Karl Malone vs Charles Barkley Duel (PHI @ UTA; 1992.03.25) - Malone With 28, Barkley With 23

[@Herbalizer28]

Malone spent his entire career with one (if not THE) best past first PG and mastered the pick and roll ..while Barkley never had a pass first PG in his entire career and had to work on the offensive board to get a few extra pts ! Barkley led the league in offensive rebounds 4x, was top-5 6x, top-10 2x ..was never worst than 16th (his last injury plagued year in PHO). Even at age 35 he was 2nd in ORB in the league and would have been top-5 in his last year if he had played more than 42 games ...Charles rebounding and post game is still underrated today. Malone was more consistent and had a better outside shot, but he had it easy with Stockton. Both are great but I give the edge to Charles.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Yawn with your excuses smooth brain

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

And Malone gets the edge

[@juanfranciscosantana4793]

Barkley height 6'4 ,Malone height 6'9 .

[@eric-q8w8d]

Oh so kevin Johnson never existed for Charles i see lmao kj was one of the top pg of his generation and def pass first but can also score. Think cp3 before there was one

[@Herbalizer28]

@@eric-q8w8d KJ was not pass first..what are you talking about..he would put his head down and drive to the basket..he did rack up assists because during that time, PGs brought the ball up and controlled the plays..racking up assists along the way...This is like saying Harden or Westbrook are pass first PGs because they rack up assists...Paul, Haliburton, Tyus Jones..those are pass first PGs..Besides he played with him for only 4 seasons...Malone played with Stockton for 18 seasons !! Are you just trying to argue for the sake of arguing ?

[@yonlazkanogomez]

Barkley is the best

[@arsonhakobyan]

I think Larry Grandmama Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets had the potential to eclipse, if not for blowing out his back.

[@wareagleauburn7721]

Malone was way better than Barkley even if you leave Stockton out he was better defender than Barkley

[@wareagleauburn7721]

Arson Hakobyan hell no he had no Chance of being better stop it please look at the numbers before he got hurt

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@wareagleauburn7721 Try 22pts/11boards/4dimes per game avg, on 53% field goal shooting the season before he got hurt. Looks very Barkleyesque to me.

[@valentino8625]

@@arsonhakobyan stat don't tell everything. You should have seen the game first. And in my opinion, Malone was more stable and better in defence.

[@chokewholeddotcom]

Barkley had a much wider shot selection, had better maneuverability around the rim, could take control of games, incredible rebounder, the best willpower next to Jordan, sensibility of game nature, and was craftier than The Mailman. Malone had an incredible jump shot, fade away, Scoring IQ, team dynamic, the best longevity out of any player, amazing defender (people give him flack for not blocking a lot of shots but he was not a center), explosive first step (watch how he could move from a wide stance) and more agile than Sir Charles. Overall I think Charles had the higher ceiling, but his ego and poor team play, and health damaged him a lot while Malone's rock-paper-scissors style (like Harden) made him more predictable; but he was better at sustaining a high scoring input that dwarfed Barkley. I think if Malone had a great second-option scorer he would of possibly got a ring; I mean he pushed the Lakers to 7 games while they had showtime. He also went to the finals twice and lost to Jordan twice. Lost in the WCF against Hakeem, and lost to Clyde's grea Blazer team. Charles if healthy with more scoring help, could of possibly won a ring. The problem with both of these hall of famer's careers is they had to play against the best defenders of all time while being the only true scoring option (No Stockton and KJ are not top scoring options when you have to go up against Hakeem and Pippen who are better offense and defense players). These guys are two of the biggest roadblocks that any star has faced, and Pippen was the greatest addition to Jordan possible IMHO.

