Charles Barkley Apologizes for Predicting Cavaliers Will Reach NBA Finals After Game 5

Charles Barkley apologized for one among his predictions in 2026 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.

Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson were on the call for NBA on ESPN. They offered pre- and postgame protection for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round collection between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

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The collection entered the night time knotted at 2-2. Toronto had stolen the final two video games at dwelling. Cleveland responded with a 125-120 win at Rocket Arena on Wednesday.

(*5*) paced the Cavaliers with 23 factors on 8-of-13 taking pictures, 9 rebounds and three blocks. James Harden added 23 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Donovan Mitchell and Dennis Schroder every scored 19.

Despite the win, Barkley made his skepticism about Cleveland identified at halftime.

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Barkley earlier predicted the Cavaliers would come out of the East and attain the NBA Finals. The veteran broadcaster and Hall of Famer not feels that method. Cleveland’s struggles within the first spherical modified his thoughts.

Toronto led Cleveland 74-67 at halftime. The Cavaliers seemed like they’d drop three straight video games.

At halftime, Barkley apologized to America for backing the Cavs.

“That was a great first half by Toronto. Everybody sharing the ball,” he stated. “Their defense is unbelievable. I just want to say, man, I just want to apologize for picking the Cavs to get to the Finals.”

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Barkley doubled down from there.

“No team is going to get to the championship playing [that way] the last three games,” he added. “They played two bad games and half in a row. Like they don’t value basketball.

“You can’t win with inconsistent gamers. Like Shaq and Kenny know. When you’re on a great crew, there’s a sense of urgency. There isn’t any sense of urgency with this Cavs crew. … I’ve been bamboozled, hoodwinked, and led astray.”