The biggest show in sports is back. And within 2 weeks of the new year, it is off to a cracking start. After a harsh exchange of words last time out, ending with Charles Barkley laying into his co-host, this time around was no better. An intense shouting match between the two Hall of Famers became the backdrop for the crew on their first rundown. However, unlike last week, Shaquille O’Neal was willing to give as bad as he got.

Like the best episodic drama, their feud was recurring from the previous week. Both times, the Milwaukee Bucks and their legitimacy as a title contender were questioned. While Shaq is on their side, Chuck isn’t willing to extend that courtesy. However, amidst this, Charles pointed out Shaq’s big problem.

When Shaq made the claim, “If I’m not showing any effort, and it’s 2 minutes. Eastern Conference Finals, I could buckle down for 2 minutes. Like I’m known for not showing on pick-and-rolls. But if we’re up 1 or down 1? For 2 minutes, I can show.”

Immediately, Barkley was ready with a counterpoint. “Shaq, one of your problems, as much as I love you, like, you’re one of the greatest players ever.” When Shaq chimed in with “Not on defense Chuck”, the Phoenix Suns legend would elaborate. “I know, but you were so great offensively, that you made up the difference.”

Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, And Crew Argue Over The Bucks

While Shaq believes that “I’d rather you get better when it’s time to get better.” However, Barkley was ready to call out his changing words. “No, that’s not what you said…Going back to last week, it’s about certain stops. [Shaq agrees]. But the notion is that you suddenly get in a high-pressure situation. If you have bad habits all year, the notion is that when you get into the fight against the elite teams.”

Immediately, Diesel had a response. “You mean to tell me, my team can’t [get timely stops]?”. But that was an unfortunate comparison, according to the Philadelphia 76ers legend. “You had Kobe [Bryant] and yourself, stop. That’s a whole different animal.”

But O’Neal doesn’t think the comparison is ridiculous. “Okay, they got Dame [Damian Lillard] and Giannis [Antetokounmpo].” In a backhanded sort of way, the Chuckster was willing to complement the big man. “Yeah, but they’re not the same as you two.”

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Shaq made one point that Barkley had to concede. “You mean to tell me, with 2 minutes left to go, if they buckle down defensively, they can’t get one or two stops?” Charles had no answer. The Chuckster brought up Giannis, alluding to the team not being ready to beat the 76ers or the Celtics. However, Shaq was unmoved. Issuing a Charles-special GUARANTEE, he made the claim.“They beat the Celtics tonight. By double digits.”

Do you agree with Barkley? Let us know in the comments below.