[@arsonhakobyan]

Agree w/ most of your breakdown, but for a team that had 7 players averaging double figures in scoring, Kevin Johnson is more than potent enough for a 2nd scorer offensively. Having Cedric Ceballos injured and out, plus Barkley not at full strength cause of the bombed shooting elbow, hurt the Suns the most against the Bulls. Also, because Jerry Krause was so fond of Dan Majerle, and Jordan didn't like Krause, it gave Jordan the motivation to go off for 41ppg in that Finals. After that, Barkley's conditioning just fell apart, and he was on the wrong side of 30. Malone had amazing longevity, but it was earlier Thurl Bailey, middle Jeff Malone, and late Jeff Hornacek that were the 2nd scoring options on the Jazz, not Stockton. Stockton was a score-last point guard, who was efficient on low volume. Pippen was a great all-around player, but I don't know that he made a more potent dual w/ Jordan than say Hakeem Olajuwon would've made w/ Jordan had they been paired up together from the beginning. Pippen to me was always a top-10 player in the NBA, but never top-5. But they won 6 championships together, which is more than any non-Celtic dual ever won together.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Jordan made Pippen smooth brain

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

​@@arsonhakobyanbe quiet

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@nonamewillbegiven2412 If you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

@@arsonhakobyan be quiet

[@RickyMoss]

Barkley Malone neither one can stop the other

[@arsonhakobyan]

Barkley's no Rodman on defense, and nobody can guard Barkley.

[@williamwalker146]

Both were great defenders and they couldn't lock the other up, only make up for it on offense.

[@wwavyy]

i can't choose barkley or malone.. both are great

[@bryggreen77]

Both are very good friends. I don’t choose. They’re equal in my book.

[@arsonhakobyan]

@Bernard Poindexter Barkley usually outweighed Malone cause of the fat.

[@mathewstovell5167]

@@arsonhakobyan And Barkleys 'fat' didn't stop him from possesing a 39 inch vertical leap - compared to Malone's which was apparently under 30 inches. Barkley wasn't that fat. He was stocky and wide. If he had a high percentage bodyfat - he wouldn't have been one of the most athleticly dominating small forwards in the league.

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@mathewstovell5167 I don't disagree for the seasons he was motivated, such as 88-91 & 93. For like 5 seasons he was trimmed down enough to still be a better power forward (not small forward) than Malone. Yes, I know that he was naturally more explosive than Malone. Barkley's vertical was 37in, you weren't far off, compared to Malone's 28. Yeah, Barkley had more talent, but Malone had GOAT level work ethic, right there w/ the likes of Kobe, Hakeem, Ben Wallace, Garnett, his name-sake Moses Malone & just the highest.

[@mathewstovell5167]

@@arsonhakobyan Barkley had the thickness and power of a power forward, but was surprised to see him play in the 'small forward' position ( a mere technicality), in a lot of games. He would often be defending against the opposing teams small forward rather than their power forward. Apart from the game shown here where he's often matched with Malone. But he was versatile and could play either position. It's also why his name is not mentioned as often as others when they talk about the great power forwards and the great small forwards. He was kind of both. Where as a Dr J for example - would never be a power forward and a Tim Duncan would never be a small forward. Barkley was too fast for the power forwards and too strong for the small forwards - was the general consensus. But I'd agree with you about Malones' consistency and work ethic. He was probably one of the very fittest men in the NBA at his peak. And seemed to be near his peak or at it - for an extreemely long time. It's hard to choose between the two.

[@i8rmnky]

Barkley was far more skilled than Malone, but didn’t have the same work ethic or discipline. Malone was one of the first players to hit the weight room, was always better conditioned than Barkley and other power forwards (except Rodman), worked hard to develop an unstoppable go to move, and worked great with Stockton. Barkley was force of nature.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Barkley wasn't more skilled than Malone smooth brain

[@kongstrong1938]

people dont realize that barkley and malone were the first Lebron James. they had handles and could lead the fast break. if they played today they avg. 30 plus a game and 20 rebs.

[@sportsfanatic1936]

Eternity Infinity no they would not

[@kongstrong1938]

Sports Fanatic im sorry, youre right, they would avg 35 and 25 rebs.

[@sportsfanatic1936]

Eternity Infinity I'm sorry, you're a fucking dumbass. Making up fantasy bs. Stop dreaming, wake up. Ain't no bigman doing that shit now. Not a chance

[@kongstrong1938]

Sports Fanatic that is your opinion. stop acting effiminate and bitchy

[@caron1873]

Sports Fanatic Karl and charles werent even that big. they werent 7 foot giants

[@Herrera777]

I always thought Barkley was more agile and aggressive but Malone a better shooter.

