“What a Hypocrite” – Charles Barkley Attempting to Bust the Wemby Narrative Doesn’t Sit Well With Fans

Charles Barkley sees no issues with the Thunder’s approach in stopping Victor Wembanyama.

“What a Hypocrite” – Charles Barkley Attempting to Bust the Wemby Narrative Doesn’t Sit Well With Fans

Charles Barkley on Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Charles Barkley criticized narratives about the Oklahoma City Thunder playing dirty against Victor Wembanyama.
  • Fans reacted negatively to Barkley's comments, highlighting inconsistencies in officiating compared to his playing era.
  • Wembanyama acknowledged his performance in Game 3, emphasizing the need for improvement in the upcoming game.

There is no doubt that the Oklahoma City Thunder are playing some physical defense on Victor Wembanyama. In Games 2 and 3, Isaiah Hartenstein has been seen pulling and grabbing the San Antonio Spurs center. The referees have allowed much of the aggressive physical play against Wembanyama to continue in this series.

On a recent post-game show on Inside The NBA, Charles Barkley downplayed the intensity of the defensive coverage on Wembanyama and blasted the narratives about the Oklahoma City Thunder playing dirty.

I think we all need to pray for Wemby. Because he can’t play too many minutes, they’re gonna kill him out there. I am damn sure joking. These people pissing me off. I’m watching the whole games, they ain’t playing dirty. These are some of the softest fouls I’ve ever seen in my life. You got these clowns on TV talking about ‘Oh they’re going to hurt poor Wemby.’ It drives me crazy.

Charles Barkley on Inside The NBA

After a performance for the ages in Game 1, the Thunder have done a good job in neutralizing Victor Wembanyama in Games 2 and 3. Many believe it has to do with the Thunder getting away with their dirty plays.

However, Charles Barkley is in no mood to listen to such narratives. After Game 2, Barkley even went on to say that he had been “kissed harder” after everyone called out the defense played on Wembanyama.

Barkley is widely considered to be “old-school” and does not shy away from criticizing the modern-day players. He does not see anything wrong or dirty in the way the Thunder are defending the French star.

Wembanyama took accountability for his team’s loss in Game 3. Despite scoring 26 points, he had just four rebounds to his name. Spurs will need their star player to be more aggressive and have another dominant performance in Game 4 at home.

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Fans react to Charles Barkley ripping the “poor Wemby” narrative

Charles Barkley played in the NBA during the 80s and 90s. That period of basketball is widely considered to be one of the most physical periods in the NBA. The former MVP was a power forward who relied on strength and brute physicality. Hence, he does not see the Thunder’s defense as dirty in any way.

Barkley’s statements were quick to go viral, and the fans were left buzzing across social media.

Fans called out Barkley for his recent statements. The officiating today is not the same as it was during his days. The main reason for the noise is that the referees have not been consistent with their foul calling when it comes to the Thunder’s games.

Charles Barkley brought out the broom after the Cavs lost Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the brink of elimination after losing Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the New York Knicks. The Cavs succumbed to a 121-108 defeat to the Knicks at the Rocket Arena on Saturday night.

Jalen Brunson attacking James Harden 1-on-1 in Game 1
Jalen Brunson attacking James Harden (Image via Fanteractive/X)

After the game, Charles Barkley brought out the broom to troll the Cavs, who are on the verge of getting clean-swept. He began sweeping the floor, which got everyone in the studio laughing.

The Knicks are just one win away from a spot in the NBA Finals. It will be their first appearance in a final since 1999. Meanwhile, the Cavs will be looking to avoid a clean sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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