NBA great Charles Barkley Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Charles Barkley beats Kenny Smith to the board

By Sean Keane | Last updated 1/20/23

Kevin Frazier honored the absent Ernie Johnson the way he’d have wanted: by beating Kenny Smith to the video board.

With “Elevator” Ernie Johnson out after the death of his mother, Kenny “The Jet” Smith tried to take advantage of the inexperienced replacement host. In a transparent effort to distract Frazier, Smith asked to see his shoes. Charles “Chuck” Barkley wasn’t deceived, nor was Frazier, as they sprung from their chairs and beat Smith to the big screen.

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 20, 2023

Johnson, a multiple Emmy winner and veteran of many such races, took the night off after his mother, Lois Marjorie Johnson, died earlier this week at age 94. TNT presented a touching video tribute to Mrs. Johnson during the telecast.

The NBA on TNT family remembers Lois Marjorie Johnson pic.twitter.com/0qSxTIK6db
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 20, 2023

TNT has been airing "Inside the NBA" for so long that players have great affection for the crew, which has created a collegial, goofy and occasionally heartfelt environment that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the sports landscape.

This was clear after the Boston Celtics’ huge victory over the Golden State Warriors. Despite his own monster game, Jayson Tatum made sure to send his condolences to Johnson’s family.

"Love you, man. Praying for you. You and your family, wish you well.”

Jayson Tatum sends his condolences to the Johnson family pic.twitter.com/IvwFe1X4K1
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 20, 2023

There’s truly no one like Ernie Johnson, and there’s truly no show like "Inside the NBA." It’s a real family atmosphere, and nothing says family like beating your brother in a foot race, especially after he tried to cheat.

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