Charles Barkley Reflects on 1993 NBA Finals and Michael Jordan

Charles Barkley, never shy to speak his mind, recently shared one of his most emotional stories about Michael Jordan. On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, he recalled a moment from the 1993 NBA Finals that left his young daughter in tears.

“I remember going home, and my daughter was crying,” Barkley said. “‘Dad, you told me you all were going to win.’”

Despite his dominant performance—21 points and 17 rebounds in Game 6—Barkley’s Phoenix Suns fell 99–98 to Jordan’s Bulls, capped by John Paxson’s legendary shot. Barkley admitted, “I got to be honest with you, that guy’s better at basketball than me… I’ve never said that about anybody.”

Even decades later, Barkley maintains his respect for Jordan. On Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, he ranked LeBron James seventh on his all-time list, behind Jordan, Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Oscar, and Kobe.

For Barkley, the 1993 Finals weren’t just about basketball—they were personal, cementing both admiration and enduring rivalry for Michael Jordan.