And Just Like That, an Era Ends: ‘Thanks for Watching Us. It’s the NBA on TNT’
After nearly four decades, the iconic run of Inside the NBA on TNT came to a heartfelt close Saturday night — marking the end of an era that basketball fans will never forget.
Ernie Johnson, the long-time host, struggled to hold back emotion as he delivered his final words on the network that has been synonymous with NBA coverage for generations.
“I’m proud to say for the last time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT,’” Johnson said, before quietly turning away from the camera, setting down his microphone, and leaving the set one last time.
The End of TNT’s NBA Era
Next season, TNT will no longer broadcast NBA games. The league’s new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal shifts NBA coverage to ESPN and ABC — where Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley will continue their legendary commentary, mostly from Atlanta.
The NBA Finals will now air on ABC, making the Eastern Conference Finals between Indiana and New York the final chapter of TNT’s broadcast legacy. Turner Sports first brought NBA games to viewers back in 1984, and TNT has been a staple since the network’s launch in 1988.
Shaquille O’Neal summed up the transition with his usual mix of humor and determination:
“Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same. 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.”
A Tribute from the Court and the Crew
The moment wasn’t lost on Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, whose team had just clinched a spot in the NBA Finals by defeating the New York Knicks. After a brief interview with Johnson during the trophy ceremony, Carlisle took the mic for an unprompted tribute:
“Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end. We’re all very sad about that.”
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The broadcast honored a host of legendary figures who have contributed to TNT’s NBA legacy over the years, 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 the late, beloved Craig Sager.
Kevin Harlan, calling the final game’s play-by-play, spoke directly to the fans with heartfelt gratitude:
“Our hearts are full of gratitude — not sadness — 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.”
Alongside Harlan were Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy, and Allie LaForce, rounding out a broadcast crew that has become a trusted voice of NBA basketball.
Reflecting on his career, Miller shared a touching thought:
“Think about my life. I’m very fortunate. I’ve only known two things: 18 years with one franchise in this building with the Indiana Pacers, and 19 years with Turner.”
Behind the Scenes and Looking Forward
Johnson also praised the TNT production crew, many of whom are moving on to NBC and Amazon thanks to their outstanding work. “Best production crew in the business, I might add,” he said with pride.
And when it came time to say goodbye on air, the emotional weight was impossible to miss. Kenny Smith called it “a magnificent ride,” while Charles Barkley, reminiscing about how he almost started his broadcast career with NBC before joining TNT, expressed deep gratitude:
“I just want to say thank you to the NBA, every coach I’ve had, every player I’ve played with, for giving me this magnificent life. I am so 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.”
As the curtain falls on TNT’s NBA coverage, one thing is clear: the voices, moments, and memories made on this network will live on in basketball history forever. The game moves on, but the legacy? That’s forever.
Source: AP News – And with that, an era ends: ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT’
