It hasn’t been an easy few weeks for Boston sports fans. The Bruins saw their historic season end with a first round loss to the Florida Panthers two weeks ago, and now the Celtics are facing elimination after dropping back-to-back games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

These losses haven’t come without people taking notice. Not just locally but nationally.

• The latest talking head to take a shot at Boston sports is Charles Barkley. Sir Charles couldn’t help himself Tuesday night, during the open of the TNT halftime show with the Celtics trailing 58-49.

  “In fairness, if the Celtics lose this series they’ve still got the Bruins. Oh sorry, bad example,” Barkley said with a smirk as the show returned from commercial.

• Charles Barkley being mean. pic.twitter.com/PpQBS0yBdG

  — Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) May 10, 2023

• “I just made that up,” Barkley said when host Ernie Johnson suggested he’d been “sitting on that one for a while.”

  As much as it may hurt, Barkley probably isn’t the only one thinking along those lines. After the Bruins and Celtics were two of the most dominant teams in their respective leagues from start-to-finish during the regular season, a spring season that felt destined to feature at least one parade is now a loss away from ending in the second round. The two teams are a combined 9-9 in the playoffs, with a combined 4-6 record at TD Garden.

  The Celtics will do what they can to extend their season Thursday night, when they head to Philadelphia for a win-or-go-home Game 6. Coverage from the Wells Fargo Center begins at 7 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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