Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith disagree on Celtics strategy

Charles Barkley’s take on the Celtics: Although the Cavaliers entered Tuesday’s NBA Cup group stage 15-0, the night ended up belonging to the defending champion Celtics in a 120-117 victory.

Boston dominated for long stretches of the game and finished 22 of 41 from three-point range (53.7%). Yet despite a hard-fought victory against an opponent who had yet to lose, the Celtics managed to draw some criticism from the “Inside the NBA” co-host (and Basketball Hall of Famer -ball) Charles Barkley.

Offering his postgame thoughts as the TNT program aired highlights, Barkley took issue with a fundamental aspect of the Celtics’ strategy following a clip of Jayson Tatum successfully driving to the basket.

“I don’t understand why they don’t do it more,” Barkley said of Boston after watching Tatum deftly maneuver to the hoop. “They fall in love with these three. When they start to miss, that’s when Cleveland gets back in the game. They were up 21 points, then they went cold from three down, and that’s when the Cavs came back.

Co-host Kenny Smith disagreed with Barkley, reminding him of recent history.

“Do more?” They won an NBA championship. There’s nothing more to be done,” Smith replied.

Barkley rejected his colleague’s criticism.

“That’s when they got Porzingis,” he said.

“No, he didn’t play every game,” Smith replied.

“When they won, he was there,” Barkley added.

In truth, Porzingis only played in seven of the Celtics’ 19 playoff games a season ago, starting none after the first round. Injured in the leg, he ultimately underwent surgery after the season and is expected to return later in 2024.

In a sense, Barkley is not wrong in saying that Boston is a better offensive team with Porzingis in the lineup. Yet the Celtics got through the playoffs largely without the Latvian.

Shaquille O’Neal, also co-host of “Inside the NBA,” summed up the evening with a simple assessment.

“When Boston shoots above 50 percent, they’re tough to beat.”

Anecdote: Which player played for both the 1986 Celtics and the 1992 Suns?

(Answer at bottom).

Hint: He also briefly played baseball for the Blue Jays.

Scores and schedules:

As noted above, the Celtics beat the Cavaliers 120-117 on Tuesday. Boston will face the Wizards on the road Friday at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Celtics will visit the White House in honor of winning last year’s NBA title.

On Thursday, the Bruins will host Utah at 7 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Joe Mazzulla’s post-match press conference: The Celtics head coach shared his thoughts on a highlight-reel game against the previously undefeated Cavaliers.

Taking stock of the perception of Drake Maye: Although the Patriots don’t win (the team is now 3-8), rookie quarterback Drake Maye continues to receive plaudits from pundits.

That day: In 1928, the Boston Garden opened its doors to a packed crowd. Unfortunately for the Bruins, the Canadiens came away with a 1-0 victory.

Highlight of the day: Jayson Tatum closed out the third quarter in emphatic fashion.

Trivial answer: Danny Ainge