NBA On TNT Emotionally Signed Off For The Last Time Saturday
After decades of iconic moments, tons of laughs, and legendary comradery and commentary, NBA on TNT has officially checked out of the game.
The network aired its final basketball broadcast, closing the curtain on an era that gave us never ending hilarious debates, buzzer-beater reactions, and halftime thoughts and jokes. Not only are the hosts of "Inside the NBA" feeling the full-court heartbreak, so are fans.
Advertisement
Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson all shared their thoughts and feelings during the final broadcast before the show wrapped for the last time on Saturday night.
And That's A Wrap: NBA On TNT Has Aired For The Final Time
YouTube | NBA on TNT
Fans knew that last broadcast was going to be an emotional one, and for good reason. "Inside the NBA" has been known for its basketball commentary, debates, and absolutely hilarity between the four hosts.
The last broadcast was Saturday night during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference Final game six in Indiana.
Advertisement
While this is the end of the guy's time on TNT, the show will go on, just on a different network. And all four hosts will keep the show alive next season in the new home.
Each host took some time to share their thoughts and feelings during the last broadcast.
Shaquille O'Neal: 'We're A Family'
YouTube | NBA on TNT
Finals words from each host started with O'Neal, who quickly pointed out that he's "the youngest here."
"It's been a great run. It's been an honor. Chuck, I love you like the older brother that I never had," he said. "And if you say something, I will whoop your a-- one last time on this show right now."
Advertisement
He continued with a message for both Smith and Johnson before saying they will be "sticking together."
"We're a family. I'm glad we're sticking together. And like I said, even though the name changes, the engine is still the same," he said. "And to the new network we're coming to, we're not coming to f around."
He concluded his speech by saying he "loves" and "appreciates" the guys.
Kenny Smith Said NBA On TNT Has Been A 'Magnificent Ride'
YouTube | Kenny Smith
And then the attention turned to Smith, who shared that this moment is "bittersweet."
Advertisement
"Not just because us four are moving, but it's been a history that has been set by all of the people that have laid the groundwork behind the scenes, before the scenes, the game crew, the toss back crew," he shared before naming some important people involved in the show.
"We're gonna see each other, but the faces that you're going to miss, that you forget that they are everyday of your life, this has just been a magnificent ride," he said.
It was then time to pass the mic to Barkley.
Charles Barkley Thanked TNT And Many Others
YouTube | NBA on TNT
Barkley began by saying he "got lucky and made one of the best decisions ever."
Advertisement
He shared that he was going to go to NBC, but after being invited to dinner with Turner, after five hours, he decided to change his mind and go to TNT. He also thanked some important people who helped him throughout his journey at Turner for the past 25 years.
"If you're with people that long, they are your family," he said. "And I just want to thank everybody at Turner for the last 25 years. It's been an honor and I'm grateful and thankful. And also to ESPN, it's gonna be an honor and privileged to work with you guys."
He also thanked the NBA and "every coach I had, every player I played with" for giving him the life he's had.
"I'm lucky and blessed," he said. "And I want to thank TNT and even though we will never say TNT sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life."
Ernie Smith Gets Emotional Saying Goodbye To NBA On TNT
YouTube | NBA on TNT
Johnson, last to say his goodbyes, got choked up at the end.
Advertisement
"I'll try to keep this brief," he started. "Several years ago, I wrote a book called 'Unscripted' and I asked people to embrace the unscripted and not fear the unscripted. If I had written the script, the NBA and TNT would be together forever. It's not gonna happen, but while I was disappointed and I was sad, I was not bitter. We know how business works. Gratitude is the operative word for me."
Since 1989, Johnson has been with TNT. He said no matter what you call the company; he will always be "Turner." He's grateful for his time working with the guys and reminisced about the good times.
Holding back tears, he thanked everyone and said he was "honored to do this."
"The four of us are gonna be together, our production crew is gonna be together," he said. "It's gonna be that same bunch. We're still gonna be shooting that show in Atlanta, it's just gonna air somewhere else. And so, the craziness that you've seen, the nonsense and the foolishness and the top-notch basketball analysis all of that stuff will be on ESPN or ABC next year, not on TNT. For that, we're sad."
He concluded his speech emotionally with, "But I'm proud to say for the last time, thanks for watching us. It's the NBA on TNT."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
11 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Trump, DOJ threaten Calif. with legal action, fines after trans athlete's win
Days after a 16-year-old transgender athlete placed first in two events at the California state track-and-field championship, the Trump administration is threatening legal action and 'large scale' fines over the state's policy allowing trans athletes to compete in high school sports. In a letter addressed to the state's public school districts, Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said on Monday that the California Interscholastic Federation violates the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause with its bylaw stating that all students 'should have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student's records.' The letter directed school districts to certify in writing by June 9 that they wouldn't follow the bylaw.
