Charles Barkley was on ESPN’s Stanley Cup Final broadcast for only a few minutes, but he had more than enough time to roast Jayson Tatum before he left.
Barkley joined ESPN’s halftime show to discuss Ondrej Palat’s incredible goal for the Lightning in the first period of Monday night’s Game 3, among other things. During his analysis of the gorgeous tally, which gave the Lightning their first lead of the series, Barkley couldn’t help but roast Boston Celtics star Tatum less than a week after the team’s NBA Finals loss.
The burn? Barkley compared the Avalanche’s turnover that led to the Lightning goal to Tatum’s antics with the Celtics.
“This is a regular old Jayson Tatum turnover,” Barkley said. “I’m sorry. I’m just joking… I love you, Jayson Tatum. I’m just joking!”
Charles Barkley throws some shade at Jayson Tatum💀
God I love Chuck 🤣 pic.twitter.com/3DNq7Ansv6
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) June 21, 2022
Ouch! But not untrue either, as Tatum finished the postseason with 100 turnovers to his name.
Barkley also had time on the broadcast to crack a few jokes about commissioner Gary Bettman as well!
"I was sitting around the house today, and I called the Commissioner."
Charles Barkley reached out to go to Game 3 of the #StanleyCup Final 😆 pic.twitter.com/FcauXna2Uz
— ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2022
Hockey fans, as expected, absolutely loved Barkley’s appearance and his roast of Tatum.