Charles Barkley reckons Miami needs to win Game 6 because if they lose they will “get their asses ripped open like a dog” and return to Boston for the decider…after the Celtics brought the series back to 3-2
Charles Barkley fulfilled his guarantee, promising that Miami would suffer a disheartening fate if it was unable to complete the Eastern Conference Finals series at home on Saturday night.
The Heat were again defeated 110-97 while the Celtics consolidated the streak to 3-2 from a 3-0 deficit.
Now Erik Spoelstra’s team has a third chance to secure their ticket to the NBA Finals, where Denver awaits. According to Barkley, it will be their last chance.
“Miami knows Game 6 is Game 7 for them,” he said on TNT. “Because when they come back here, they’re going to be screamed in the ass like a dog in game 7.”
So confident that the C’s would start Game 5 at the TD Garden, Barkley promised to see some of his Florida friends on Saturday. The Chuckster, often known for his botched guarantees, prevailed in this case.
Charles Barkley at halftime in Celtics Heat Game 5 insisted Miami must win Game 6
Jayson Tatum was one of four Boston starters to score more than 20 points in the 110-97 blowout
“Hey fat Dan LeBatard and your fat daddy – sweet Mrs Lourdes – we’ll see you on Saturday!”
Understandably, Barkley’s theatrical performance on the TNT show elicited laughter from pal Shaquille O’Neal.
With the momentum clearly working in Boston’s favour, the once seemingly inevitable end to this series is now in jeopardy.
“Two days ago, Kenny and I were planning to be in the Bahamas,” O’Neal said after the game.
Duncan Robinson led all heat scorers with 18 points off the bench as Miami returned to FL.
“For me it will be a battle of willpower. “Chuck thinks Miami needs to win, I tend to agree with him on that.”
Barkley added that it “didn’t mean anything” that Game 6 was back at the Miami gym.
“If these two teams do their best, the Celtics will win. If they’re taking shots and playing good defense, they’re not going to make it.” [just win] Game 6 and Game 7.’
Barkley wouldn’t go as far as picking Boston for Game 6 because “we don’t know which Celtics team will be fielding.”
