Shaq Apologizes To Stephen Curry On Live TV After Charles Barkley Ruins Warriors Star’s Big Moment

The Clutch Player of the Year was announced, and it was none other than the clutch of them all, Stephen Curry. Of course, many would disagree with that statement, as they shed their fury on social media. But let’s just give the experienced campaigner his moment. After all, Curry leads the standings with 189 total points in clutch situations while averaging 4.4 per game. The Golden State Warriors have played in 43 clutch games, out of which they won 23.

The winner was announced by Inside the NBA crew’s Charles Barkley and his co-hosts wasted no time calling out the ex-NBA MVP for his lack of presentation skills. The whole group of Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith poked fun at ‘Sir Charles’ for not having enough energy. “You are the worst presenter ever,” Shaq said. “Just get it right,” from Kenny. Johnson then proceeded to repeat the statement with a lot more excitement and energy.

As the trio finally got it under control, the man of the hour joined the studio. Shaq immediately apologized to Curry for Barkley’s slip-up. “Steph, Shaq here. First of all, I’d like to apologize for Barkley messing up your moment.” 

That got Steph to crack up laughing as the entire studio joined in the laughter. Curry’s stats for the clutch this season are 49.6% in field goals, 45.7% from the three-point line, and 95.1% from the charity stripe in 142.9 minutes. Aside from him, the Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan and OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were placed second and third, respectively.

DeRozan had 34 votes for the first place and a total of 272 points. Gilgeous-Alexander, for his part, had only 11 for the first place, but he had more than either Steph or Rozan for the second (29) and finished with 160 points. Yet, considering how he clinched the third ahead of top clutch players like Nikola Jokic, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving, speaks a lot about the young Oklahoma star’s talent. Or should we say, the trust in those skills.

As Smith pointed out, it truly is weird not to see Stephen Curry in the playoffs. So what does the future look like for him?

“Look yourself in the mirror”: Stephen Curry on the future

Steph was emotional after their play-in loss to the Sacramento Kings. Anyone would be. The whole season was terrible; a sea of highs and lows. Despite it all, they somehow managed to keep themselves in the game only to accept defeat at the last moment. And now, with so many questions in front of the franchise, Curry has just one piece of advice.

“When you lose, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, ‘What can we do to get better? What holes can we fill?'” he told Smith. While he agreed that the Golden State Warriors needed a revamp, he also made sure to let out his wish of playing with Green and Thompson on several occasions. Notably, a few reports have even hinted at Dray’s future being uncertain after he missed so many games because of suspensions last season. Regardless of whether Klay and the organization reach an agreement, the crux of the matter remains the same.

The Warriors will have to look deep if they are hoping to make a comeback next season.