NBA Great Charles Barkley hoped to celebrate his birthday Thursday with a win for Team USA in 4 Nations Face-off finally. Instead, Canada defeated the Americans in an exciting victory overtime.

However, it was Barkley who might have had the last laughter.

During Thursday’s broadcast of “inside NBA” on TNT, Barkley congratulated Canadians on their victory.

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“Congratulations to Canada – I’m sorry we got the customs on you,” he said, before adding, “it was a great hockey game.”

The remark made Barkley’s co-host laugh in entertainment, but the Hall of Famer was not done.

“They played harder because of the tariffs and they did not want to be the 51st state. It is motivation.”

Canada players celebrate after a goal from Nathan Mackinnon in the first period of 4 Nations Face-off Championship Hockey Games against the United States on Thursday, February 20, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Justin Trudeau sends fiery message to us after Canada’s 4 nations victory

Thursday’s final came in the midst of increased political tensions between the two nations.

President Donald Trump Teased Canadian lawmakers that the country was its “51st State.” He also openly called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “Governor” in Canada and threatened a number of tariffs.

The intensity led to Canadian fans lived the US national anthem before two matches in the tournament – somewhat more teams of US players took personally.

Team USA Forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates with Team USA tip Auston Matthews, #34, his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey Game in Bell Center. (David Kirouac-Preferred Pictures)

Canadian star Connor McDavid scored in overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory and ultimate boasting rights that Trudeau did not wasted time to participate in.

“You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our games,” he said in a post on X after the game.