Utah Jazz forward Jae Crowder (99) drives to the hoop with Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) defending as the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets play game two of the NBA playoffs at the Toyota Center in Houston on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. (Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – TNT analyst Charles Barkley managed to get everything wrong in a bold pregame prediction in the Jazz-Rockets series. Not only did he say the Jazz couldn’t win a game in the series, the Jazz won a game precisely the way Sir Charles said they couldn’t.
“No, they can’t tie the series, they’re not the better team,” Barkley said on TNT prior to coverage of game two of the Western Conference Semifinal series. “I’m not sure they can win a game,” Barkley added.
The Jazz beat the Rockets 116-108 to tie the series at one game apiece. Game three will be played in Utah Friday night, game four is set for Vivint Arena on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s just a bad matchup,” Barkley proclaimed multiple times for the Jazz in a short clip that was circulated online after the Jazz victory.
In addition to the incorrect prediction, the Jazz managed to win without a stellar performance from star rookie Donovan Mitchell. That’s something Barkley said the Jazz couldn’t do.
Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell congratulates forward Joe Ingles after Ingles hits one of seven three-pointers in game two (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
“Let’s give Donovan Mitchell 30 points. You still need another 60-70 points from other guys and Utah is not capable of doing that.”
Mitchell finished with 17 points, meaning the rest of the team combined for 99 en route to the road playoff victory.
“We’re kidding ourselves. To beat the Rockets or the Warriors, you’ve got to score 110 to 115 points, and the Jazz just don’t have enough weapons.”
Six Jazz players finished with double-digit points, led by Joe Ingles and his 27 points, including seven three-pointers.
Social media users were quick to point out the failed prediction after the game:
