Charles Barkley Calls Out Cavaliers for ‘Quitting' in Game 4

The Cleveland Cavaliers desperately needed a win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals after losing their first three games against the New York Knicks.

But in the first half of Monday night’s Game 4 matchup at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena, the home-team Cavaliers surrendered at lopsided 68-49 deficit through the first two quarters.

Despite having their backs against the wall, the Cavaliers were clearly outworked by the visiting Knicks as they attempted to close out the series with a sweep on the road.

Charles Barkley immediately called out the Cavaliers at the halftime break.

“Kids at home, if you want to see what the word ‘quit’ means, to give up. The verb of that is CA – VA – LI – ERS,” Barkley said during the “Inside the NBA” halftime show.

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The Knicks had four players in double figures in the first half, led by 11 from sharpshooter Landry Shamet. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each chipped in with 10 points apiece through the first two quarters of Game 4.

Throughout the Eastern Conference Finals series, the Knicks have maintained an attitude of “desperation” as they attempt to make the franchise’s first trip to the NBA Finals since 1999.

"We found a way to win tonight, but we got to have the same desperation like it's 0-0," Towns said after taking a 3-0 series lead.

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Donovan Mitchell did his part for the Cavaliers, scoring a game-high 20 points in the first half.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 7:11 PM.