“I Just Can’t See Anybody”: Suns Legend Charles Barkley Issues Stern Warning for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker As They Look to Beat Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets

Published 04/30/2023, 5:20 PM EDT

The first game of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns saw the Nuggets win with a score of 125-107. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker put up great numbers for the Suns. However, they were unable to match Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic‘s overpowering efforts for the Nuggets. The Suns’ dismal showing prompted a very bleak take from the man who took the team to the 1993 NBA Finals, Charles Barkley.

Kevin Durant scored 29 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and made 7 turnovers in the game. Devin Booker, on the other hand, added 27 points and 8 assists. For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray scored 34 points and Nikola Jokic scored 24, with 20 of Murray’s points coming in the second half. Jokic had 19 rebounds, while Murray added nine assists.

Charles Barkley is concerned for Kevin Durant’s Suns

Article continues below this ad

The ‘NBA on TNT’ crew recently broke down the highlights of Game 1 between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets. In the opening game of the Western Conference semifinal series, the Denver Nuggets outperformed the Phoenix Suns. The Sun started out strong. However, they struggled to stay up with the Nuggets, who had six players score in double figures.

The Suns were forced to pull their stars with five minutes left in the game, with Denver controlling the game with a lead of up to 25 points in the fourth quarter. The TNT crew seemed concerned for the Phoenix Suns with the crazy scoring effort by the Nuggets. In fact, Charles Barkley issued a stern warning for Phoenix Suns, ahead of their Game 2 encounter in Denver’s Ball Arena.

Barkley stated, “The Suns-I’m looking at their team, uh I’m trying to be fair. They just can’t score enough, I don’t see anybody. I mean KD and Booker are gonna have to go crazy.”

“But I’m looking at the bench. I don’t see where they’re gonna get 20 points from one guy on a given night… They don’t have it,” he added.

Kenny Smith agreed with Chuck’s take and claimed that many players on the Denver Nuggets roster are capable of scoring at least 20 points. Others can contribute with double-digit scoring as well. Additionally, the Nuggets’ offensive advantage comes from their starting lineup, which includes Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.

Gordon showed off his offensive brilliance in the last game. Porter has also proved his capacity to score at critical junctures. Furthermore, their opponents often switch defenders. This might put shorter players like Booker in a situation where he would have to guard Porter, who is much taller at 6’10”.

Article continues below this ad

Barkley then proceeded to state what the Phoenix Suns might do to stay afloat against the Nuggets. He said, “KD and Booker gonna have to play the whole game. I think they’re gonna have to play some zones so they can rest on the defensive end. I mean that that’s the only thing you can do. You get a day off. I think if you play you got to play those guys the whole game.”

Watch This Story: “Millionaire Charles Barkley maybe in $1,000,000,000 debt to Shaquille O’Neal after Trae Young’s Hawks leave him speechless”

The second game between the two teams will be held on Monday night in Denver.

Article continues below this ad

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Ranjitha Ramesh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha has a strong foundation in reporting and writing. Her passion for basketball, particularly the Lakers and LeBron James, fuels her desire to delve into the lifestyle and off-court activities of NBA stars.

Edited by:

Satagni Sikder

“I Just Can’t See Anybody”: Suns Legend Charles Barkley Issues Stern Warning for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker As They Look to Beat Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets

Charles Barkley is concerned for Kevin Durant’s Suns

Trending

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s Absence From “Inside the NBA” Is Due to TNT’s Uncertain Future, as Per Reports

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

Mother of 5, Dwyane Wade’s Wife Gabrielle Admits Changing Herself Due to 3 Things

Carmelo Anthony’s Ex-Wife La La Freaks Out in Shaquille O’Neal’s Presence After 30YO Admirer’s Call

Billionaire Michael Jordan Sports $600K Watch at Cincoro Event – Know More About the Billion-Dollar Brand Creation