After Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Charles Barkley stirred up controversy with a bold prediction: he believes the Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA Finals in Game 7. This surprising statement came after the Mavericks’ overwhelming 122-84 victory over the Boston Celtics, a game that left many in shock.
The Celtics’ performance in Texas was nothing short of disastrous. They trailed by double digits in the first quarter and watched the Mavericks extend their lead to an astonishing 50 points in the second half. By the fourth quarter, the score was 115-67, sealing Boston’s fate in a game they hoped to forget.
Barkley was brutally honest in his post-game analysis, criticizing the Celtics for their lack of professionalism and effort. “That was embarrassing by the Celtics. They actually thought the Mavs were going to quit. They came out nonchalant, lackadaisical. … that was so unprofessional, the way they played that game tonight,” Barkley said, clearly frustrated with Boston’s approach.
Despite this, Barkley acknowledged that the Celtics are still likely to win the series, but he didn’t completely rule out the Mavericks’ chances. He reminded everyone that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. However, he noted that the Celtics had nearly achieved this feat last year against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, falling short only in Game 7. This history gives the Mavericks a glimmer of hope.
The Celtics’ poor shooting performance, hitting only 36.3% from the field with no player scoring more than 15 points, starkly contrasted with their high expectations. This game was a serious wake-up call for a team that seemed destined for greatness.
For Mavericks fans, there is hope in the chance to win another game on the road. Barkley emphasized that the Celtics wouldn’t give up easily, setting the stage for a potentially epic Game 7. If Barkley’s bold prediction proves accurate, fans might witness an unforgettable showdown that defies NBA history.
