Charles Barkley proved once again Monday that he needs to be seen on TV, including (especially) when he appears on non-basketball shows.
The TNT basketball analyst appeared on ABC when it aired Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, a 6-2 win for the Lightning to cut the Avalanche series lead to 2-1. Barkley, a well-known hockey fan, was fun and engaging on the show as always.
Oh, and Sir Charles had jokes – especially at the expense of Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
MORE: Charles Barkley’s best moments in The Match 2022
During the first break in Game 3, Barkley had an opportunity to break Lightning’s go-ahead goal that made it 2-1. Barkley wasted no time in noting that Lightning’s left winger Ondrej Polet’s goal was the result of a rally by Avalanche defender Devon Toews.
“Now that’s a turnover, #1,” Barkley said. “This is normal Jayson Tatum sales. I’m sorry, I’m just kidding. …I love you Jayson Tatum, just kidding.”
“This is normal Jayson Tatum turnover. I’m sorry, I’m only kidding!”
Charles Barkley provides shade on the first break 😅 #Stanley cup pic.twitter.com/jE1pxGCTrc
— Sports Center (@Sports Center) June 21, 2022
Tatum, whose Celtics are still feeling the pain of a 4-2 NBA Finals loss to the Warriors, had the unfortunate distinction of becoming the first player to commit 100 turnovers in a single NBA postseason.
MORE: Top 5 Charles Barkley Funny Moments in TNT’s ‘Inside The NBA’
Barkley’s appearance on the ABC show also included a story about how he received tickets from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman…
“I was sitting around the house today and called the commissioner.”
Charles Barkley extended his hand to go to Game 3 of the #Stanley cup finish 😆 pic.twitter.com/FcauXna2Uz
— ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2022
Compliments on Kyle Bukauskas’ hair…
Charles Barkley is right…
your hair is freaking awesome and you look like the canadian version of tom brady @SNkylebukauskas. 😂 pic.twitter.com/zL7jJBi8uC
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 21, 2022
And singing the praises of Lightning trainer Jon Cooper…
Charles Barkley is a big Jon Cooper guy #GoBolts #Stanley cup pic.twitter.com/fMcPtWXblD
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) June 21, 2022
Again, Barkley is pure TV entertainment, regardless of sport.
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