Charles Barkley’s biggest Knicks concern after start of NBA Finals: ‘Terrible’

Charles Barkley was frustrated with the Knicks’ first-half defensive performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals — but had kudos for one bright spot on the other side of the ball.

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During the “Inside the NBA” halftime show on Wednesday night, the Suns great laid into the Knicks for allowing wide open 3-pointers through the first half of Game 1 where the Knicks ended down 55-48.

“It’s really been terrible defense on the Knicks,” Barkley said when asked what the story of the first half was. “Cause if you actually look at [Julian Champagnie’s] threes. Why is he wide open? There’s no reason to be leaving him wide open.”

Champagnie led all scorers with 15 points in the first half, going 5-of-6 from the field, all of which came from 3-point range.

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The Knicks were outshot from distance by the Spurs, who went 9-of-24 from three, while the Knicks ended the first half 6-of-20.

Barkley was impressed with Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored eight first-half points.

“The Spurs can’t guard the pick and roll. When [the Knicks] run the pick and roll with KAT they get something good everytime,” Barkley said. “We have to give KAT his flowers.”

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