The New York Knicks once again established themselves as a team capable of stunning turnarounds by claiming a major comeback victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. On Sunday night, they overcame doubts from experts, including harsh halftime criticism from NBA legend and TNT analyst Charles Barkley.
At halftime, the Knicks trailed the Indiana Pacers by 13 points, and Barkley didn’t hesitate to share his bleak outlook for New York. He confidently dismissed their chances of winning, declaring the game all but over.
“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,” Barkley said with certainty.
Charles Barkley at halftime:
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) May 26, 2025
“This game is pretty much over. This is a wrap… The Knicks can't beat the Pacers” 😭pic.twitter.com/9n5Cma8300
However, what followed after the break defied Barkley’s projection. It was as if his words sparked a reaction from the Knicks. The team stormed back from a 20-point deficit. The Knicks showed grit and urgency that had been missing in the first half.
With a final score of 106-100, the Knicks stunned the home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and took the series lead. They proved once more that no game is over until the final buzzer.
Fans Roast Charles Barkley After Knicks’ Comeback Win
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Knicks fans wasted no time bringing up Barkley’s halftime comments once the final buzzer sounded. Social media exploded with reactions, and many were aimed squarely at Barkley for doubting the team too soon.
“Chuck is just a loud mouth country bunkin,” one comment read.
Chuck is just a loud mouth country bunkin
— Sha Ford (@ShaFord0179) May 26, 2025
“Think he said the Wolves were getting swept after game 2 as well,” one fan wrote.
Think he said the Wolves were getting swept after game 2 as well.
— Johnny Murica 🪙 (@JohnnyMurica) May 26, 2025
“He literally don’t know ball at all… he will see a team up double digits at half and think the whole game over,” a fan commented.
He literally don’t know ball at all 😭😭 he will see a team up double digits at half and think the whole game over
— JV (@StolenByVando) May 26, 2025
One comment bluntly attacked his consistency, saying, “Shut up fat fuck you were trolling us the entire game and did and said the same shit.”
Shut up fat fuck you were trolling us the entire game and did and said the same shit
— Pb (@Gobbledub) May 26, 2025
“WRONG….never ever eat a well done steak. You destroy it. Even a hint of pink is 100 times better,” another fan joked.
WRONG….never ever eat a well done steak. You destroy it. Even a hint of pink is 100 times better.
— John Zena (@JohnZen41603271) May 26, 2025
Sunday’s game reminded Charles Barkley and others that NBA games are far from decided at halftime. The Knicks turned Game 3 into a lesson in patience, belief, and the danger of speaking too soon.
Also Read: VIDEO: Reggie Miller Gets Thunderous Standing Ovation During Pacers-Knicks Showdown
