Charles Barkley walked back his criticism of Spurs coach Mitch Johnson after a 'dumb basketball' rant following the Spurs' 106-107 loss to the Knicks.
The NBA legend had called the Spurs the 'dumbest basketball team in the history of civilization' after they gave up a 29-point lead in Game 4.
What happened?
The Spurs missed eight 3-pointers in a row during their historic meltdown, with Jalen Brunson scoring 36 points and OG Anunoby adding 33 for the Knicks.
The Knicks trailed by 29 points in the third quarter but came back to win.
Why it matters for Charles Barkley
Barkley clarified his comments on *Inside the NBA* before Game 5, stating he was talking about the players, not coach Johnson.
He said he didn't want to criticize young black coaches, as the NBA needs more of them.
What comes next?
The Spurs still have hope in the series, with Game 5 scheduled in San Antonio on June 13, 2026.
De'Aaron Fox has an opportunity to redeem himself after his late-game blunder sealed the loss for the Spurs.
Barkley blasted Fox for his mistake, saying he should have dribbled the ball out and forced the Knicks to foul him instead of going for a layup.
The Spurs guard was blocked by OG Anunoby, who sealed the win for the Knicks with a putback.
Barkley called Fox's play 'dumb' and said he didn't have to shoot the ball.
The Spurs' loss was a shocking turnaround, with the team giving up a 29-point lead in just over a quarter.
The Knicks' comeback was led by Brunson and Anunoby, who scored 36 and 33 points respectively.
The Spurs will look to bounce back in Game 5, with Fox hoping to make amends for his mistake.
Barkley's comments sparked a reaction from coaches around the league, prompting him to clarify his remarks.
He praised coach Johnson as a 'really good young coach' with a 'bright future'.
The NBA legend's comments were seen as a criticism of the Spurs' players, rather than their coach.
The Spurs' meltdown was a shocking moment in the series, with the team's players struggling to explain their collapse.
The Knicks' win was a significant turnaround, with the team coming back from a 29-point deficit to win by one point.