The schedule says Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is Saturday night in Indianapolis.
As far as Charles Barkley is concerned, it’s Game 7.
The “NBA on TNT” analyst said the Indiana Pacers don’t want to return to Madison Square Garden in this series.
“It is a must-win for the Pacers. If they come back here, they’re gonna get another ass-kicking like they had tonight,” Barkley said after the New York Knicks never trailed in winning Game 5 111-94.
Indiana’s starters combined for just 37 points, and Tyrese Haliburton — who was spectacular in Game 4 in a 130-121 Pacers win — had 8 points and 6 assists, hitting 2-of-7 shots.
The Pacers lead the series 3-2. Game 7 would be Monday night in New York. The winner plays the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
“We can (discuss) all this strategy and all this other stuff,” Barkley said. “The Indiana Pacers can’t play slow.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘A must-win for the Pacers.’ Why Charles Barkley thinks Game 6 is more like a Game 7 for Indiana
Reporting by Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
