NBA legend Charles Barkley issues strong warning to Knicks ahead of Game 3 against Celtics

The New York Knicks shocked the NBA world by stealing the first two games of their series against the Boston Celtics on the road at TD Garden. Despite holding a 2-0 series lead, Charles Barkley delivered a strong warning to the Knicks about staying focused as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks proved their resilience in both games, overcoming 20-point deficits to secure comeback victories. However, Barkley cautioned that the Knicks cannot let their guard down, emphasizing the importance of Game 3. Drawing on his own playoff experiences, the Hall of Famer described the pivotal nature of such moments.

Speaking on NBA on TNT, Barkley described Game 3 as a “must-win” for the Knicks, referencing his playoff battles with the Suns against the Lakers and Rockets.

“I’m one of the few people in the world who have been in this situation twice. We played the Lakers when we were the No. 1 seed in the West. We lost the first two games at home in a five-game series,” Barkley recalled. You got to win the third one because then the pressure switches“.

OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs semifinals at TD Garden. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“When we won the first 2 games in Houston. I remember telling the guys ‘We cannot go back to Houston 2-2.’ This is going to sound stupid. Game Three is a must-win for the Knicks,” he added.

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Barkley’s warning draws from experience

Barkley reflected on a pair of memorable playoff series to back up his claim. In the 1993 first round, his Suns dropped the first two games to the Lakers but rallied to win the series.

Conversely, in the 1994 and 1995 semifinals against the Rockets, Barkley’s Suns jumped out to 2-0 leads after road victories but ultimately failed to close out the series, losing both in heartbreaking fashion.

Knicks make NBA history with back-to-back comebacks

The Knicks’ victories in Boston not only gave them a commanding lead but also made NBA history. New York became the first team ever to overcome 20-point deficits in back-to-back playoff games and win both.

This historic achievement gives the Knicks added confidence heading into Game 3, set to tip off Saturday, April 10, at Madison Square Garden. With a 2-0 series lead and home-court advantage, the stage is set for another electric showdown.