[@titanhovey]

Barkley's 2 pointers were better that Malone, he actually led the league for FG

[@韓粉出征寸草不生英粉]

They both were great. But Malone was more durable

[@sodica81]

Malone is a better rapist and more boring player all time

[@sodica81]

@Jack Burton Hahaha Malone the most dumber player

[@Herrera777]

@@titanhovey I thought Malone had a better outside jumper and turn around jumper. Both were dominant in the paint. Barkley was better in the open court. Barkley maybe a better rebounder.

[@jimb8695]

Oops a little travel there by the mailman at 1:37.

[@gabe418]

In my opinion, at their very best I’d say Barkley was a little bit better. But, Malone had a longer prime as he did a better job of taking care of his body.

[@mikemike7264]

I would add garnett, dirk and Chris webber

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@mikemike7264 CWebb was a half tier below.

[@mikep6979]

Malone for me. Better two way player and not a knucklehead.

[@maninblack9850]

Tim Duncan, Kevin McHale, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. All dominant power forwards and there is no way to rank one above the other objectively.

[@dejancavic3696]

Kevin Garnett?

[@forceline8426]

Stockton made Malone better,Barkley made his teammates better, there is difference.

[@farrgone]

Force line Nobody "made" Malone. His work ethic and skill were unsurpassed!

[@MichaelCorleone_]

Scalping Forever Houston Barkley wasn’t Barkley, just like how Toronto Olajuwon wasn’t really Olajuwon.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Malone made himself better so no smooth brain

[@Riles3152]

Anybody know why Barkley wore #32 that year?

[@melvynsngltn27]

Magic Johnson who had to retire before the start of the 1991-92 season due to the HIV virus

[@trebledc]

I would put malone, barkley, rodman in my top power foward anytime. Those hits just to get a basket, damn they are strong.

[@elai3147]

trebledc rodman does not belong in conversation, he was a hall of fame defender and rebounder but not a franchise player

[@back2back379]

Rodman's great, and there are certain scenarios where you might want to take him over Barkley or Malone. For example, if my team already is ranked #1 in the league in offense and has plenty of scoring options, at other positions, it might be wiser to take Rodman. In most scenarios though, you'd have to take Barkley or Malone over Rodman.

[@timhoward5]

Right!

[@오성훈-o1h]

In offensive end, both were equally great. But in defensive end, Malone was far better. Overall, Malone wins

[@arsonhakobyan]

At the Barkley's very peak, he was a tad better than Malone on the offensive end, cause of his massive rebounding & efficiency.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

​@@arsonhakobyannope

[@igmelvega8261]

Sir Charles 🐐

[@powerboatguy2308]

Malone was a better player later in his career, Barkley was better than Malone in their peak years.

[@arsonhakobyan]

And Barkley was only a teeny tiny bit better than Malone at their respective peaks, so Malone takes the cake for career w/o much thought.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

No Barkley wasn't smooth brain

[@luperios3781]

I'm a Lakers fan butt Malone was so good playing b-ball he was good all around!!! if Malone would shoot 3s he would winn championships and more mvps!!!! and if malone would be more healthy with the lakers they would winn a championship it was a hard for Malone that year playoff wore tuff for him!!!! lots of good defenders agents him!!!!!!!

[@arsonhakobyan]

This was Barkley's unmotivated season of 92.

[@hoopsfan3437]

Barkely would be considered a top 15 player all time if he had been able to win a ring or 2 imo

[@SeanSwann1]

Damn that’s a 260 lb man exploding to the rim 😮

[@paritzazakub]

Peak time go Barkley All career go Malone

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

No

[@shinrips]

Armand "The Hammer" Gilliam

[@JayBabyEars]

Stockton completely flopped at around 4:10 lol.. Glad the refs didn't call that

[@hititmanify]

eLbOWeD u have to be biased and blind. The ref mustve been busy laughing . Fuck the jazz

[@Ubeman-s1s]

Karl Malone all day. His numbers throughout his career speaks for itself. His consistency and durability was rivaled only by LeBron James. Enough said.

[@TK-tt7kn]

🤡

[@powerboatguy2308]

Barkley was a better 29 and younger player, Malone was better in his 30s, a lot of help having Stockton.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Nope

[@patrickpang2911]

I think Lebron is closer to Chuck style of play.

