“Been saying this for past 7 years!” Charles Barkley claims LA Clippers are ‘scariest team in the west’ and gets heat from ex-Laker Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal Challenged Barkley's Bold Claim on Clippers' Supremacy in the West.

“Been saying this for past 7 years!” Charles Barkley claims LA Clippers are ‘scariest team in the west’ and gets heat from ex-Laker Shaquille O’Neal

The Los Angeles Clippers have finally found their footing, and are currently at the No. 4 spot in the western conference with a five-game winning streak (Image via Basketball Forever)

NBA icon and renowned analyst Charles Barkley’s unwavering belief in the Los Angeles Clippers, whom he dubbed the “scariest team in the West,” has once again ignited discussions among basketball enthusiasts. With the Clippers currently holding a strong 21-12 record and sitting comfortably with the top teams of the Western Conference, Barkley’s long-standing confidence in the team seems more justified than ever.

At the heart of Barkley’s praise lies his admiration for Kawhi Leonard’s exceptional talent. His commendation extends to the entire Clippers squad, including stars like Paul George and James Harden, and the valuable contributions from Russell Westbrook off the bench.

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Reflecting on the team’s recent history, Charles Barkley pointed out:

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The scariest team in the west is the Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is amazing. If he's healthy, he's one of the five best basketball players in the world. Going back to last year ... if he didn't get hurt, they would've beat the Suns.

However, Barkley’s enthusiastic endorsement didn’t go unchallenged. Fellow NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal offered a contrasting viewpoint, questioning the Clippers’ ability to translate their talent into championship success. He retorted that Barkley had been endorsing them for the past seven years, yet they end up falling short, each time.

This spirited exchange between Barkley and O’Neal raises questions regarding the Los Angeles Clippers‘ prospects. Despite having boasted multiple star-studded rosters over the years, the team’s lack of postseason achievements remains a topic of intense discussion. Can the Clippers defy the odds this season, or will Shaq’s skepticism prove to be well-founded?

Clippers soar to spectacular fifth straight victory against the Pelicans

The Clippers clinched their fifth consecutive win with a score of 111-95 over the New Orleans Pelicans. This latest triumph is a testament to their strategic acumen and the depth of talent within their ranks. Paul George delivered a stellar performance with six 3-pointers, racking up a total of 24 points.

Paul George scored 24 points on 60% from the field and three, grabbing seven rebounds and a block (Reuters)
Paul George scored 24 points on 60% from the field and three, grabbing seven rebounds and a block (Reuters)

Kawhi Leonard added 19 points and nine rebounds of his own. James Harden also made his mark, dishing out 13 assists and scoring eight points in a 29-minute masterclass. The Clippers’ command over the game was so overwhelming that they surged ahead by a staggering 31 points in the fourth quarter.

This victory marks their 14th in the last 16 games, underscoring their consistent excellence and formidable presence this season. The Pelicans, who had been riding a wave of four consecutive wins, found themselves outmatched in the face of the Clippers’ onslaught. Their key players, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, were limited to a mere 12 points each.

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