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Watch: Kevin Harlan closes out TNT’s final NBA broadcast with poignant goodbye
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Following the Indiana Pacers’ 125-108 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday night to win the Eastern Conference Finals, the “NBA on TNT” era has officially come to an end. “Inside the NBA”, TNT’s flagship show which features Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, will however continue on ESPN.

“Warner Bros. Discovery struck a deal with Disney to license the TNT show ‘Inside the NBA’ to ESPN and ABC starting next season, according to the people familiar with the matter,” Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal said  in his report on the matter last November. “The show, which features the former players Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, has an enthusiastic and large following. The show will air throughout the course of the season.”

Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy and Allie LaForce ended the broadcast by reminiscing on all the memories from their times with the network.

“I’ve got to thank you Mr. Kevin Harlan,” Miller said postgame. “What you do is absolutely tremendous. You’re the best in the business and I know you don’t like alot of compliments but thank you for making my job so much easier in terms of your preparation. To be on your hip and listen to how great of a family man you are, you’ve made me a better father.”

A visibly emotional Harlan responded and closed out the broadcast for basketball fans around the country.

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude,” said Harlan. “I couldn’t ha ve asked for a better partner. We’ve had so many great memories here.”

Photos of the NBA on TNT set were shown to wrap up the broadcast, including current and former talents in Doug Collins, Craig Sager, Hubie Brown, Dick Stockton, Danny Ainge, John Thompson, Steve Kerr, Marv Albert, Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Candace Parker, Ian Eagle, Jimmy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Charle Barkley and Kenny Smith.

TNT had held rights to broadcast NBA games since 1989, but that is no longer. What a run it has been for the network.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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