Sir Charles Barkley’s post-playing career as an analyst for TNT arguably provided as many memorable moments as his time among the NBA’s elite talents in the ’80s and ’90s. A highlight of Barkley’s tenure on TV, his rapport with fellow Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neil, has graced many an Inside the NBA clips compilation, particularly Shaq’s persistent prodding about Barkley’s lack of rings.
As humorous as these attacks can be, it is important not to overlook an undeniable fact. Charles Barkley was magnificent, one of the best in history to pick up a basketball. This day in sports history on May 20th memorializes one of his most iconic highlights when he converted his greatest shot over one of the game’s best defensive players to lift his team to the Conference Finals during a postseason run that resulted in his only Finals appearance.
CHARLES BARKLEY NAILED THE GW-FG TO ADVANCE TO THE WCF DURING SOLE FINALS TRIP
Sir Charles’ greatest season came in 1993, an MVP award-winning effort capped off by a finals showdown with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Before the Finals, Barkley and his first-seeded Phoenix Suns fought their way through the Western Conference. The Suns began their campaign against a Magic Johnson-less Lakers, defeating them in six games despite starting out 0-2.
Johnson, who had played with Barkley on the iconic Dream Team during the previous summer’s Olympics, announced his retirement in the preseason after facing opposition from fellow players over his return in the wake of his AIDS diagnosis. Phoenix’s second-round opponent was the fifth-seeded San Antonio Spurs, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year David Robinson. Both teams protected their home court through the first five games.
It all came down to a crucial Game 6 with Phoenix leading 3-2. The Suns had no intentions of letting the series go to seven games. With the score tied and time winding down, Sir Charles faced down Robinson at the three-point line and with one dribble, rose up for the series-clinching shot. “He hit,” Robinson said after the game. “That’s why he’s my choice for MVP.
May 20, 1993: Matched up against the reigning DPOY Spurs C David Robinson, eventual MVP PF Charles Barkley drained the GW-FGM with less than 2 seconds left to send the Suns to the WCF where they would advance to Barkley's only NBA Finals appearance
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) May 20, 2021
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