Charles Barkley is “disgusted” by the Cleveland Cavaliers and their inability to close out the Toronto Raptors.
Barkley was furious with how the Cavaliers performed during the final moments of Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Toronto Raptors, and said as much on Sunday’s “Inside the NBA.” The Cavaliers threw the ball away and committed a turnover while leading by 1 with ten seconds left in the game, despite the fact that they still had a timeout. They went on to lose when RJ Barrett hit a three on the ensuing possession.
“I thought I was back at March Madness at a regular old Duke game,” Barkley said. “Watch out passing that ball. They’ve got to foul you. I’m like, what the hell? What are y’all doing? Why are y’all dribbling? Just hold the ball. Get fouled. That’s exactly what happened in that Duke game.
“I am so disgusted with these Cavs. James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, (Evan) Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. I don’t think any guy’s had a signature game yet.”
"I am so disgusted at these Cavs."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 3, 2026
—Charles Barkley on Cleveland in their series vs. the Raptors 😳 pic.twitter.com/BFVMxCbVfx
Barkley is comparing the Cavs’ late fiasco to Duke’s loss to UConn during March Madness. Obviously, an NBA playoff team drawing comparisons to a college team for lack of composure is not meant as a compliment.
Barkley actually had the Cavs going to the NBA Finals at the start of the playoffs, a prediction he quickly came to regret. The fact that they have been taken to Game 7 by what he sees as an inferior Toronto team is just further reason for him to be annoyed at them.
