Fri May 30 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Barkley’s Premature ‘Wrap’ Comes Back to Bite Him as Knicks Stage Epic Comeback

**INDIANAPOLIS -** TNT Analyst Charles Barkley found himself the target of furious Knicks fans Sunday night after declaring their Game 3 matchup against the Indiana Pacers “pretty much over” at halftime. The Knicks, facing a 13-point deficit and the potential for a devastating 3-0 series hole in the Eastern Conference Finals, seemed destined for defeat according to Barkley.

“This is a wrap because the Knicks can’t play fast and beat the Pacers,” Barkley stated during the halftime show. “But they’re down 13, so they gotta play fast. They’re gonna get ran out of this damn building.”

However, the Knicks defied Barkley’s prediction, slowing the game down and staging a stunning 106-100 comeback victory. Trailing by as much as 20 points in the second quarter, New York rallied behind a dominant fourth-quarter performance by Karl-Anthony Towns, who exploded for 20 of his 24 points in the final frame.

Fans immediately took to social media to roast Barkley for his premature declaration. Comments ranged from calling his analysis “lousy” to accusing him of being “bad” at his job and lacking accountability.

While Jalen Brunson chipped in with 23 points, battling foul trouble, the Knicks’ stifling second-half defense, allowing only 42 points, proved crucial in the victory. The Pacers were led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 20 points.

The Knicks’ improbable win avoids a potentially insurmountable series deficit. The Pacers still lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is set for Tuesday night in Indiana, where the Knicks will look to even the series and further silence Barkley’s early dismissal.

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