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Mike Breen Reveals Why He Skipped the ‘BANG!’ for Haliburton’s Epic Game-Winner!

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By: Mike

Mike Breen Explains Why He Didn’t Give a ‘BANG!’ on Tyrese Haliburton’s Game-Winning Shot
© Red94 – Mike Breen Reveals Why He Skipped the ‘BANG!’ for Haliburton’s Epic Game-Winner!

1. The NBA Finals kicked off with a spectacular finish in Game 1 on Thursday, delighting basketball enthusiasts.

ESPN is optimistic about the series extending over several games, potentially boosting viewership numbers.

The event also provided a perfect opportunity for the commentators behind the microphone to showcase their talents.

Mike Breen’s narration of Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second game-winning basket during the live broadcast on ABC was, as expected, top-notch. Renowned as the voice of the NBA, Breen delivered an impeccable blend of excitement and detail.

However, some fans expressed disappointment that Breen did not use his iconic “BANG!” catchphrase when Haliburton made the jumper, putting Indiana ahead 111-110.

I had a conversation with Breen the following Friday morning regarding his omission of “BANG!”

“We were thrilled with the game’s outcome and the series is now more exciting,” Breen mentioned, “I was happy with how I called Haliburton’s shot, but then I learned that some were upset I didn’t say ‘BANG!’

“In my entire career, I only used ‘BANG!’ for a two-pointer once before. It was during a game-winning shot by Kobe Bryant against Phoenix in the playoffs. I usually reserve it for three-pointers.

“Looking back, given the significance of Haliburton’s shot, it would have been a good moment for ‘BANG!’, but I don’t plan these calls in advance and the shot itself was spectacular. Had it been a three-pointer, I probably would have used it,” he added.

Indiana’s radio announcer Mark Boyle also delivered an electrifying call.

This mix of calls from ESPN Portuguese, SPOTV Korean, and ESPN Spanish was compiled.

Well executed.

2. In an instance of particularly poor timing, an ABC affiliate in Fort Wayne, Ind., switched to a lengthy promotional segment for its local news right during the critical moments of the Pacers’ comeback against the Thunder.

3. There is no need to further comment on this observation by J.J. Watt.

4. Game 1 of the Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup Final attracted 2.4 million viewers on TNT on Wednesday, a 22% decrease from the previous year’s Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, which was broadcast on ABC.

According to Sports Media Watch: Apart from the two seasons affected by COVID, this was the lowest viewership for a Game 1 since the Penguins-Red Wings match on Versus in 2008 (2.35M).

5. Taylor Lewan, a former NFL offensive lineman, joined the ranks of those who have thrown notably bad first pitches in MLB history during a game in St. Louis on Thursday.

6. This week’s SI Media With Jimmy Traina features an interview with ABC/ESPN’s Richard Jefferson, who is making his NBA Finals debut alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

Jefferson discusses his initial nerves about broadcasting his first Finals, his contract situation with ESPN, adjustments he’s made since becoming a lead analyst, and the Pacers’ prospects against the Thunder.

Additionally, Jefferson shares insights on his personal habits, the recent controversy involving LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, the NBA’s review system, his interactions on social media with Bill Simmons, why he enjoys commentating during one-sided games, conspiracy theories about the NBA being rigged, his work with Ian Eagle, ESPN’s dress code policies, and more.

Following Jefferson, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins me for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week, we discuss the Knicks losing to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, New York firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, Stephen A. Smith moving to SiriusXM, another Sal ailment, the time I pretended to fall down a flight of stairs, and their most disliked athletes. The segment concludes with me reading and reacting to SI Media With Jimmy Traina Apple reviews for May.

You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.

You can also watch SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Sports Illustrated‘s YouTube channel.

7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Happy National Donut Day.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.

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