"Never got that degree from Auburn" - Charles Barkley catches hilarious stray from TNT sideline reporter

TNT's Charles Barkley and the "Inside the NBA" crew covered Tuesday's NBA Cup East Group A showdown between the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. Ahead of the pivotal matchup, TNT sideline reporter Lauren Jbara broke down the potential ramifications and playfully teased Barkley's comprehension level.

Orlando and New York entered the evening tied with 3-0 records in NBA Cup play. Thus, the winner will clinch their group and advance to the in-season tournament's quarterfinals.

However, due to tiebreakers via point differential, the Magic could still progress alongside the Knicks with a loss by less than 30 points. They have amassed a +60 point differential through three NBA Cup games, putting them in a favorable position to at least secure a wild-card spot.

After explaining the possible outcomes, Jbara commended host Ernie Johnson Jr. for attempting to do the same. She later quipped that she would have been fine with any of the crew members doing so, except Barkley, citing his lack of a college degree.

"Now, EJ, you did a really good job of explaining all of that because I was gonna ask Dr. (Shaquille) O'Neal and Kenny 'The Jet' (Smith) to explain it to me," Jbara said (Timestamp: 0:56). "I wasn't gonna ask Chuck because he never got that degree from Auburn, but you know what, we all do what we can do. I know, sorry, I have to throw some daggers."

The Hall of Famer, who left Auburn after his junior year to enter the 1984 NBA draft, appeared caught off guard by the lighthearted dig. Nevertheless, he was seemingly a good sport.

"Woah, Lauren. That was unnecessary," Barkley said.

However, O'Neal comically noted that Jbara's comment was "the truth."

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Shaquille O'Neal also targets Charles Barkley's Auburn education

Lauren Jbara wasn't the only one who poked fun at Charles Barkley's Auburn education during Tuesday's TNT broadcast. The crew also teased the 1993 MVP for not understanding how to send a group text.

"Ladies and gentlemen, his question was, 'How do you text two people at the same time?'" Kenny Smith said.

Barkley noted that he doesn't have the time or technological savviness to learn how to do so.

"Listen, man, I've been busy. I don't know, I'm not good with technology," Barkley said.

However, O'Neal quipped that Barkley's comprehension problem stems from his college choice.

"You ain't been busy. You went to Auburn, that's what it is," O'Neal said. "That Auburn education."

So, it was seemingly a rough start to the night for "The Chuckster."

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