The Warriors were down 63-70 at halftime, giving Charles Barkley a reason to reiterate they were “cooked.” After their Christmas Day clash, the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets are once again on the court in the first week of 2024. It’s another day of Chuck calling Dub Nation old.
“The Warriors are not the same,” he refers to the team back when he deemed them done for on Inside the NBA. He hinged his hopes on Jonathan Kuminga, who had 9 points at halftime while Stephen Curry had 16. “I still have hope for Kuminga,” Barkley said while adding the 21-year-old is playing with a lot more confidence now.
He also brought up James Wiseman, who was the Warriors’ 2nd overall draft pick in 2020. He’s now with the Pistons, which Chuck believes was a lost opportunity. On the contrary, he believes age has caught up with his golf buddy Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
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In their last meeting, the defending champions overcame the Dub Nation 120-114. But it was a disappointing affair with the stars of both teams, Nikola Jokić and Curry struggling to be at the top of their game. This time, Chuck and Kenny believe the Warriors are lacking the physicality of younger players to go against The Joker.
In contrast, Barkley was fawning over Nikola Jokić. The Nuggets center made an extraordinary 40-foot buzzer-beater that ended the game in their favor. With a 130-127 win, the Nuggets have won five straight road games. The Inside Crew were buzzing in Studio J when they finally spoke to Jokic.
No company for Charles Barkley
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Barkley might be the only one on the island of ‘Warriors are old.’ Fans were online to express they were appalled he’d compare a 21-year-old with the experienced stars and they base it off this game alone. Kuminga played 19 minutes today during which he scored 16 points with 4 rebounds and assists each. Curry scored 30 points and Thompson had 24 points, both in 35 minutes each.
Shaquille O’Neal was not on board either. “Because of their shooting ability and their experience, I’m not gonna count them out,” he told Chuck, who doesn’t see the Warriors as playoff contenders.
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Barkley has maintained for three years that the Warriors are “cooked” with their current roster. Dissent will not change his opinion but do you agree with him?