Charles Barkley on Monday once again proved he is must-see TV, even (especially) when he’s appearing on non-basketball broadcasts.
The TNT basketball analyst made an appearance on ABC as it broadcast Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, a 6-2 victory by the Lightning to shorten the Avalanche’s series lead 2-1. Barkley, a noted hockey fan, was funny and engaging on the broadcast, as usual.
Oh, and Sir Charles had jokes — especially at the expense of Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
MORE: Charles Barkley’s best moments on The Match 2022
During the first intermission on Game 3, Barkley was given the opportunity to break down the Lightning’s go-ahead goal, which made the score 2-1. Barkley wasted no time in noting how Lightning left wing Ondrej Polet’s goal was the result of a turnover from Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews.
“Well this is a turnover, No. 1,” Barkley said. “This is a regular Jayson Tatum turnover. I’m sorry, I’m just joking. … I love you Jayson Tatum, I’m just joking.”
“This is a regular Jayson Tatum turnover. I’m sorry, I’m just joking!”
Charles Barkley throwing shade during the first period intermission 😅 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/jE1pxGCTrc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 21, 2022
Tatum, whose Celtics are still feeling the sting of a 4-2 NBA Finals defeat to the Warriors, had the unfortunate distinction of becoming the first player to commit 100 turnovers in a single NBA postseason.
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Barkley’s appearance on the ABC telecast also included a story of how he scored tickets from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman …
“I was sitting around the house today, and I called the Commissioner.”
Charles Barkley reached out to go to Game 3 of the #StanleyCup Final 😆 pic.twitter.com/FcauXna2Uz
— ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2022
Complimenting Kyle Bukauskas’ hair …
Charles Barkley is right…
Your hair is freaking awesome and you do look like the Canadian version of Tom Brady, @SNkylebukauskas. 😂 pic.twitter.com/zL7jJBi8uC
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 21, 2022
And singing the praises of Lightning coach Jon Cooper …
Charles Barkley is a big Jon Cooper guy #GoBolts #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/fMcPtWXblD
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) June 21, 2022
Again: Barkley is pure TV entertainment, regardless of sport.
