Going into Game 5, the Inside Guys were feeling very secure about the Clippers. Charles Barkley was expecting James Harden to keep up his sudden playoffs burst. Shaquille O’Neal was counting on Paul George to be his usual playoff best. But the outcome was different. The Clippers lost 93-123, an embarrassing 30 point difference setting them back 2-3. Harden only made 7 points in 33 minutes and PG made 15 points in that same time. Obviously, Charles Barkley was infuriated at being let down.

“You can lose a game but that was after you scored 33,” Chuck said referring to PG and Harden making 33 points each in Game 4 that tied the series. “Those two guys were great in Game 4.  They get the momentum back, come home and play that bad!” 

Kenny Smith was the only one trying to defend the Clippers by reminding the former pros that they’ve all had a dud game in a series. However, Barkley refuses to give the Clippers that leeway. He’s been amped for the combination of PG-Harden-Klaw-Westbrook combination all season. The disappointment he felt after this game was immeasurable.

For Chuck, the outcome was a foregone conclusion at halftime when the Mavs already had a significant lead. The Clippers could be eliminated in one game and Barkley doesn’t believe that Harden and George have the luxury of a dud game. Shaquille O’Neal would agree too.

Shaq leaves the Clippers bandwagon faster than Chuck

At tip-off, Shaq confidently put his money on the Clippers though Kawhi Leonard was ruled out because of his knee issues. Interestingly, the Clippers have won games without Kawhi. He was sure that with no Leonard to rely on, he’d get to see “Playoff P” and the “old Harden.” That was not what he got. This was their most disappointing showing in the series too.

O’Neal saw a lack of energy, fight and enthusiasm in both veterans. He however criticized George for his late game performance. “They tried to play hero ball at the end by shooting those threes.” Referencing George only making five points in the first half, Shaq proceeded to say, “Paul had a surge of scoring late, but too late by then.” 

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Again Kenny tried to defend them. But Shaq countered that this inconsistency is why he’s always stayed off the Clippers bandwagon unlike Barkley. Chuck had his own doubts ahead of the playoffs that pulled him out of the bandwagon too. He was critical of them blowing home court advantage in the start of the series. Just when he was close to being back on the Clippers train, Harden and George shatter his trust. Is there any coming back for the duo?