Charles Barkley Smashes Celtics For Major Deficit In Final Games

In the final games of the 1993-94 NBA regular season, the Boston Celtics found themselves in a unique position. They had already secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings and the coveted homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. With the postseason just around the corner, the question arose as to whether the Celtics should continue playing their starters in the remaining games or rest them to ensure their peak performance for the upcoming playoffs.

One of the most influential players on the team was Charles Barkley, who had been acquired mid-season from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade. Barkley had made an immediate impact on the Celtics, averaging 20.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during his tenure with the team. However, in the final games of the regular season, his performance had noticeably dipped.

Despite this decline in form, the Celtics opted to keep their starters on the floor for their last game against the New York Knicks on April 26, 1994. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some argued that the Celtics should prioritize their long-term goals and give their stars a rest to avoid potential injuries or fatigue heading into the playoffs. Others believed that the team should seize every opportunity to win and maintain their momentum leading into the postseason.

In the end, the Celtics lost to the Knicks with a score of 95-93, with Barkley contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds but committing six turnovers. The defeat marked the team's third loss in their last five games and left some questioning whether the decision to play their starters had been a wise one.

Despite the loss, the Celtics finished the regular season with a strong record of 60-22, the second-best record in franchise history at that time. They went on to reach the NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Houston Rockets led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. The series went to seven games, with the Celtics ultimately falling short, losing the decisive game 95-94 on a buzzer-beater by Olajuwon.

Looking back, the decision to play the starters in the final game of the regular season remains a topic of debate among basketball fans and analysts. While some argue that the loss was a consequence of playing their starters, others believe that the experience and momentum gained from the game were valuable for the team's morale and preparation for the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, the 1993-94 Boston Celtics left an indelible mark on NBA history with their impressive regular-season performance and their valiant effort in the postseason.