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The Golden State Warriors did the unthinkable this season, coming back with a purpose and tackling the NBA playoffs. While fans stuck around to witness their comeback, some NBA icons have been (sort of) hating on the team. Considering his comments while on NBA on TNT, retired star Charles Barkley belonged to the second category.

However, as the Warriors advance in the postseason, fans have no reason to back down and let Barkley walk away with his words.

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With Game 5 lighting up Chase Center and the Mavericks‘ defense, San Francisco 49ers icon Jerry Rice was the GSW fan coming to the team’s defense.

Jerry Rice calls out Charles Barkley for consistent Warriors hate

During the entire postseason run, Barkley has fired his shots at the Warriors. The NBA on TNT analyst has spoken about the team, while also engaging with fans about the same.

READ MORE: Stephen Curry Re-enters GOAT Debate as Per Excited Warriors Fans as Magic Johnson Trophy Finds First Recipient

With GSW progressing, fans have spoken up against Barkley. Many believe his entire narrative is baseless and is only a way to rile up fans.

Eventually, Rice ended up making a dedicated post on Instagram to call Barkley out. The NFL star took it to a personal level, adding a photo of his three Super Bowl rings and Pro Football Hall of Fame ring. He wrote, “Do you have any championship rings?#charlesbarkley?@nbaontnt? Stop hating on the Warriors!!”

 

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This seemed a direct dig at Barkley’s NBA career. Even if he was a celebrated player, Barkley never won the NBA title. It does seem to be a somewhat touchy aspect for Barkley fans at least, making Rice’s comments the perfect retaliation. The 1993 MVP award was a highlight in Barkley’s career, along with 11 All-Star appearances.

Barkley himself is yet to respond directly. A highlight of the Warriors Game 5 was the crowd chanting ‘Chuck you suck,’ a chant headed by none other than Shaquille O’Neal himself. Dub Nation is fueled as is with the postseason, ready to defend their team entirely.

Furthermore, their first trip to the finals since 2019 has given the fans all the momentum they need.

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Can the Warriors win the title?

Just a few months ago, the Warriors seemed like a broken dynasty. With Klay Thompson making his return after two years, the Warriors are headed to the NBA Finals. Stephen Curry is expertly leading the way, winning the very first Western Conference Finals MVP award. Though one cannot predict the eventual outcome, the Warriors have certainly proven their worth this season.?

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Do you think another title is on its way? Let us know in the comments below.