Halfway through the second quarter, Zion Williamson left the Sacramento Kings game due to a wrist injury. The rising star attempted to outmuscle four Kings defenders before being fouled and falling to the ground. Williamson hurt his wrist after landing awkwardly and breaking his fall with his left hand. He winced instantly and was led to the changing area for additional care.
Chuck's fall demonstration is HILARIOUS 💀🤣 pic.twitter.com/209PsllmLv
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 12, 2024
Charles Barkley, a Hall of Famer, was unimpressed with Williamson’s falling approach. He asserted on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” that the proper approach was to “Fall on your a**!” and mentioned that he practiced striking the floor to prevent injuries.
Barkley’s claim was not believed by co-host Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal pushed the former Phoenix Suns player to demonstrate the proper technique. Without hesitation, Barkley rose from his seat, and he landed softly on the ground without needing to use his hands to halt his fall.
Barkley was occupied with elucidating the safety of the method he exhibited and the reasons athletes shouldn’t use their hands to break falls. Meanwhile, O’Neal let out a loud laugh and enthusiastically applauded his co-host, Smith, for a job well done. Perhaps the most athletic performance Barkley has ever performed on the show, this latest stunt went viral almost immediately.