Miami – During TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson’s deep and comedic way of breaking down the league reminds me of what it is like when I watch games with my buddies. It’s just like that when the cameras stop rolling, too.
During Miami’s Game 5 victory over Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals, I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the show’s stars in the green room at American Airlines Arena.
Just down the hall from the Pistons’ locker room, the modest room included a buffet, lots of makeup and the game playing on TV. Outside the door was security provided by the Heat and for Johnson and Barkley. With Barkley leading the way, inside was where all the fun was.
“Don’t have some reporter ask me how much I like you,” barked Barkley to Smith.
Responded Smith: “You can only talk about me from 7 to 11.”
As Game 5 begins, Barkley predicts: “I picked Miami. I’m going to stick with the Heat.”
After Barkley asks an aide to get some popcorn, Johnson responds: “Nice call.”
Soon after Barkley says: “If you need some money, I’ll make Kenny pay for it.”
After being told Miami was plus-4 in the betting line, Barkley said: “I’ll take Detroit. Whoever wins tonight will win the next game.”
A Heat security guard comes in and asks Barkley if he will say something positive about the Heat if it wins.
“All I do is say what I think,” Barkley said. “The biggest misconception is people think I care who wins. I don’t care if it’s September or May, I said the (San Antonio) Spurs will win the championship.”
About midway through the first quarter, Smith goes to sit in the stands next to Ernie Johnson. Barkley jokingly gets up as if he is going to challenge Smith but slightly loses his footing.
“You’re staggering already?,” Smith says.
Soon after Smith departs, former Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino walks in. Marino went to high school with show producer Tim “T.K.” Kiely.
Soon after, associate director Kalen Wright arrives and hands a camera to Magic to have her picture taken with Marino.
“She almost hurt herself when Matthew McConaughey was here,” Barkley said.
After an aide asks if anyone needs anything, Marino jokingly says: “Give (Barkley) some Haagen-Dazs (ice cream).” This is one of many jokes about Barkley’s weight.
When Marino asks if he can join the show, Barkley responds: “We’ve already got one token white guy in Ernie Johnson. Or you can come when Magic’s not around.”
Outside of that dig, Barkley and Smith don’t try to clown Magic. Too much respect for the laid-back Hall of Famer.
Just before the half, Marino leaves.
“(Marino), Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux are three of the nicest guys,” Barkley says.
Said Magic: “They never want to have a football or hockey conversation. They just want to have fun.”
Before halftime, TNT puts up a graphic showing that Smith has the highest 3-point percentage in NBA playoff history. At the start of the third quarter, Smith returns bragging to Barkley about the stat.
“When the lights go on,” Smith said. “Steve Kerr? Jeff Hornacek? … (Larry) Bird? No one shot better.”
Responded Barkley: “See what I have to put up with?”
Smith talks to his daughter on the phone. After hanging up, he laments the fact that work has kept him away from his Los Angeles-based family for several days.
“I just want to see those faces,” Smith says.
Before heading back to the stands, Smith says: “If you’re going to put any more stats about me up, let me know. Like how many times I slapped (Barkley) in the head during the playoffs.”
Magic spends most of the second half glued to the TV and talking business on the phone.
Midway through the third quarter, Ernie Johnson finally arrives.
After being offered a Heat button-up shirt from an equipment manager, Barkley declines, saying: “I don’t want people to think I’m biased toward a team.” Barkley is given a shirt anyway. Once the guy departs, Barkley gives it to talent relations manager Michael Doyle.
“Don’t say I’ve never given you anything,” Barkley said.
Late in the fourth quarter, Smith returns. As Barkley gets up to go to the bathroom, his cellphone rings. Smith answers and pretends to be an angered Barkley. Once Barkley returns, Smith hands him the phone.
“Oh, man,” says Barkley, as laughter ensues.
As the game concludes, it’s time for a quick touch up of makeup and departure to the postgame show after the show in the green room.
Marc J. Spears can be heard talking NBA on Thursday mornings on “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM and at 4 p.m. with John Fricke.
