NBA Finals: Charles Barkley calls out ‘unprofessional’ Boston Celtics as Dallas Mavericks force Game 5

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has lambasted the Boston Celtics for their 122-84 loss against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics, who were leading 3-0 in the series, failed to sweep the series as the Mavericks forced Game 5.

Barkley, who also announced his retirement as TNT analyst, called out Boston players after the loss which he said was embarrassing.

“That was embarrassing by the Celtics. They actually thought the Mavs were going to quit. They came out nonchalant, lackadaisical. … that was so unprofessional, the way they played that game tonight,” said Barkley. 

Facing do-or-die situation, Mavericks came out on top from the first quarter itself, scoring 34 points against Boston’s 21. In the next 12 minutes, Dallas dropped 27 points more as the Celtics managed just 14.

Leading by 26 points at the half time, Dallas extended their lead to 32 in the third quarter, outscoring Boston 31-25. The game was all done and dusted as the Mavs won the last quarter 30-24 and the game by a margin of 38 points. 

For Dallas, Luka Doncic scored 29 points while Kyrie Irving scored 21. Apart from the two stars, Tim Hardway Jr. managed 15 and Dereck Lively II scored 11.

For Boston, Jayson Tatum was the top scorer with 15 points while Sam Hauser scored  14.

While the Mavericks have managed to force Game 5, it is still a long way to go for them to win the NBA Finals. It is to be noted, no team in the NBA history has ever managed to make a comeback from 0-3 down to win the best of seven series.

The Celtics had come close to break the record last season in the Eastern Conference finals. They forced Game 7 against the Miami Heat after losing the first three but choked in Game 7.

The only silver lining for Boston from the loss is that they get a chance to win their 18th NBA Championship at home in Game 5.