Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller unload on referee

TNT’s Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller blasted referee Courtney Kirkland for calling a technical foul on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Photo Credits: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports (Charles Barkley, left); Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports (Reggie Miller, right).

TNT’s Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley had a lot to say about a technical foul called on Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards during Saturday’s playoff game between Minnesota and the Denver Nuggets. Neither man supported the call.

While the Timberwolves won the game, they had some issues with officiating. Miller, who was calling the game with Kevin Harland and Jamal Crawford, blasted the referees for missing a “blatant” foul when Denver’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit the arm of Edwards. Later, he again came to Edwards’ defense, this time for a foul that was called.

Edwards scored a tough bucket in the third quarter and briefly stared at Denver guard Reggie Jackson. Referee Courtney Kirkland gave Edwards a technical foul, which Miller was immediately critical of.

“No Courtney, I’m sorry,” Miller said. “Man, we’re in the second round of the playoffs. Emotions are always gonna be high…That’s just a look. Come on. That’s a bad technical. Come on, man. What has this game come to?”

On Inside the NBA after the game, it was Barkley’s turn to comment. He agreed with Miller.

“Hey, Mr. Official,” Barkley said. “Nobody came to see your *** play. Stop giving taunting technicals in the game. Nobody came to see you. You give a kid a warning. You don’t call no taunting technicals in the Playoffs. Don’t do that.”

For better or worse, Miller and Barkley are rarely shy about offering their opinions. While not everything they say makes complete sense, both men were on point here.