NBA legend Charles Barkley has shown a lot of love for the food in New York City, with the “street meats” securing a special place in his heart. While covering the Knicks-Pacers ECF series at Madison Square Garden for TNT, Barkley found another way to praise New York City’s street food exploits.
“Tomorrow, I’m getting the street meat,” said Barkley, after asking whether the panel had a day off the next day.
However, to his surprise, the legend was presented with a bowl of “street meat” while doing the coverage. Needless to say, the broadcaster lunged at the opportunity without any hesitation, much to the amusement of the rest of the panel.
“I don’t even care what kind of meat it is, dog, rat, cat,” added Barkley before taking a bite. “I don’t even know what it is when I’m up in New York. But I know once they put that white sauce on the tray, it’s good to go.”
“When I see that little white truck, my heart just starts fluttering,” added Barkley, to justify his love for the street food in the city.
Chuck already got some of that New York street meat 🤣 pic.twitter.com/axgXOaSkGD
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 21, 2025
Barkley’s approach to the food in New York City had a lot of fans in stitches after what could only be considered a nightmare day for the city’s team in the ECF. With a 138-135 loss at MSG, the New York Knicks are far from being in a solid position.
Game 1 against the Pacers could only be considered an all-time classic by the way it finished. As exciting as it may have been for Indiana, it will be a game the Knicks will wish to forget.
New York has made a name for itself in the postseason for their grit and tenacity in the dying moments of the game. Having mastered the art of the comeback, the team found itself in unfamiliar waters as they were up by as many as 16 points in the fourth.
An inspired performance by Indiana’s backcourt put the Knicks on the defensive. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns shone brightly as New York’s star duo combined for 78 points on the night. However, costly turnovers and defensive blunders saw the Pacers claw their way back into the game.
The nail in the coffin was a ridiculous buzzer-beating three-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton to send the game to OT. With all the momentum on their side, Indiana simply rode on the wave created by their star player and washed out the Knicks on their home court.
The Knicks, much like Barkley and the Inside crew, have the day off tomorrow. This would be an ideal time for them to recuperate and reorganize before Game 2. Considering what hangs in the balance, the Knicks will hope to defend home court on Friday night at 8:00 pm ET.
