Team USA concluded the 2024 Paris Olympics with a gold medal win against France. However, before that, they nearly lost to Serbia in the semifinals. It was an unexpectedly close match, considering that USAB was the heavy favorite to win the game.
Many criticized Team USA's performance in the matchup after the four-point win. Former NBA star Charles Barkley was among them. Chuck claimed head coach Steve Kerr failed to properly utilize the depth of the roster.
Barkley's take didn't sit well with former NBA player turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins. He even labeled it as an "asinine take". Thus leading fans to suspect a potential beef between them.
Barkley doesn't care about Perkins' opinion
Being two of the most well-known analysts in the world, Barkley and Perkins are bound to have different opinions. Speaking of which, the Round Mound of Rebound added a new layer to his beef with Big Perk as he urged the former Oklahoma City Thunder center to keep his opinion to himself.
"First of all, listen, don't bring up a guy who averaged five points a game," Barkley said . "I'm not gonna stoop to his level. You average five points a game, shut the hell up."
Well, this one might sting Perkins. After all, he did average just 5.4 points per game. However, Perkins still retired with one NBA Championship to his name. Considering how former players have used a lack of NBA title on Barkley's resume, fans can expect a clapback along these lines from Perkins.
Stephen Curry stepped up for Team USA
For what it's worth, almost losing the semifinals had a silver lining for Team USA. It allowed Steph Curry to finally find his form at the Olympics. He dropped 36 points versus Serbia and followed it up with a 24-point performance in the gold medal game.
If it weren't for Curry, Team USA's dream of winning its fifth straight gold medal would have shattered. Unfortunately, for all he did during those two crucial games, Curry was seemingly snubbed for winning the Olympic MVP award.
Instead, the honor was bestowed upon his teammate LeBron James. Sure, James had an outstanding campaign, but many have argued that Curry deserved the MVP award over the King. Although the discussions will continue throughout the offseason, fans and analysts should be happy that Team USA won the gold medal.
Related: Charles Barkley foresaw Team USA's near upset loss against Serbia: "I'm worried about that game"
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