Charles Barkley’s Halftime Doubts on Knicks Backfire After Stunning Comeback
During Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, NBA analyst Charles Barkley made a confident yet premature call that quickly became a talking point.
At halftime, with the New York Knicks trailing by 13 points and facing a daunting 0-2 series deficit against the Indiana Pacers, Barkley said, “Now, this game is pretty much over. This is a wrap because the Knicks can’t play fast and beat the Pacers. But they’re down 13, so they gotta play fast. They’re gonna get ran out of this damn building.”
His comments reflected widespread skepticism about the Knicks’ ability to mount a comeback given their slow pace and struggles against the Pacers’ defense. Many assumed the game—and perhaps the series—was slipping away from New York.
The Knicks’ Remarkable Response
Contrary to Barkley’s prediction, the Knicks staged a furious rally in the second half, outscoring the Pacers 61-42 after halftime and ultimately winning 106-100. The comeback was fueled by a dominant fourth quarter from Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 20 points in the period and finished with 24 overall, as well as key contributions from Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
The Knicks’ resilience stunned fans and analysts alike, breathing new life into the series and preventing the Pacers from taking a commanding 3-0 lead—a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome in the playoffs. The victory gave the Knicks hope and momentum heading into Game 4.
Barkley and Shaq’s Critique and Praise
Barkley wasn’t alone in his halftime criticism. Shaquille O’Neal also expressed frustration with the Knicks’ early performance, particularly targeting Karl-Anthony Towns for poor shot selection and lack of aggression.
O’Neal urged Towns to play with more force and make smarter plays near the basket, while Barkley questioned his decision to take long-range shots when out of rhythm.
Despite their harsh halftime remarks, both Barkley and O’Neal praised Towns and the Knicks after the comeback. Towns himself acknowledged the team’s grit and continuity as key factors in turning the game around.
The Knicks’ fans erupted in celebration after the win, chanting “Knicks in 6!” even as Barkley joked about their passion, calling New York fans “crazy.” The analyst’s halftime call quickly became fodder for social media, with many fans playfully roasting him for underestimating the team’s resolve.
