Charles Barkley isn’t buying Mike Brown’s ref complaints after Knicks lose Game 3
The New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals 115-111 at home, prompting coach Mike Brown to criticize the referees for a free‑throw disparity. Charles Barkley and co‑host Shaquille O’Neal responded by saying the Knicks should focus on their performance rather than officiating complaints. Other analysts, including Draymond Green, added that the Knicks’ lack of aggression contributed to the loss as the Spurs took a 2‑1 series lead.
- ▪The Knicks were outshot at the free‑throw line 24‑8, especially in the second half, and fell 115-111 to the Spurs.
- ▪Coach Mike Brown publicly blamed the referees for the loss, citing the free‑throw discrepancy.
- ▪Barkley told the post‑game show that the Knicks did not play well enough to win and that officiating was not the decisive factor.
- ▪Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green agreed that the Knicks’ lack of aggression and execution, not the calls, were to blame for the defeat.
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nba finals NBA New York Knicks Charles Barkley isn’t buying Mike Brown’s ref complaints after Knicks lose Game 3 By Erich Richter Published June 9, 2026, 9:44 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google The Knicks did not play well in Game 3, and Charles Barkley wants Mike Brown’s comments to start and stop there. After the Knicks’ 115-111 home defeat Monday, the Knicks’ coach called out the referees, saying “I never thought I’d be in the NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free-throw attempts to another team’s eight.” The Knicks were outshot 32 to 22 at the free-throw line, including 24 to eight in the second half, but the “Inside the NBA” crew apparently didn’t want to hear all of that. Mike Brown was shocked about the free-throw discrepency.
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