Phoenix Suns Friday Flashback: Explosive Barkley closes out Warriors

With the offseason in full swing, every Friday ‘Valley of the Suns’ will delve back into the archives to deliver readers a review into some of the best Phoenix Suns playoff performances of all-time.

On 4th May 1994, NBA fans bore witness to one of the great playoff performances of all-time. Looking to close out the Golden State Warriors in their first-round Western Conference playoff series, the third-seed Phoenix Suns were sensationally led by superstar Charles Barkley.

In what was at that time a best-of-five game series, the Suns had duly delivered two victories at home albeit in competitive matches. Barkley led Phoenix in game one with 36 points, while Kevin Johnson produced 38 points in a tight game two win.

Charles Barkley’s 56 points and 14 rebounds led the Phoenix Suns to a series closeout win over the Golden State Warriors in a high-scoring thriller in Oakland.

On the back of a, by his standards, quiet 20 points in game two, Barkley stunned the home Oakland crowd with an astonishing first quarter display. His fadeaway jump shots proved indefensible early, draining one after another as he set about sweeping the series.

A 25.5% three-point shooter across his 123-game playoff career, Barkley was even finding the touch from deep early as the Warriors provided little resistance to his onslaught.

He began the game 11-for-11 from the field and by half time, Barkley had set an NBA record with 38 points. The issue for the Suns was that they too produced a non-defiant defensive performance, leading by just one as the teams combined for 147 first half points.

Golden State, led by a dazzling shooting display from their own star in Chris Mullin, actually took a one-point lead into the final period. Barkley again shone when it mattered most though, assuring the series would go no further as the Suns ran out with a 140-133 win.

The 1993 NBA MVP finished with 56 points on 23-for-31 shooting from the floor including 3-for-4 from three-point range. He also added 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in a truly awe-inspiring display. Following the win, Barkley said –

"“Obviously, I was making a lot of shots tonight. They kind of forced the issue by not doubling me. I hope it’s not the last time I see single coverage. I kind of like it.”"

Warriors coach Don Nelson was criticised for his defensive schemes (or lack thereof), but he prefered to focus on Barkley’s brilliance in its aftermath.

"“Nobody thought he was going to make all his shots. He had one of the most spectacular games I ever witnessed, as a player and as a coach.”"

Barkley’s heroics remain a franchise record for most points scored in a playoff game, while it sits equal fourth all-time.

Barkley and the Suns would then be involved in a classic seven-game Western Conference Semifinal series, falling to the eventual champion Houston Rockets and their superstar Hakeem Olajuwon.