Barkley desperately wanted to watch the hockey game instead of basketball tonight

BarDown Staff

(@JeffEisenBand/ Twitter)

Something we love more than anything about the NBA on TNT crew is the honesty in all situations. For the most part, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith keep their composure while on air, but Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal are wildcards to say the least. Nobody knows what Barkley or Shaq will say on any given night.

On Thursday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Boston Celtics from start to finish. Barkley was working the game as an analyst for the broadcast, but got word Game 7 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators was tied.

Once Barkley knew the hockey game was tied, he wanted to head back to the hotel to catch the end:

Charles Barkley: "I'm gonna sneak back to the hotel, watch the rest of the hockey game - it's 1-1 y'all - and I'm gonna pack up my stuff." 😂 pic.twitter.com/xddUsCaZY1
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 26, 2017

Apparently Barkley continued to talk about the hockey game as he got into the media room:

Charles Barkley just walked into the media room and asked if we could put the hockey game on. He said he bet on Ottawa.
— Dan Wagner (@dwagsphoto) May 26, 2017

The Golden State Warriors versus Cleveland Cavaliers series will be much more entertaining for Barkley to watch, but until then the playoff hockey is exactly what he needs... and we really can't blame him.

(H/T @JeffEisenBand)