The 35-year run of watching the NBA on TNT came to an end Saturday night, but not before Charles Barkley could make one more trademark unpredictable comment on live television.
Barkley did not have to make it to the late night hours of the final "Inside the NBA" episode to do it, either.
Sitting next to Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith on the TNT set at halftime of the Indiana Pacers' 125-108 closeout victory against the New York Knicks, the Round Mound of Rebound ended up putting his math skills on display while putting the Knicks on blast.
NBA legend Charles Barkley at the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.
NBA legend Charles Barkley at the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
"Ernie, you said 10 turnovers?" he asked his host. "You can't have 10 turnovers because obviously you're on pace for 20. You really only want to have 10 or 12 for the game."
Johnson left an awkward silence, then pointed at his co-host and mocked him, sarcastically saying "I get it!"
Chaos ensued on the set, ending in a random shoutout for Barkley's alma mater, Auburn University, in the middle of a decisive NBA playoff game.
The off-beat comments, clowning on the set and willingness to go off on a funny tangent only somewhat related to the NBA action were all elements that made TNT's coverage a fan favorite for decades.
The good news for fans of Barkley and "Inside the NBA" is that the band is staying together even though TNT is losing broadcast rights.
Johnson ensured during the broadcast on Saturday that he, O'Neal, Barkley and Smith will continue filming the show in Atlanta in the same way next season.
However, it will have a new home on ESPN — where fans can expect more of the unexpected from Barkley on a regular basis.