Charles Barkley thinks Celtics can win Game 6 because of ‘pressure’ on Knicks in New York
"I think it's a must-win for the Knicks."
Charles Barkley still believes in the Celtics: The Celtics pulled off a season-saving Game 5 win over the Knicks on Wednesday, but still trail 3-2 in the series (and face elimination without the services of Jayson Tatum). Still, “Inside the NBA” analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley isn’t ready to give up on the defending champions.
“I’m going to tell you something: They can win in…New York,” Barkley declared of the Celtics ahead of Friday’s Game 6 matchup at Madison Square Garden. He noted that even without Tatum, there are dynamics that should work in Boston’s favor.
“They can play free,” said Barkley. “They’re going to have the best player in the game, first and foremost.”
Pressed by Shaquille O’Neal over who Barkley was referencing as “the best player,” the former Suns forward said he meant Jaylen Brown.
“He’s not better than [Jalen] Brunson, you’re crazy,” O’Neal calmly replied.
“Well I disagree,” Barkley said, defending his position. “I love Brunson, but Jaylen Brown’s going to be the best player in that game. The amount of pressure that’s going to be on New York, I think it’s a must-win for the Knicks.”
Granted, the Celtics will still have to walk a fairly narrow tightrope without Tatum and with a limited Kristaps Porzingis. To get to a Game 7, Boston will need Brown (as Barkley predicted) to step up with a huge performance.
Trivia: Jalen Brunson somehow fell to the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft (getting picked 33rd overall by the Mavericks). Who was drafted first overall that year?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was born the Bahamas.
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics kept the season alive with a clutch 127-102 win over the Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Boston still trails in the series 3-2, and will face elimination again on Friday in New York in Game 6 (8 p.m. tipoff).
The Red Sox were swept by the Tigers, losing the series finale 6-5 on another walk-off on Wednesday. On Friday, the Red Sox open a new three-game series against the Braves at Fenway Park.
More from Boston.com:
- Jaylen Brown, Celtics show championship grit in Game 5 win over Knicks: Takeaways
- Without Jayson Tatum, a desperate Celtics team rallied to keep season alive
- Derrick White found range early, setting the stage for game-high 34 points in Celtics’ Game 5 win
- With Celtics in need of a spark, Luke Kornet turned TD Garden into a block party
- NBA insider shares Jayson Tatum’s thinking on his recovery timeline
- Joe Mazzulla on why he benched Kristaps Porzingis: ‘He couldn’t breathe’
- Jayson Tatum posts to Instagram after undergoing Achilles surgery
- Patriots’ 2025 schedule announced: Season opener set for Sept. 7 vs. Raiders
The Patriots’ schedule release: Here’s an (elaborate) look at New England’s 2025 schedule.
Zo on the pitch: Former Patriots quarterback (and 98.5 The Sports Hub co-host) Scott Zolak stopped by the Revolution’s training facility and tried his luck at penalty kicks.
On this day: In 2017, the Celtics defeated the Wizards 115-105 in Game 7 of the second-round playoff series. It was a high-water mark for the Isaiah Thomas era in Boston, with the MVP contender willing the Celtics through an emotional series after the loss of his sister (and while dealing with multiple injuries).
Thomas, who averaged a series-high 27.4 points per game, totaled 29 points with 12 assists in the decisive game.
Daily highlight: Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela somehow combined to pull off an outrageous home run robbery.
Trivia answer: Deandre Ayton
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