Charles Barkley and Inside the NBA have been under some serious scrutiny of late. Barkley dissed another analyst, suggesting Karl Malone has passed away despite the Utah Jazz legend still being alive. He also did not shy away from criticizing current players, which Kevin Durant really did not appreciate. While watching the Washington Wizards’ 119-115 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Barkley delivered his assessment, immediately roasting the fans.

“If you went to this game, you had nothing to do today,” Barkley quipped.

Durant then asked a pertinent question and retweeted the original video, commenting, “Did yall laugh?”

The Hornets are the 12th seed in the East, and the Wizards have lost nine straight games and are at the bottom of the standings. Both franchises have faced criticism over the years for being stagnant. The Hornets’ last playoff appearance was in 2016, which is the longest drought in the NBA, while the Wizards’ last playoff appearance was in 2021.

But this game was different.

The 15,698 fans in the Spectrum Center got their money’s worth. The Hornets prevented a fourth-quarter comeback by the Wizards. This game featured 15 lead changes and remained competitive throughout, with Tre Johnson scoring a career-high 26 points and Alex Sarr adding 24. On the other hand, Brandon Miller led the home team with 21 points, while Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball each contributed 20.

That’s why Durant didn’t find it funny when Barkley dunked on the fans watching that game. It adds another chapter to their historic back-and-forth. Fans also sided with the Houston Rockets star this time. But what everybody missed was Barkley praising the Hornets.

“They got some good young players, they’re getting better, you just want them to get better,” Barkley said before he fought with Shaq and emphasized the need for patience. “They have been awful for a long time; I’m giving the Hornets their flowers.”

The biggest supportive action was when he said, “The Hornets are making the play-in GUARANTEED!”

But most missed it and focused only on Barkley’s previous statement.

Fans and Kevin Durant continue their war with Charles Barkley

Recently, Charles Barkley criticized the methods Kevin Durant used to win his championships.

“This version of Durant, with all of the changing of teams and everything, the way he chose to do it is the worst possible way that he could’ve done it for his legacy,” analyst Dan Le Batard stated on his show.

Barkley agreed with this take.

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That led one fan to say, “He gave a monologue first night back about how they don’t s— on the league, and the next day says this. We’re over the bit.”

It’s not the first time Durant has responded to the player-turned-analyst. Barkley once called him a “bus rider” for his two championships with the Golden State Warriors. This was despite Durant being the Finals MVP on both occasions.

“He never knew what it’s like to remove your ego so you can go out there and help a city or town win a championship, it was all about him, his whole life, his whole career,” Durant replied.

Because of Barkley’s recent statement, one fan was upset with the entire show. “I genuinely believe this show is the worst thing to ever happen to basketball.”

While another observer lightheartedly praised NBC and Amazon for stepping up their game. “That’s why nbc and prime post game shows are much better.”

The criticism is not just from fans but also from former NFL player Doc Holliday. He uploaded a three-minute video and asked a similar question to Durant’s.

“What’s the appeal with Charles Barkley because all he does is crap on the NBA?” Holliday asked.

Another fan was very blunt with their opinion. “Charles is the grumpy old man..I don’t take none of his takes seriously.”

What made Inside the NBA and Charles Barkley stand out was their willingness to call out the league, owners, and even players. But sometimes that line has been crossed, as Shaquille O’Neal’s pal almost did after calling out a fellow NBA analyst.