The iconic show Inside the NBA on TNT concluded its nearly 40-year run, with host Ernie Johnson delivering an emotional farewell. Starting next season, the show transitions to ESPN and ABC, retaining its original team of Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley. The final broadcast marked the end of TNT's association with NBA games, transitioning to a new 11-year media rights deal that includes ABC, ESPN, and new partner Amazon Prime Video. Coach Rick Carlisle paid tribute to TNT's lasting legacy during the final moments of the broadcast.
I'm proud to say for the last time, Thanks for watching us. It's the NBA on TNT,' Johnson said, before turning his back to the camera, placing his microphone on the desk and getting up from that set for the final time.
Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same, O'Neal said during the final broadcast. And to that new network we're coming to, we're not coming to (expletive) around. We're taking over, OK?
Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that's coming to an end, Carlisle said in the unprompted tribute. We're all very sad about that.
Turner Sports first acquired an NBA package in 1984 and games were on TNT since the network launched in 1988.
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