Charles Barkley blasts Timberwolves’ effort as Inside the NBA star reacts to Mavericks WCF Game 5 domination

CHARLES Barkley didn't hold back on criticizing the Minnesota Timberwolves' underwhelming first-half performance versus the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Barkley and the TNT's Inside the NBA crew gave their thoughts on the Mavericks leading 69-40 in an elimination game for the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

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Mavericks star Luka Doncic scored 25 points in the first half as Minnesota, who entered Game 5 down 3-1 in the series, couldn't get into any rhythm - both offensively and defensively.

The Timberwolves were down 29 points at the half, and Barkley let the franchise have it during Inside the NBA's halftime show.

"The Wolves were content to not get swept," Barkley said while alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, and host Ernie Johnson.

"Luka came out and put his foot on their neck.

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"That was so disappointing the way the Wolves played in the first half.

"They do not want to go back to Dallas."

Barkley continued to call out the Timberwolves' effort, saying he was "embarrassed" for the team's fans and added, "They have packed it in Ernie."

"I'm at a loss of words about how bad Minnesota looked that first half."

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Johnson even made sure to poke fun at the Timberwolves in a hilarious interaction with Smith.

"They have opened up a serious can here at Target Center," Johnson said.

"Can of what, Ernest?" Smith asked Johnson.

"Can of whoop ass," Johnson answered. "69-40. Man alive."

Before halftime, TNT color commentator Stan Van Gundy wasn't afraid to call out Minnesota's play.

"This is embarrassing if you’re the Timberwolves," he said.

"Disappointed in the effort by the Timberwolves tonight."

Doncic and fellow Mavs superstar Kyrie Irving combined for 44 points in the first half.

Minnesota scored 40 points total in the first 24 minutes of the game.

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Nothing was working for the Timberwolves as Dallas at one point outscored Minnesota by a jaw-dropping 51-22 margin.

If the Mavericks win Game 5, they'll advance to the NBA Finals where they'll play the Boston Celtics next week on June 6.

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