Madison Square Garden played host to a dramatic evening last night as the Knicks faced the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, with Cardi B delivering a high-energy halftime show during the heated matchup.
But while the performance got plenty of people talking, it was former basketball player Charles Barkley’s reaction that sparked a split online.
During the break in play, ESPN aired footage from Cardi B’s set while Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley discussed the night’s action.
Johnson jokingly said: “We’ve been competing with Cardi B here!”
Barkley then responded: “I don’t know about B’s!” before adding: “They might be Cardi D’s… I’m pretty sure those aren’t B’s.
He continued: “She’s got the wrong initials!”
The comment prompted laughter from those on the panel, and some viewers on social media also found the moment funny. Others, however, were far less impressed.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Bro, is on fire with them jokes.”
Another added: “Only Chuck can say something that wild and still be loved for it.”
But not everyone saw the funny side, with one person criticising the remarks and writing: “The man is a grown adult on national television reducing a performer to her body like it’s 1995. It’s not funny, it’s not clever, it’s just sad.”
Shaquille O’Neal was also pulled into the conversation after a viewer’s post appeared on screen following Cardi’s performance. The tweet read: “SHAQ is glued to CARDI B!! CHILLL [laughing emojis] focus Shaq!!”
O’Neal replied: “I sure am!”
However, it was not only Cardi B’s outfit that drew attention during the night, as her handbag also became a talking point.
Between performances, the rapper was seen sitting courtside with her 4-year-old son Wave while carrying a Chanel 25 leopard print minibag.
While the designer accessory stood out, much of the online chatter focused on how she had managed to bring it inside the venue at all.
Earlier in the week, reports said security at the arena would be increased because of Trump’s expected attendance. Fans heading to the game were advised to arrive two hours before tip-off and were also informed that a strict no-bag policy would be in place.
Despite that, Cardi appeared to have made it inside with her bag anyway, following a halftime performance that had already made her one of the biggest talking points of the night.