‘They have ZERO mental toughness’: Charles Barkley slams Brooklyn after loss to Philadelphia, while Shaquille O’Neal claims they won’t win the NBA title ‘if they don’t get it together’ soon
- Charles Barkley slammed the Brooklyn Nets’ mental fortitude on Tuesday night
- Nets lost 115-106 to Philadelphia 76ers without James Harden and Joel Embiid
- Shaquille O’Neal believes this current team need to improve in next 10 games
- Ben Simmons was not given adequate support during his return game at Philly
- Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com
Charles Barkley has delivered a savage rebuke to the Brooklyn Nets’ championship aspirations after its humbling 115-106 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
The build-up surrounding Ben Simmons’ return game in Philadelphia was immense but Brooklyn failed to inspire, losing easily to an undermanned 76ers team.
Discussing the Nets’ future fortunes postgame, Barkley delivered a damning assessment of the team.
Ben Simmons had a fiery reception as he played against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday
‘They just have zero mental toughness,’ Barley said on Inside the NBA. ‘Zero. They have zero mental toughness.
‘They don’t hold each other accountable. That’s the first thing. They do not hold each other accountable. Everybody kind of does their own thing.’
Philadelphia was missing stars Joel Embiid and James Harden, as well as Tyrese Maxey. Though their team came ready to play, inspired by coach Doc Rivers.
‘Doc Rivers said something that was very profound,’ Barkley continued. ‘He says, “you know, guys talk about all this other noise — my team really wanted to win the game.”
Related Post
‘They want to win a game, to send a message to Ben Simmons. And then if you go to the Jersey side, if I’m KD (Kevin Durant) and Kyrie, I’m like, “well, we’re the two best players in the building.
Charles Barkley believes the Nets’ mental fortitude is a stumbling block to their playoff push
Kyrie Irving put up 23 points in his second game back from suspension vs. 76ers Tuesday night
“They’re missing the three best players. Let’s protect Ben and send them a message,” and it was totally the opposite.’
Durant and Irving scored 20 and 23 points respectively but it was far from enough, with the Nets not once leading at the intervals.
Fellow panelist and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal questioned Brooklyn’s ability to compete for a title, saying their season rests on their next handful of games.
‘I’m telling you right now. If they don’t get it together next 10 games, they not gone win a championship,’ he remarked. ‘They still have a chance to get it together.
Kevin Durant tried to provide support to Ben Simmons during his return game in Philadelphia
‘You have two of the top players in Kyrie and KD, and then Ben can play keep playing consistent. Joe Harris his some shots and they get in a little rhythm — they can be dangerous.
‘Everybody talking about how dangerous they can be but I’ve said this earlier; championship mentality, beat the teams you’re supposed to beat.
‘They’re supposed to beat this team by 20 tonight. Be above .500 on the road and be dominant and unstoppable at home.
‘I don’t see any of that so they don’t have a shot at winning a championship.’
Shaquille O’Neal believes something drastic must change for Brooklyn to win the NBA title
Advertisement
