Heather Walker] asked me if I wanted to conduct the orchestra," O'Neal told ESPN. "I was like, 'Seriously, like a real orchestra?'"

The NBA star led the famous orchestra and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus in three numbers, including the holiday classic "Sleigh Ride," as part of the Holiday Pops Concert at Symphony Hall.

In doing so, O'Neal became the first basketball player to lead the Boston Pops. His 7-foot-1 stature also made him the tallest guest conductor in the organization's 125-year history.

"I have a whole new respect for conductors," O'Neal said before his performance. "I went through a rehearsal today, and my arms are shot right now."