Phoenix Suns Friday Flashback – Barkley closes out Sonics with historic display
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.
We begun our Phoenix Suns Friday Flashback’s with Charles Barkley, so what more appropriate than reminiscing about his best performance in the playoffs, and perhaps the best in franchise history.
The Suns and Seattle Supersonics had it all to play for going into game seven of the 1993 Western Conference Finals. The teams had alternated wins across the first six games, with Seattle now looking to rewrite the script back in Phoenix. Unfortunately for them, one major force stood in their way.
Charles Barkley’s historic 44 points and 24 rebounds assured the Phoenix Suns would go on to face Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals.
Barkley was simply too big and too strong, aptly aided by his deft touch around the rim as Seattle defenders, led by Shawn Kemp, were perilous to stop him. The MVP set the tone early, providing Phoenix with a five-point lead at the end of the first, and a six-point lead by halftime.
The Supersonics were never blown away, led by a remarkable 34-point display from Eddie Johnson off the bench. Equally, Phoenix led throughout and were able to maintain a steady advantage.
Barkley couldn’t have done much more offensively – 44 points on 60% from the floor and 19-for-22 from the free throw line. But for all that, it was his work on the boards that proved the difference in the contest.
He recorded a franchise record 24 rebounds, ten of which were offensive. Phoenix had twice as many offensive boards than Seattle, also shooting a ridiculous 64 free throws to 36. They knocked down 57 of these at nearly 90%, with Kevin Johnson making 14 of his 16 as he backed up Barkley with a 22-point, nine assist, four steal performance.
Next. Phoenix Suns still have time to finish as an offseason winner. dark
Phoenix ran out with a 123-110 win, going on to face the Bulls where they fell in a competitive six game series.