“Whoopty Doo”: NBA Legend Charles Barkley Unconvinced By New York Knicks Despite the Winning Record
The Knicks are never taken seriously by the basketball community, despite their best efforts. Since a championship banner was raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden, it has been nearly 50 years. For die-hard hoops fans in New York, the situation has been depressing. The New York Knicks have won eight straight games since dropping back-to-back games to the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks earlier this month. However, Charles Barkley isn’t convinced by their performances.
The Knicks just defeated the depleted Golden State Warriors, improving their record to 18-13 and moving them up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Shaquille O’Neal, another TNT commentator, projected an early exit if the Knicks enter the playoffs, echoing similar pessimism from Barkley.
ALSO READ: 2-Time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic Lashes Out at NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal For Speaking Russian
Charles Barkley discusses in form Knicks
Barkley said: “I’m with you Shaq, whoop-de-doo! They’re not even the best team in the same state. I gave love to them. I just said they’re playing great but they’re not even the best team in their city.”
Shaq on the Knicks: "I don't think they can get out of one round of the playoffs"
Charles Barkley on the Knicks: "…I'm with you Shaq. Whoop-de-doo…They're playing great, but they're not even the best team in their city" pic.twitter.com/8wnW0bEvUa
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 21, 2022
Shaq and Charles Barkley may come out as a little overly critical of the Knicks, but given the team’s illustrious past, it is hard to blame them. The Brooklyn Nets, who have a 19-12 record, presently hold the title of best team in New York. Brooklyn has also won 10 of their previous 11 games and is on a six-game winning run.
Inter-city rivals of the Knicks also have more well-known superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The triumph was reminiscent of New York’s ascent to the fourth seed in the 2020–21 campaign, when Julius Randle was the offense’s focal point and Tom Thibodeau’s defense was among the best in the league.
More NBA news:
