Charles Barkley Offers Celtics No Leeway After ‘Embarrassing’ Finals Loss
Sign In
The Boston Celtics didn’t appear anything like the 64-win team that dominated the Eastern Conference when the chance to close out the Dallas Mavericks was at the table in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
“That was embarrassing by the Celtics,” Barkley said after Game 4 Friday night on NBA TV. “They actually thought the Mavs were gonna quit. They came out nonchalant, lackadaisical. … If you’re the Celtics, and obviously I still feel very good about them in the series, but that was so unprofessional the way they played that game tonight.”
Despite having a commanding 3-0 series advantage, urgency was at an all-time low for the Celtics. The offense was stagnant, lacked energy, and it was clear as daylight that Boston’s starting five was in no shape to compete with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and a desperate Mavericks team fighting for its life. This became especially evident when by halftime, the Celtics had only totaled 35 points on 29.7% shooting from the field with seven turnovers.
That divot was much too deep, accounting for Boston’s ugly 122-84 loss.
Chuck: "That was embarrassing by the Celtics. They actually thought the Mavs were gonna quit." pic.twitter.com/PqIoC6d4Fk— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 15, 2024
MORE CELTICS
What Jason Kidd Told Mavericks Before Game 4 Win Over Celtics
by Jason Ounpraseuth
1 Min Read
Why Joel Embiid Doubts Celtics Are On Cusp Of Dynasty
by Gio Rivera
3 Min Read
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 61 points in Game 3, laid an egg by pitching in 25 points together. Boston’s star tandem was shockingly stumped by Dallas and its defensive intensity, forcing impatient and undisciplined passes and shot attempts until it was time for head coach Joe Mazzulla to remove all the starters and unload the bench in garbage time.
“If the Celtics come out just jackin’ up jumpers, going through the motions, Dallas has a chance,” Barkley added.
The pressure may be on the Mavericks, who are entering yet another win-or-go-home scenario in Game 5, however, the Celtics are neck and neck, too. Boston hasn’t lost twice consecutively throughout the postseason or more than twice consecutively in the regular season. To go 0-for-2 in close-out chances after taking a 3-0 series lead, booking a potential Game 6 in Dallas, would open the door for an even greater outpour of outside narratives — fair and unwarranted.
That all can be avoided with a Larry O’Brien clincher on Monday night.
More NBA:
Rising Mavericks Star Believes Dallas ‘Figured Out’ Celtics
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings