By TIM REYNOLDS
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 many years as a fixture of the league. The present will transfer to ESPN and ABC subsequent season — and maintain Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley collectively, nonetheless doing most reveals from Atlanta — however the last TNT sign-off was an emotional one.
“I’m proud to say for the last time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT,’” Johnson mentioned, 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 won’t be airing on TNT beginning subsequent season when the league’s new tv bundle kicks in — an 11-year media rights deal value 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 tip of the Japanese Convention finals between Indiana and New York was the tip of TNT’s run. Turner Sports activities first acquired an NBA bundle 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 mentioned through the last 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 crew had simply clinched a spot within the NBA Finals by beating New York, and when his transient interview with Johnson through the trophy ceremony was over, Carlisle grabbed the microphone out of the host’s arms.
“Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end,” Carlisle mentioned 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 mentioned on-air, talking to 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 effectively.
“Think about my life. I’m very fortunate,” Miller mentioned. “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 mentioned, due to their exemplary work so far. “Best production crew in the business, I might add,” Johnson mentioned.
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 mentioned.
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 mentioned. “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.”
