During ESPN’s halftime coverage of the Knicks-Rockets game, Charles Barkley was analyzing why New York’s 13-point lead had evaporated. His word choice, however, sent the broadcast into chaos.
“Well, I think that the Dicks, to me, their offense got stagnant,” Barkley said.
Shaquille O’Neal could barely breathe, struggling to contain himself as Kenny Smith joined the laughter. Ernie Johnson, ever the professional.
Awful Announcing captured the moment on X, and it quickly went viral. Fans loved every second.“Chuck doing Chuck things,” one commenter wrote.
Later in the broadcast, Barkley delivered another gem this time praising Kawhi Leonard’s unique ability to return from extended absences without rust.
“Kawhi Leonard to me is amazing,” Barkley said. “I’ve never seen a basketball player who can miss that much time and doesn’t have any rust. Like most players when they miss large chunks of time take time to get it back.”
“But the Clippers, they are not contenders. You trade Harden, you trade Zubac, you’re just shedding salary trying to get below the apron.”
Charles Barkley is 62 years old. He’s been doing this for decades. And he’s still the most unpredictable, hilarious, and unfiltered voice in sports media.
The Knicks won the game. Barkley won the night. And Shaquille O’Neal is still laughing somewhere.