Charles Barkley says Miami needs to win Game 6 because they’ll ‘get their ass like a dog’ if they lose and have to return to Boston for decider…after Celtics cut series to 3-2
Charles Barkley honored his guarantee, promising that Miami would meet a terrifying fate if it was unable to finish the Eastern Conference Finals series at home on Saturday night.
The Heat were blown out again, losing 110-97, as the Celtics clawed the series to 3-2 after trailing 0-3.
Now Erik Spoelstra’s team has a third chance to punch 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 if they come back here, they’ll get their asses like a dog in Game 7.”
Barkley was so confident in the C’s heading into Game 5 at the TD Garden, he promised to see some of his Floridian friends on Saturday. Often known for failed warranties, the Chuckster came through in this case.
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 more than 20 points in the 110-97 blowout
“Hey, Fat Dan LeBatard and your Fat Daddy — dear Mrs. Lourdes — I’ll see you Saturday!”
Understandably, Barkley’s theatrics elicited laughter from sidekick Shaquille O’Neal on the TNT broadcast.
With momentum firmly in Boston’s favor, the once seemingly inevitable end of this series is now in jeopardy.
“Two days ago, Kenny and I had plans to go to the Bahamas,” O’Neal said afterwards.
Duncan Robinson led all Heat scorers with 18 points off the bench as Miami went home to FL.
“It’s going to be a battle of willpower for me. Chuck thinks it’s a must-win for Miami, I mostly agree with him.’
Barkley added that it “meant nothing” that Game 6 was back in the Miami gym.
“If these two teams give their best, the Celtics are going to win. If they take shots and defend well, they don’t go [just win] Game 6 and Game 7.’
Barkley wouldn’t go so far as to pick Boston for Game 6, as “we don’t know which Celtics team will show up.”