Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns former guard Charles Barkley in attendance of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Thunder 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesfor Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Calls Out ESPN Over Face Of NBA Discussion

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 27, 2025 8:15 PM ET

On Tuesday night, the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are playing Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The NBA on TNT crew is live in Indiana for the game.

Before tip-off, Charles Barkley called out ESPN over their coverage of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards.

Barkley (h/t House of Highlights) : Hey, ESPN. Don't try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA. The face of the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joker and Giannis. You can't give it to people. They have to take it, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is taking it."

Edwards is coming off a disappointing Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he had just 16 points while shooting 5/13 from the field and 1/7 from the three-point range.

He faced a lot of criticism following the 128-126 loss (at home).

.@RicBucher: Anthony Edwards let his team down.

"I don't want to hear from my best player that I made the right basketball play." pic.twitter.com/31fx8Picmx
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) May 27, 2025

On the other hand, 2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of the best games of his playoff career.

He finished with 40 points, nine rebounds, ten assists and one steal while shooting 13/30 from the field and 2/7 from the three-point range in 40 minutes of playing time.

Via The NBA: "Shai through his first 15 games of the 2025 Playoffs:

442 points
84 rebounds
103 assists
23 steals

Only other players to reach those marks through the first 15 games of a postseason:
• Michael Jordan (1989, 1991)
• LeBron James (2017)"

Shai through his first 15 games of the 2025 Playoffs:

442 points
84 rebounds
103 assists
23 steals

Only other players to reach those marks through the first 15 games of a postseason:
• Michael Jordan (1989, 1991)
• LeBron James (2017) pic.twitter.com/FruggztSto
— NBA (@NBA) May 27, 2025