[@kenpachiclay11]

Patrick Pang he's has Chuck aggression when going to the paint.pippen all around game.big like Karl Malone or nearly as big.take over a game like mj

[@arsonhakobyan]

He has none of Barkley's post moves.

[@williamwalker146]

I love the disrespect when Barkley decks Stockton, scores the two, and then tosses the ball to Stockton while he's still on the floor 😂

[@Daewonnni]

Malone would of had a Dominique Wilkins like career if it wasn’t for Stockton and Sloan. Barkley the much better basketball player. FACTS.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

No facts found smooth brain

[@petervanbuskirk500]

The 76ers center didn't bother jumping

[@elai3147]

Peter Van Buskirk bol can't jump, and shackleford was a serious scrub

[@SummeRulz]

Barkley would roll and bounce when he moved at speed. Had better legs than Malone.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Nope

[@timhoward5]

*Malone: PF/C* *Barkley: PF/SF*

[@zcharg0]

There’s more talent in general these days but players talented as much as Barkley and Malone are once in a generation type players that you don’t see much of these days

[@iamthenight8683]

More talent my ass

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

No there's not smooth brain

[@jeffheath5152]

This does not look dated at all

[@hhart2664]

There's a 4 point field goal in that game? Barkley hit on a made 3? Anyway... a cracking game 👌

[@timhoward5]

*Both wearing the same number.*

[@bryggreen77]

Those sizers unis were awful!

[@franknberry6397]

I hated them.

[@kellyjohnson9394]

Carl Malone’s behind should be IN JAIL FOR LIFE.

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Be quiet

[@agda11]

Malone and Barkley much better than lebron

[@arsonhakobyan]

That's a stretch, and I'm anti-Lebron because of all the social activism, disingenuous portrayal of self, tattoos, arrogance & poor sportsmanship. Lebron is probably top-5, at worst top-10. Barkley & Malone are at best top-20.

[@agda11]

Arson Hakobyan you need to watch more basketball If you think that, inside the 92 dream team we can find at least 5 players better than Lebron

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@agda11 Bird, Magic & Jordan I could see argument being made for to be better than Lebron. That's 3. Now I like just about everybody on that Dream Team more than Lebron, especially David Robinson. But you're going to have to tell me who the other 2 from that team were better than Lebron? It wasn't Clyde Drexler!

[@agda11]

Arson Hakobyan there is no doubt that Bird and Magic are better than lebron. I said it before, Malone is such better than Lebron, Barkley too, they fight against Jordan in the finals. If Lebron had played against Jordan in finals I am sure that Jordan would have won 4-0. Lebron is the king of lost finals. Olajuwon and shaq (dream team 96) are better than lebron too.

[@agda11]

Arson Hakobyan Drexler is not better than lebron in general terms but in technique is absolutely better.

[@rxj0765]

Malone got nothing on barkley

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Keep telling yourself that smooth brain

[@Maal7432]

Neither team had much talent. I see a bunch of nobodies out there.

[@Lalexander3324]

You don't know basketball then

[@arsonhakobyan]

Sally Fields is a nobody?

[@ramonsantiago693]

Stockton and Malone are the inventor of FLOP in the NBA

[@arsonhakobyan]

It takes talent to be so successful at flopping that you make it into an art.

[@JayBabyEars]

@@arsonhakobyan Ur a James Harden fan...aren't you?

[@arsonhakobyan]

​@@JayBabyEars A little bit more than Allen Iverson. He's obnoxious, but more of a dual threat than Iverson.

[@JayBabyEars]

@@arsonhakobyan to each is own

[@leweiwang3209]

i've watched a lot highlights videos from the 90s I never felt that the defense then was significantly more physical than the current one. Every time Charles said in his era the defense would kill current warriors players I wonder if that is just his fantasy. Players today train with better knowledge and has multiple skills even you are a big man..

[@jaycee9153]

Rule changes designed to make it easier for the offense (for fan pleasure) have made the game significantly less physical. Can't really put your hands on guys like they used to.

[@ranholic5027]

Its ur opinion so its ok but remember this alot of analyst, players, coach said that late 80s 90s was more physical than todays basketball but its just more complex today becuz of technology and age... And u are just watching highlights..

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

Yawn trolll

[@nonamewillbegiven2412]

​@@ranholic5027ain't nothing complex about it