Charles Barkley slams Luka Doncic's critics after overwhelming backlash

After the 2024 NBA Finals, fans were pointing fingers in every direction while trying to figure out who deserved the blame for the Dallas Mavericks losing to the Boston Celtics in five games.

When a team loses, everyone deserves blame. Kyrie Irving struggled in that series, role players couldn't hit open shots, and even Luka Doncic wasn't at his best. Not to mention, Boston's roster was stacked, and Dallas' offense just couldn't compete.

Despite all of that, many fans and media members immediately blamed Doncic for Dallas losing in the NBA Finals. They were quick to criticize his defense and complaining to the officials, and rather than praise Doncic for how far he took the Mavs, he became the punching bag of the national media.

Every player deserves criticism at times, but the hate that Doncic got went too far.

Barkley comes to Doncic's defense amid ridiculous takes

Recently, NBA legend and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley stood up for Doncic on the latest episode of the "Bill Simmons Podcast" amid all of the criticism he has gotten, and he made some great points.

"You see how quickly they turned on Luka in The Finals," Barkley said. "Luka was the only reason they were in The Finals...And then after Game 1 and Game 2, they're like 'Luka can't play defense. He's the reason the Celtics are up up 2-zip, 3-zip.' I'm like, wait a minute. He's the only reason they're in the Finals."

Barkley then talked about how quickly figures in the national media turn on players in the NBA, and that's exactly what happened to Doncic. He went from getting praised for his dominant performance in the Western Conference Finals to people wondering if the Mavs can win a championship with him as the centerpiece.

The narrative change surounding Doncic was unbelievable, and Barkley wasn't having any of it.

Now that Doncic had a taste of the NBA Finals, he is going to be as motivated as ever to have another historical season. With the improved supporting cast and a long summer of rest, Doncic is in the perfect position to go win the NBA MVP.

The Mavs have built an outstanding roster around Doncic and Irving, and Dallas is in a position to win the NBA Finals next season. The Western Conference is going to be tough, but the Mavs have the tools to make it happen.