The best part about a bold prediction is getting the credit for making a daring call when you’re right. The worst part is having it recorded on video and the internet playing it over and over and over again to mock you when you’re wrong. Charles Barkley could tell you about both experiences.
Barkley could not have been more wrong with his Golden State Warriors prediction this postseason.
After Kevin Durant suffered his calf injury in Game 5 of the Warriors’ Western Conference semifinals series against Houston, Chuck said Golden State was going down. He said Durant was the reason for the Warriors' dynasty and that they not only would not beat the Rockets without him, but they also wouldn’t beat either Portland or Denver.
Fast forward two weeks and the Warriors went 5-0 without Durant, or 6-0 if you count the Game 5 win over the Rockets when KD got hurt. By sweeping Portland, they’ve earned themselves extra rest before the NBA Finals begin on May 30.
The Warriors have been so good since Durant got hurt that it has prompted debates from people wondering whether they’re better without him. The answer to that question is no, they’re not a better team, although Durant’s absence gives other players more of an opportunity to thrive, and they’re taking advantage of it, which makes it look like some players are better without him.
Chuck did predict Virginia would win the NCAA Tournament, so we will give him credit for that bold call at the same time that we criticize him for this one. At least he’s one-for-two on postseason predictions so far.
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