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Ernie Johnson struggled to find his voice.
On Saturday night, after nearly 40 years as a mainstay in basketball broadcasting, “Inside the NBA” on TNT concluded its run. The show is set to transition to ESPN and ABC next season, retaining the familiar faces of Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, who will continue to broadcast most shows from Atlanta. However, the final farewell on TNT was rife with emotion.
“For the last time, I’m proud to say, ‘Thank you for watching us. This is the NBA on TNT,’” Johnson declared, before he turned away from the camera, placed his microphone on the desk, and stepped away from the set for the final time.
Next season marks the absence of NBA games on TNT as the league introduces a new broadcasting agreement—an 11-year media rights deal valued at a minimum of $76 billion. This agreement will keep games on ABC and ESPN, reintroduce the league to NBC, and begin a collaboration with Amazon Prime Video.
The NBA Finals will now be hosted by ABC, signaling that the Eastern Conference finals matchup between Indiana and New York marked the conclusion of TNT’s coverage. Turner Sports first secured an NBA broadcasting package in 1984, with games airing on TNT since the network’s 1988 inception.
“Even if the name changes, the core remains,” O’Neal stated during the final show. “And to that new network we’re heading to, we’re not here to mess around. We’re coming to dominate, alright? I love and appreciate you all.”
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle did not let the moment pass him by. After his team secured a spot in the NBA Finals by defeating New York, he seized the microphone from Johnson during the trophy ceremony as their brief interview concluded.
“Congratulations to TNT on an incredible and exceptional journey that’s drawing to a close,” Carlisle said in an unprompted gesture of appreciation. “It’s a bittersweet moment for all of us.”
The broadcast paid tribute to countless former and current broadcasters and analysts, including 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 overflowing with gratitude,” said TNT’s Kevin Harlan during the broadcast, addressing viewers. “It’s not about sadness, but about appreciation and joy for everything that has transpired. It has been an honor and a privilege, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have.”
Harlan provided the play-by-play commentary for the final game, joined by Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy, and Allie LaForce.
“Reflecting on my life, I consider myself extremely fortunate,” Miller remarked. “I’ve experienced just two things: 18 years with the Indiana Pacers in this arena and 19 years with Turner.”
According to Johnson, many members of the TNT production crew have secured positions with NBC and Amazon due to their outstanding contributions. “I must say, the best production crew in the business,” Johnson remarked.
When the broadcast circled back to the “Inside the NBA” team for the last time on TNT, the sentiment was palpable.
“This has truly been an amazing journey,” Smith expressed.
Barkley recounted how he initially intended to join NBC at the start of his broadcasting career but ultimately chose TNT instead.
“I just want to express my gratitude to the NBA,” Barkley said. “To every coach I’ve had and every player I’ve partnered with, thank you for providing me with this incredible life. I feel so fortunate and blessed. I want to extend my thanks to TNT, even if we won’t refer to it as TNT Sports in the future; I am grateful for the magnificent life it has afforded me.”
