Ernie Johnson may barely get the phrases out.
The run of “Inside the NBA” on TNT got here to an finish on Saturday evening after practically 4 a long time as a fixture of the league. The present will transfer to ESPN and ABC subsequent season — and hold Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley collectively, nonetheless doing most exhibits from Atlanta — however the last TNT sign-off was an emotional one.
“I’m proud to say for the final time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It is the NBA on TNT,'” Johnson stated, earlier than turning his again to the digital camera, inserting his microphone on the desk and getting up from that set for the ultimate time.
NBA video games is not going to be airing on TNT beginning subsequent season when the league’s new tv package deal kicks in — an 11-year media rights deal price at the very least $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 Japanese 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.
“Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same,” O’Neal said during the final broadcast. “And to that new network we’re coming to, we’re not coming to (expletive) around. … We’re taking over, OK? I love you guys and I appreciate you guys.”
The second was not misplaced on Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. His group had simply clinched a spot within the NBA Finals by beating New York, and when his transient interview with Johnson throughout the trophy ceremony was over, Carlisle grabbed the microphone out of the host’s fingers.
“Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end,” Carlisle stated within the unprompted tribute. “We’re all very sad 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 full of gratitude,” TNT’s Kevin Harlan stated on-air, chatting with the viewers. “Not sadness, but gratitude and happiness for what has been. It has been an honor. It has been a privilege. And I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we have.”
Harlan had the play-by-play name for the ultimate recreation, with Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy and Allie LaForce on the printed as properly.
“Think about my life. I’m very fortunate,” Miller stated. “I’ve only known two things: 18 years with one franchise in this building 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 thus far. “Best production crew in the business, I might add,” Johnson stated.
And when it turned again to the “Inside the NBA” crew for one final time on TNT, the feelings have been clear.
“This has just been a magnificent ride,” Smith stated.
Barkley talked about how he was going to signal with NBC when beginning his broadcast profession, then switched to TNT.
“I just want to say thank you to the NBA,” Barkley said. “Every coach I’ve had, every player I’ve played with, for giving me this magnificent life that I’ve had. I am so lucky and blessed. I’m lucky and blessed. And I want to thank TNT. Even though we’ll never say TNT Sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life.”
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
