The Minnesota Timberwolves closed out a 112-96 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, and the final seconds quickly became the focus of attention.

With the outcome already decided, players from both teams appeared to slow down, expecting the clock to run out without further action.

That changed when Jaden McDaniels drove for a late layup, sparking a brawl as Nuggets players reacted angrily to what they viewed as disrespectful.

The incident divided opinion on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, where Charles Barkley made his stance clear while discussing the moment.

The former MVP and 11-time All-Star argued that such actions cross an unwritten line, particularly when a game has already been decided.

He said: “I’m going to put a hit on him. I’m not going to lie, I have put a hit on guys. If we’re down 20, you don’t do it. If a team is up on me 20 points and a guy shoots a 3, I’m going to give $500 to somebody to knock the hell out of him. I’ve done that before, and I’m proud of it. If you shoot that ball, we’re going to get you!”

Shaquille O’Neal offered a contrasting opinion, suggesting he would have approached the situation in the same way as McDaniels.

“I’m doing a Vince Carter 360 runway windmill dunk. Of course, I’m laying that in,” he began by saying when asked by Eddie Johnson Jr. what he would do in McDaniels’ role.

He framed the decision as part of a broader psychological approach to postseason basketball.

“This is playoffs. I’m trying to get in your head, I’m trying to embarrass you in front of your family, in front of your wife, in front of your girlfriend. I’m laying that ball up,” Shaq concluded.

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