If it were up to NBA legend Charles Barkley, he would gladly give the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the New York Knicks right now.
The Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday, and Barkley was thoroughly impressed by the performance of the Mike Brown-coached squad in the first half.
New York stormed back from a 12-point deficit to carry a seven-point lead at the break, 64-57.
During the halftime show, Barkley boldly declared that the Knicks are the new kings of the NBA.
“Listen, I told you, this series is a wrap,” said the Hall of Famer.
Charles Barkley has declared the New York Knicks NBA Champions pic.twitter.com/s073EgfSQF
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 9, 2026
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The Knicks, who are on a 13-game winning streak, are looking for their first title since 1973.
The 63-year-old Barkley, who had goosebumps at the start of Game 3, had his fair share of intense battles with the Knicks during his playing career and has witnessed over the decades how starved the Big Apple is for a championship.
Fans, however, might be nervous with Barkley's confident remark, as he has fallen flat on numerous occasions with his “GUA-RAN-TEE!” which has already become a running gag. Still, there are plenty of reasons for Barkley to trust the Knicks to finish off the Spurs.
As of writing, the Knicks are trailing the Spurs by a slim margin in the fourth quarter.
OG Anuboy has 22 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Jalen Brunson has 20 points and four assists. Josh Hart has 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Victor Wembanyama has 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
If it were up to NBA legend Charles Barkley, he would gladly give the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the New York Knicks right now. The Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday, and Barkley was thoroughly impressed by the performance of the Mike Brown-coached squad in the first half.