NBA legend turned analyst, Charles Barkley has been always critical of the modern-day NBA and how the players react to certain things. He recently criticized players for not capitalizing on mismatches.
During TNT’s broadcast of the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns in the In-Season tournament quarterfinal clash, Barkley grew a frustrated figure when he saw players struggling to take advantage of mismatches. He called out the players for shooting too many jump shots. The former MVP clearly pointed out how players don’t pass the ball to the big men who were often marked by smaller defenders.
He even referenced a play where Lakers superstar Anthony Davis was marked by Suns veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon. However, instead of setting up Davis for the mismatch, the Lakers shot a long jump shot. According to Barkley, it is plays like these that does not let him enjoy the game these days.
“Watching the NBA today, man, these guys just drive me crazy. They didn’t even take advantage of the mismatch,” Barkley said.
“You watch these games; these guys just jack up shots. I’m like, ‘Yo, man, do y’all know that Eric Gordon is trying to guard Anthony Davis and you just jack up a 3?’ … The way they play defense in the NBA, everybody switches, there’s mismatches all over the place,” he explained.
In the modern-day NBA, most teams are more focused on shooting. They have a premium on high-volume three-point shooting. But Barkley wants to see more traditional basketball from these teams.
Earlier in the broadcast, Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal jokingly made a $ 15 million bet. Barkley had his money on his favourite Phoenix Suns as O’Neal forced him make a bet. However, it was the Lakers, who edged out the Suns in the quarter-finals of the NBA In-season tournament by 106-103.
LeBron James exploded with 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds and was terrific on the night. Similarly, Anthony Davis also returned with 27 points and 15 rebounds while Austin Reeves provided good support with 20 points and six rebounds.
On the other hand, Kevin Durant delivered with 31 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Devin Booker returned with 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. However, their contributions were enough as they fell short against the Lakers.
