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STATELINE, NEVADA - JULY 11: Charles Barkley stands in the second tee box during the first round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 11, 2025 in Stateline, Nevada. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are one of the most high profile teams in the NBA.
In addition to being the team that plays at the world famous Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have also become a consistent winner.
They are coming off a season where they reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
NBA Legend Charles Barkley Snubs New York Knicks
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Charles Barkley is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Despite the Knicks being one of the best teams in the NBA right now, Basketball Hall of Famer recently went back on his prediction about the team (h/t ESPN Cleveland).
Barkley: “I’m changing my pick, Ernie. I told you, I thought the Knicks was coming out of the East… The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming out of the Eastern Conference.”
ESPN Cleveland
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming out of the eastern conference,” – Charles Barkley 👀👀👀
Right now, the Knicks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-21 record in 58 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and have won seven out of ten).
On Tuesday night, the Cavs will host the Knicks in Ohio.
Via The Lead: “The Knicks over their last 15 games: – 12-3 record (T-1st in NBA) – 1st in NBA in plus-minus – 1st in NBA in net rating – 1st in NBA in defensive rating – 1st in NBA in AST/TOV ratio – 1st in NBA in opponent 3PT% – 1st in NBA in opponent 2nd chance PTS”
The Lead
The Knicks over their last 15 games:
– 12-3 record (T-1st in NBA) – 1st in NBA in plus-minus – 1st in NBA in net rating – 1st in NBA in defensive rating – 1st in NBA in AST/TOV ratio – 1st in NBA in opponent 3PT% – 1st in NBA in opponent 2nd chance PTS
The Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the first two rounds of the 2025 playoffs.
They then lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The NBA wrote before Tuesday’s game: “Two closers. One stage. Brunson: 12th in clutch scoring, 6th in total 2nd half PTS Mitchell: NBA leader in total 4Q PTS and 2nd half PTS When it’s winning time these two deliver… tonight, they DUEL 🔥 Knicks-Cavs | 7:30pm/et | Peacock”
Meanwhile, Barkley’s Cavs are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 36-22 record in 58 games.
They have won eight out of their last ten games.
Last season, the Cavs beat the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs (before losing to the Pacers in five games).
NBA Retweet reported on Tuesday: “Teams with the highest offensive rating in the NBA this season: 1. Nuggets, 122.1 2. Celtics, 120.8 3. Knicks, 119.6 4. OKC, 119.3 5. Cavs, 118.4 6. Hornets, 118.0 7. Spurs, 117.9 8. Rockets, 117.8 9. Timberwolves, 117.8 10. Lakers, 117.2″
NBA Retweet
Teams with the highest offensive rating in the NBA this season:
1. Nuggets, 122.1 2. Celtics, 120.8 3. Knicks, 119.6 4. OKC, 119.3 5. Cavs, 118.4 6. Hornets, 118.0 7. Spurs, 117.9 8. Rockets, 117.8 9. Timberwolves, 117.8 10. Lakers, 117.2
Any surprises? 🤔
Charles Barkley’s Legendary Playing Career
GettySTATELINE, NEVADA – JULY 11: Charles Barkley stands in the second tee box during the first round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 11, 2025 in Stateline, Nevada. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Barkley has turned into one of the most famous personalities in the entire sports world.
It’s easy to forget that the 1993 MVP was one of the best players of all time over 16 seasons with the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers.
While he never won a title, Barkley had career averages of 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 54.1% from the field in 1,073 games.