Charles Barkley apologized for one of his predictions in the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.
Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson were on the call for NBA on ESPN. They provided pre- and postgame coverage for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
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The series entered the night knotted at 2-2. Toronto had stolen the last two games at home. Cleveland responded with a 125-120 win at Rocket Arena on Wednesday.
Evan Mobley paced the Cavaliers with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, nine rebounds and three blocks. James Harden added 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Donovan Mitchell and Dennis Schroder each scored 19.
Despite the win, Barkley made his skepticism about Cleveland known at halftime.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45)
Barkley earlier predicted the Cavaliers would come out of the East and reach the NBA Finals. The veteran broadcaster and Hall of Famer no longer feels that way. Cleveland’s struggles in the first round changed his mind.
Toronto led Cleveland 74-67 at halftime. The Cavaliers looked like they would drop three straight games.
At halftime, Barkley apologized to America for backing the Cavs.
“That was a great first half by Toronto. Everybody sharing the ball,” he said. “Their defense is unbelievable. I just want to say, man, I just want to apologize for picking the Cavs to get to the Finals.”
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Barkley doubled down from there.
“No team is going to get to the championship playing [that way] the last three games,” he added. “They played two bad games and half in a row. Like they do not value the basketball.
“You cannot win with inconsistent players. Like Shaq and Kenny know. When you are on a good team, there is a sense of urgency. There is no sense of urgency with this Cavs team. … I have been bamboozled, hoodwinked, and led astray.”
Harden’s turnovers have been a major concern throughout the series. The midseason acquisition entered Game 5 with 24 turnovers across the first four games. Mitchell’s shooting woes continued as well. He shot 7-of-17 from the field in Game 5.
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Cleveland rallied in the second half and held on for the close win. The Cavaliers now lead the series 3-2 and stand one win away from the second round. For Barkley, one win may not be enough to change his mind.
Related: NBA Announces Seven Mistakes in Cavaliers’ Loss to Raptors
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
