Charles Barkley says Miami must win Game 6 because they’ll ‘get their a** whooped like a dog’ if they lose and have to return to Boston for decider… after Celtics brought the series back to 3-2
Charles Barkley came through on his guarantee and promised Miami would face a daunting fate if its unable to close out the Eastern Conference Finals series at home Saturday night.
The Heat were once again blown out, losing 110-97, as the Celtics clawed the series to 3-2 after trailing 0-3.
Now Erik Spoelstra’s team have a third opportunity to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals, where Denver awaits. According to Barkley, it will be their final chance.
‘Miami know Game 6 is Game 7 for them,’ he said on TNT. ‘Cause if they come back up here, they gon’ get their ass whooped like a dog in Game 7.’
Barkley was confident in the C’s heading into Game 5 at the TD Garden, so much so he promised to see some of his Floridian friends on Saturday. Often known for his botched guarantees, the Chuckster came through in this instance.
Charles Barkley was adamant at halftime of Celtics-Heat Game 5 that Miami must win Game 6
Jayson Tatum was one of four Boston starters to score over 20 points in the 110-97 blowout
‘Hey, fat Dan LeBatard and your fat daddy — sweet Ms. Lourdes — I’ll see you Saturday, guaranteed!’
Understandably Barkley’s theatrics caused laughter from sidekick Shaquille O’Neal on the TNT broadcast.
With the momentum firmly in Boston’s favor, the once seemingly-inevitable ending to this series is now in jeopardy.
‘Two days ago, me and Kenny had plans to be in the Bahamas,’ O’Neal said postgame.
Duncan Robinson led all Heat scorers with 18 points off the bench as Miami head home to FL.
‘For me, it’s going to be a battle of wills. Chuck think it’s a must-win for Miami, I tend to agree with him.’
Barkley added that it ‘didn’t mean anything’ that Game 6 was back in Miami’s gym.
‘If these two teams play their best, the Celtics are going to win.. If they make shots and play good defense they’re going not [just win] Game 6 and Game 7.’
Barkley would not go as far as to pick Boston for Game 6 given ‘we don’t know which Celtics team will show up.’