New York Times
11 minutes ago
- New York Times
Game, set, match — SABALENKA!
Follow live coverage from Roland Garros with American Tommy Paul against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz still to come in today's last-eight action in Paris Getty Images The singles quarterfinals are in full swing on day 10 of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros. American hope Frances Tiafoe (15) is currently a set down against Lorenzo Musetti (8) on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with compatriot Tommy Paul (12) facing Carlos Alcaraz (2) in the evening session. Aryna Sabalenka (1) beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen (8) in straight sets 7-6(3), 6-3 and will play defending champion Iga Świątek (5), who beat Elina Svitolina (13), 6-1, 7-5, in the semifinals. TV: TNT, truTV, Tennis Channel (U.S.); TNT, Discovery+ (UK) TNT, truTV, Tennis Channel (U.S.); TNT, Discovery+ (UK) Streaming: Max for main coverage, Fubo (try for free) for secondary Max for main coverage, Fubo (try for free) for secondary Join the discussion: live@ GO FURTHER Tennis gets the Iga Swiatek vs. Aryna Sabalenka showdown the WTA Tour craved Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Getty Images FINAL: Sabalenka 7-6(3), 6-3 Zheng A beautiful backhand return from Sabalenka proves a catalyst, switching Zheng's service game from 40-0 to deuce. A Zheng ace is overruled for being a fair way wide and she then loses a brief rally of volleys at the net. It brings up a first match point… And that is all she needs. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), 5-3* Zheng It's all a bit scratchy now, as Sabalenka has a relatively straightforward shot to hold at 40-30 but gets caught out — seemingly by the glare of the sun — and gets it all wrong. It brings the first deuce on the Sabalenka serve in this second set, but it doesn't last long and the run of breaks is over. The No. 1 seed holds, and is now one game away from the semifinals. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), *4-3 Zheng An unbelievable reflex return from Zheng sees a backhand fly past Sabalenka off a massive second serve. She couldn't believe Zheng did that and applauded the shot. Then after all that fun, Zheng plays a terrible service game and is broken to love. Sabalenka back in the driving seat after three breaks in a row. Getty Images Gilles Moretton, FFT president, said that Roland Garros kept line judges because they have the best officials in the world. Two shots moving incredibly slowly on big points have been called incorrectly. Getty Images Hawkeye stated that Sabalenka shot was 7mm out — exactly the same margin as Zheng's disputed (and incorrect) call in the first set! That thing I said about Zheng's backhand down the line... And that thing I said about electronic line calling. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), 3-3* Zheng Goodness me, what a sensational backhand return from Zheng. That brings up two break points in response and she takes the first — but that owes to Sabalenka firing wide, when she thought the shot was good. It was also called good. The chair umpire is back down to check and agrees with Zheng to overrule — and while Sabalenka isn't convinced, Hawkeye later backs it up as the right call. We're back on serve. Getty Images Was that the decisive moment? Zheng had put Sabalenka under pressure in both her service games this set, but it's the world No. 1 who made the breakthrough. Sabalenka is now three service holds away from the semifinal. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), *3-2 Zheng You can guess what happens next. Yes. Sabalenka keeps the momentum going with two overpowering points to get her own shot at 0-30. Zheng delivers a similar response, and it leaves Sabalenka screaming into the stands. It feels like a chance missed. But Zheng is into the net on the next point and here's a first break point of the second set — soon on Zheng's second serve. The Chinese star saves it brilliantly, finishing with the overhead smash. She then scoops a shot that swirls wide, and this time it proves one chance too many. Sabalenka fires the the backhand return winner, as she had been threatening to do all game, and that is the first break in this second set. Getty Images Sabalenka went 0-30 in her first two service games of the second set. She didn't really look like losing either. Sabalenka 7-6(3), 2-2* Zheng The wind continues to slow Sabalenka's game between points and a fabulous forehand gets Zheng a look at 0-30. But Sabalenka likes the look of that! Two huge backhands and an ace takes the hope out of Zheng's hands in the blink of an eye. One more ace then she seals the hold. Ruthless from the No. 1 seed. Deflating for her opponent. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), *1-2 Zheng A first ace of the second set calms things at 30-30 and Zheng is soon over the line with her second hold. Sabalenka now serving with new balls, after a short delay as Zheng wants a late change of racket. Zheng had Sabalenka on her heels with two backhands down the line in that game, but she didn't trust herself to pull the trigger on the third — as has happened a couple of times in the set. On every occasion, choosing to go crosscourt while in front of the baseline has left her stuck on where to move for the next shot, and Sabalenka has taken the open door to escape. Zheng really isn't enjoying Sabalenka's forehand slice either, whether it's in defense or attack. Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), 1-1* Zheng Sabalenka sees off that danger at 0-30 well, although she's also doing it by taking her time over these serves to wait for a gap in the wind. It is exceeding the shot clock at times and it will be interesting if that gets flagged if it continues. Getty Images It's key now that Zheng doesn't let Sabalenka build momentum in the early stages of the second set — as she did in the last round against Amanda Anisimova. There, after a tight opener (7-5 on that occasion) she pinched an early break in the second and built an ultimately unassailable 3-0 lead. And it's been a good start in that regard from Zheng. Sabalenka 7-6(3), *0-1 Zheng Strong response at the start of this second set from Zheng, starting it much like the first set. She holds to 15 and then gets to 0-30 on the Sabalenka serve… Here's a breakdown of that opening set, where Zheng's second serve proved a weakness and Sabalenka made the big moments count. SET 1: Sabalenka 7-6(3) Zheng Points: 44 — 39 — 39 Aces: 4 — 4 4 — 4 Double faults: 1 — 4 — 4 1st serve %: 59 — 52 — 52 Pts won % (1st serve): 64 — 71 (1st serve): 64 — Pts won % (2nd serve): 73 — 45 (2nd serve): — 45 Break pts (won): 2 (1) — (1) 1 2 (1) — (1) 1 Break pts conversion %: 50 — 100 Let's see how the dynamic shifts from here… Getty Images This has been a heavyweight battle — and Sabalenka takes the first set 7-3 despite trailing in the tiebreak 2-0. After banging down a huge serve and then an ace for a 6-3 lead, she gave a look to the other side of the net as if to say, that's why I'm the world No. 1. What have you got? Getty Images Sabalenka 7-6(3), 0-0* Zheng An ace and a cry from Sabalenka makes it set point, which is then taken as Zheng races to the net and fires her forehand long — and not for the first time. Just too many errors in a first set of fine margins from Zheng. The first set heads to the No. 1 seed.
Digital Trends
12 minutes ago
- Digital Trends
PlayStation State of Play June 2025: How to watch and what to expect
E3 may be long dead and buried, but its spirit still lives on every June. This week is a loaded one for video game showcases, as we'll get Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Games Showcase, and more streaming over the next few days. Now you can add one more must-watch showcase to your radar: PlayStation's State of Play. Tomorrow, June 4, Sony will give fans a major update on what's coming to PS5 with a sizable stream. That's great news, because the back half of Sony's year is a bit of a mystery right now beyond two or three major games. What else in store for PS5 owners this year? Here's all the information you need so you can catch the show. And if you can't watch it live, stay tuned to Digital Trends, as we'll keep you updated on all the big news. Recommended Videos When is the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play? The PlayStation State of Play will air on Wednesday, June 4, just one day ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2's launch. It will air at 2 p.m. PT and will run for over 40 minutes. That positions it as a substantial broadcast, rather than a short show meant to highlight a few key games. How to watch the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play If you want to catch the show live, you'll be able to watch it on either PlayStation's YouTube or Twitch channel. And don't worry if you miss it: a VOD should be available right after it wraps up. We've embedded the YouTube video above, so you can watch it here if you'd like. What to expect from the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play Sony is being vague about what exactly it's showing this time. All it says in its blog post announcing the stream is that it will show off PS5 games from creators around the world. PlayStation VR2 isn't mentioned, so don't expect to see any new VR games. So, what's likely to show up? With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach slated to launch later this month, we wouldn't be surprised to see one more trailer hyping it up. Marathon is likely to appear as well considering that Sony owns Bungie, though there are rumors swirling that its upcoming release could be delayed. And of course, Ghost of Yotei should get a spotlight here considering that it's the PS5's big fall exclusive. Other than that, the field is wide open. This has historically been a very exciting show for Sony, as it usually nabs big reveals from third-party partners like Square Enix and Capcom. There's a good chance we see something like Resident Evil 9 here, giving us a big shocker before Summer Game Fest. It's possible that Sony has its own surprises in store too, as we know that Marvel's Wolverine is next in the pipeline. We're overdue for a update on that one, so it could pop up as a grand reveal. Whatever appears, it should be an exciting way to kick off a very busy week in gaming.
