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Draymond Green Sends Farewell Message to 'Inside the NBA'
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Friday night after escaping with another hard-fought victory in Madison Square Garden, 114-109. 

NBA on TNT covered the game in what will be their final broadcast in the playoffs. TNT's TV deal will expire at the end of this season, and the East Finals will be their last assignment. 

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green was a guest analyst for Game 2 on Friday, and he said toward the end of the show that he won't be joining the crew when they head to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. 

In line with this, Green took the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and to everyone else on "Inside the NBA."

"I just wanted to thank you guys for having me," Green said. "What y'all have meant, TNT has been incredible. I think so many guys get mad when y'all say something just because it means so much. And your opinions, everybody take it to heart. 

"It's been special to be a small part of this when y'all allowed me to. Y'all had a great run at TNT. Congratulations."  

Green's season with the Warriors came to an end after Golden State suffered a second-round defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Defensive Player of the Year saw his schedule free up, which allowed him to make his return to broadcasting. 

However, when Barkley asked him if he was making the trip to Indianapolis for the rest of the series, Green said, "I'm going home."

As for Barkley and Co., they now have a few more games remaining before they officially say goodbye. Depending on how the East finals pan out, the crew could be down to their last two contests.    

As Green said, "Inside the NBA" has had a great run on TNT over the past 35 years. It was previously announced that the show will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC starting next season, and the good news is that the whole crew of Barkley, O'Neal, Smith and Johnson will remain on the show. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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