Halfway into the Pelicans vs Grizzlies game, the TNT crew broke down the play. Unusually, Shaquille O’Neal was a lot clearer in his speech than Charles Barkley. That’s because Chuck’s got a stuffy nose and we all know what that does to your voice.

Barkley made it work knowing fully well he was going to get ribbed for his voice and he so did. His tormenter-in-chief, Shaq has the best reinforcement when it comes to kicking Chuck when he’s already down.

Charles Barkley gets one more reason to “hate” his co-host

When you usually show up to work sick to the bone, you get sympathy. Not if you’re Charles Barkley. The man had the sniffles though he promised it was nothing serious. Yet, peace of mind is the last thing he received.

Shaq, as he’s prone to do, gave his take on the Pelicans with a fake stuffy nose. Even christening his bestie as “Snorty Pippen.” It prompted Chuck to lovingly tell him, “I hate you, man.” 

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O’Neal wasn’t even the only one who reacted. Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Ernie Johnson got on flu-ridden Chuck’s back. It’s all in good nature. They were forcing him to take the day off and go home in the only way that would work.

Sir Charles stayed committed to the end though. He remained till the end of the game to watch the Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, win 115-113, nasally making his opinions loud and (somewhat) clear.

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TNT viewers had a lot to say about their antics, including about Shaq’s remarkably clearer speech when imitating a sick Chuck.

Fans don’t mind a sickly Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal needs to make his nasal commentary a regular thing. Fans did a double-take, not because they didn’t figure out he’s imitating “sick version of Charles Barkley” but because he enunciates better this way than his signature bass mumbling.

Ironically, it was Shaq who told his congested friend, “I can’t even understand you. Go home.” 

NBA on TNT also poked fun at Barkley by making him look a little green. It just so happens to look like one beloved ogre.

They made it clear it’s not COVID-19. But some did worry about the person sitting next to Barkley on the table, that is Kenny “The Jet” Smith. He too wished Chuck stayed home today.

Stuffy nose and merciless teasing aside, nothing will prevent Charles Barkley from stepping into Studio J and roasting the Warriors. However, he did disappear later. Kenny was the most relieved as he resorted to disinfecting the air of Chuck-germs.

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