Charles Barkley rips Heat fans before the team’s historic playoff loss to Cavaliers

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former NBA player-turned television star Charles Barkley is not a fan of the Miami Heat faithful.

Miami’s beloved NBA franchise became the first 10th seed to advance from the play-in tournament to the NBA Playoffs.

Being the eighth seed for the postseason meant the Heat would meet the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Charles Barkley rips Heat fans before the team's historic playoff loss to Cavaliers

Charles Barkley talks with the media before Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center June 14, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.  (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Heat came up short in the first two games of the first-round Eastern Conference series. Before Game 3 tipped off in Miami Saturday, Barkley took a moment to take a jab at Heat fans.

“That’s not a tough environment [to play in],” Barkley said during the pregame broadcast in reference to Kaseya Center, the Heat’s home arena. “That’s not a tough environment.”

2025 NBA PLAYOFF ODDS TRACKER: WHO WILL EMERGE FROM FIRST ROUND?

The Hall of Famer then mentioned how the Heat overcame the odds in the play-in tournament to make it to the playoffs.

“Yeah, but that’s still not a hostile environment,” he added.

Charles Barkley rips Heat fans before the team's historic playoff loss to Cavaliers

Former Phoenix Suns player Charles Barkley in attendance at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)

This isn’t the first time Barkley has shared his distaste for Heat fans. After LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade joined forces in Miami for the 2010-11 season, Barkley suggested the Heat’s fan base mostly consisted of fair-weather fans. Barkley has also previously claimed Heat fans were among the worst in the NBA.

The Heat lost Game 3, 124-87, their worst playoff loss ever, and the Cavs took a 3-0 series lead. The Cavs took control with a 33-5 run early, outrebounded Miami 46-29 and outscored the Heat 60-30 in the paint.

Charles Barkley rips Heat fans before the team's historic playoff loss to Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat in the third quarter during Game 2 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla., April 26, 2025. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

“Our guys knew that was the key, rebounding and winning the rebounding battle,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We really executed defensively.”

Evan Mobley scored 19 points and Max Strus added 18 for Cleveland. Ty Jerome had 13 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the on-court adversity his team has had to fight through over the past several weeks.

“Look, our guys really want this, and it probably looks like our guys don’t,” Spoelstra said. “But I know what our last six weeks have been like, just to fight and scratch and claw to get into this.”

Game 4 is scheduled for Monday.

 

 

 

Related Posts

Warriors Get Good News About $251 Million All-Star: ‘Imminent’

The Golden State Warriors could address their interest in adding more firepower with Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal after the latest news.

Breaking News: Lakers Make Likely Decision on Granting Buyout for LeBron James

LeBron James seemingly pushed the gas pedal all the way to the floor for the Los Angeles Lakers offseason by dropping a bombshell statement via agent Rich…

REPORT: Lakers fans erupt after 8-word Deandre Ayton announcement

Deandre Ayton was officially announced as a Lakers player on Sunday, prompting some positive reactions from their passionate fanbase. The Los Angeles Lakers had one urgent area…

Unexpected Team Mentioned As Nikolas Vucevic Suitor

Nikola Vucevic may not have much of a market, but some teams still could be in play. That includes a division rival.

Bradley Beal could have mutual interest with interesting team

The Phoenix Suns appear to be moving toward a resolution with guard Bradley Beal, and it could see him land with a team he has long been linked to. Barry

Matas Buzelis Sends Message to Lonzo Ball After Bulls-Cavaliers Trade

The Chicago Bulls made an unexpected trade to shake the roster up, but moving off a fan favorite was not exactly what people wanted. The Bulls traded away Lonzo