Ernie Johnson might barely get the phrases out.
The run of “Contained in the NBA” on TNT got here to an finish on Saturday evening after practically 4 many years as a fixture of the league. The present will transfer to ESPN and ABC subsequent season — and preserve Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley collectively, nonetheless doing most reveals from Atlanta — however the remaining TNT sign-off was an emotional one.
“I’m proud to say for the final time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT,’” Johnson stated, earlier than turning his again to the digicam, inserting his microphone on the desk and getting up from that set for the ultimate time.
NBA video games won’t be airing on TNT beginning subsequent season when the league’s new tv package deal kicks in — an 11-year media rights deal value a minimum of $76 billion, one which retains video games on ABC and ESPN, brings the league again to NBC and begins a brand new relationship with Amazon Prime Video.
ABC will broadcast the NBA Finals, that means the top of the Jap Convention finals between Indiana and New York was the top of TNT’s run. Turner Sports activities first acquired an NBA package deal in 1984 and video games have been on TNT because the community launched in 1988.
“Despite the fact that the identify modifications, the engine continues to be the identical,” O’Neal stated throughout the remaining broadcast. “And to that new community we’re coming to, we’re not coming to (expletive) round. … We’re taking up, OK? I like you guys and I recognize you guys.”
The second was not misplaced on Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. His staff had simply clinched a spot within the NBA Finals by beating New York, and when his temporary interview with Johnson throughout the trophy ceremony was over, Carlisle grabbed the microphone out of the host’s palms.
“Congratulations to TNT on a wonderful, unbelievable run that’s coming to an finish,” Carlisle stated within the unprompted tribute. “We’re all very unhappy about that.”
The names of numerous previous and present broadcasters and analysts have been included within the many tributes supplied on-air after the sport, together with Doug Collins, Hubie Brown, Dick Stockton, Cheryl Miller, Danny Ainge, John Thompson, Steve Kerr, Mike Fratello, Marv Albert, Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Candace Parker and Craig Sager.
“Our hearts are stuffed with gratitude,” TNT’s Kevin Harlan stated on-air, talking to the viewers. “Not unhappiness, however gratitude and happiness for what has been. It has been an honor. It has been a privilege. And I hope you all have loved it as a lot as we’ve got.”
Harlan had the play-by-play name for the ultimate recreation, with Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy and Allie LaForce on the published as nicely.
“Take into consideration my life. I’m very lucky,” Miller stated. “I’ve solely recognized two issues: 18 years with one franchise on this constructing with the Indiana Pacers, and 19 years with Turner.”
Many members of the TNT manufacturing crew have gotten jobs with NBC and Amazon, Johnson stated, due to their exemplary work so far. “Finest manufacturing crew within the enterprise, I’d add,” Johnson stated.
And when it turned again to the “Contained in the NBA” crew for one final time on TNT, the feelings have been clear.
“This has simply been a powerful trip,” Smith stated.
Barkley talked about how he was going to signal with NBC when beginning his broadcast profession, then switched to TNT.
“I simply need to say thanks to the NBA,” Barkley stated. “Each coach I’ve had, each participant I’ve performed with, for giving me this magnificent life that I’ve had. I’m so fortunate and blessed. I’m fortunate and blessed. And I need to thank TNT. Despite the fact that we’ll by no means say TNT Sports activities once more, I need to thank TNT for giving me a powerful life.”
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