'Barkley Blames Cleveland Cavs for Loss to Pacers'

It's kind of like a chicken-and-egg situation: Which came first? Indiana Pacers stage a remarkable return, or was it the Cleveland Cavaliers suffocate during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals?

Charles Barkley clearly takes a stance on this issue.

"What I'll tell you, this was another choking performance," the Hall of Famer stated on TNT during halftime of the late game on Tuesday between the teams. Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves . "This was a gag, y'all. This was a choke extraordinaire."

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Panel member Kenny Smith questioned Barkley about Tyrese Haliburton It's late surge — 4 points in the last 12.1 seconds, including the winning 3-pointer with 1.0 second left — was more about big plays than a choke.

Barkley: "They surrendered two rebounds on those foul shots!"

Smith: "It happens."

Barkley: "No, it doesn't."

Watch Pacers last-minute comeback vs. Cavs

The Cavaliers led 117-110 with 1:06 left after a Max Strus 3-pointer. Here's what happened the rest of the way.

1:03 : Haliburton layup

57.1 seconds Donovan Mitchell 2 foul shots

47.2 : Aaron Nesmith putback dunk after a missed Pascal Siakam free throw

45.2 : Mitchell offensive foul

27.1 : Siakam layup

27.1 : Cavs turnover

12.1 : Haliburton 1-of-2 free throws, rebounding his own miss at the 9.1 mark

1.0 : Haliburton 3-pointer

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'Choke extraordinaire': Charles Barkley blames Cleveland Cavaliers in loss to Indiana Pacers