Internet Reacts to Kirk Herbstreit at NBA Finals

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Internet Reacts to Kirk Herbstreit at NBA Finals

Originally posted on College Sports Only
By Griffin Missant | Last updated Jun 11, 2026 11:15 AM ET

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit went viral for being courtside at the 2026 NBA Finals. The internet had plenty of jokes about seeing him there without one of his dogs.

Kirk Herbstreit at a public event without a dog for the first time ever? https://t.co/HFAn6nukR7

— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) June 11, 2026

Despite Herbstreit being there without a furry friend, the Internet couldn’t resist sharing a viral meme. One even Photoshopped his well-known golden retriever, Peter, onto the Madison Square Garden court.

They just let him bring his dog everywhere? pic.twitter.com/YN4lBxhpkY

— Quigs (@BigSeanQ_) June 11, 2026

This wasn’t the only reason Herbstreit was trending, as the game he was at ended in dramatic fashion between the Knicks and Spurs.

Herbstreit, attending the game purely as a fan, caught the precise moment when the New York Knicks mounted an incredible 29-point comeback to beat the San Antonio Spurs and take a 3-1 series lead.

He shared his courtside view on TikTok and X, posting a viral POV video of OG Anunoby’s dramatic game-winning shot, which was reposted by NBA official accounts and sports networks.