INSIDE NBA analyst Charles Barkley has issues with New York — even though he likes the city’s pizza and bagels.
The NBA icon went on a rant about the Big Apple after the New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 130-121 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series.
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Barkley, 61, was criticized by TNT Sports viewers for picking the Pacers to win Game 2 and tie the series.
After seeing some mocking posts on social media, the former NBA forward insisted he had no preference for Indy over New York.
Chuck even said that if the Knicks advanced to the conference finals, “that would be good.”
But it quickly turned out that the 1993 MVP, who spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, didn’t want the best for New York.
“I don’t care who wins, but I’ll tell you what – I’d love to see [the Knicks] get trampled by the Celtics,” Barkley said.
“It would be amazing.”
Chuck added that he thought whoever won the Knicks-Pacers series would be defeated by the Boston Celtics in the conference finals anyway.
He then explained why the people of New York deserved to be trampled on.
“Because you guys think they’re the best thing since sliced bread,” Barkley said.
“Come on, you guys aren’t that good in New York. You guys are overrated.”
“Just because you make good pizza and good bagels…”
Despite not liking New York, the Inside the NBA star showed some love for the city’s iconic food carts.
“I’m not going to say anything bad about street meat,” Barkley said.
“I love street meat.
Inside the future of the NBA?
The operation of the NBA on TNT Sports is in doubt due to the NBA’s broadcast agreements.
The Emmy-winning sports show is a fan favorite thanks to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
But TNT’s broadcast deal with the NBA ends after next season and NBC is preparing a bid to take over those rights.
If TNT loses its NBA package, it will raise questions about the popular Inside the NBA.
One solution could be to recreate the show on another network, which would snatch the rights from the NBA.
“I don’t care what kind of meat it is either. It tastes good.”
Barkley criticized New York after Pacers icon and Madison Square Garden villain Reggie Miller taunted the Knicks faithful before his arrival at MSG to call Game 2 for TNT Sports.
The NBA’s second-round playoff series is now moving to the Midwest, with Indiana hosting New York at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.
The Knicks still don’t know if they will have OG Anunoby available for the matchup.
The 6-foot-9 forward left Game 2 early after suffering a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson injured his foot on Wednesday night, but was able to return to the court and finish the contest.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
