{"id":3270,"date":"2025-06-16T22:58:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T02:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/mike-breen-reveals-why-he-skipped-the-bang-for-haliburtons-epic-game-winner\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T22:58:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T02:58:36","slug":"mike-breen-reveals-why-he-skipped-the-bang-for-haliburtons-epic-game-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/mike-breen-reveals-why-he-skipped-the-bang-for-haliburtons-epic-game-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Breen Reveals Why He Skipped the ‘BANG!’ for Haliburton’s Epic Game-Winner!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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1. <\/strong>The NBA Finals kicked off with a spectacular finish in Game 1 on Thursday, delighting basketball enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

ESPN is optimistic about the series extending over several games, potentially boosting viewership numbers.<\/p>\n

The event also provided a perfect opportunity for the commentators behind the microphone to showcase their talents.<\/p>\n

Mike Breen’s narration of Tyrese Haliburton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Tyrese Haliburton for the lead with .3 remaining.<\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/bsYPIHo4tH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

However, some fans expressed disappointment that Breen did not use his iconic \u201cBANG!\u201d catchphrase when Haliburton made the jumper, putting Indiana ahead 111-110.<\/p>\n

I had a conversation with Breen the following Friday morning regarding his omission of “BANG!”<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were thrilled with the game\u2019s outcome and the series is now more exciting,\u201d Breen mentioned, \u201cI was happy with how I called Haliburton\u2019s shot, but then I learned that some were upset I didn\u2019t say \u2018BANG!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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. <\/p>\n

\u201cLooking back, given the significance of Haliburton\u2019s shot, it would have been a good moment for ‘BANG!’, but I don\u2019t plan these calls in advance and the shot itself was spectacular. Had it been a three-pointer, I probably would have used it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Indiana’s radio announcer Mark Boyle also delivered an electrifying call.<\/p>\n

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“How many more times can this team DO THAT?!”<\/p>\n

Mark Boyle’s call for Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 1 game-winner pic.twitter.com\/hM40mDvMkx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

This mix of calls from ESPN Portuguese, SPOTV Korean, and ESPN Spanish was compiled.<\/p>\n

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Tyrese Haliburton\u2019s game-winner as heard around the world pic.twitter.com\/iNc8KuhAan<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

Well executed.<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

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WPTA, the ABC affiliate in Fort Wayne, Indiana, cut away from Game 1 coverage to tease the upcoming news. <\/p>\n

Incidentally, one of the segments being teased was a Game 1 Watch Party. pic.twitter.com\/PXF5xm81VQ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

3. <\/strong>There is no need to further comment on this observation by J.J. Watt.<\/p>\n

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Put the Larry O\u2019Brien back at center court and bring the cursive writing back too. <\/p>\n

Make the finals look & feel like The Finals.<\/p>\n

\u2014 JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

4. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

5. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

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Taylor Lewan with one of the WORST first pitches you\u2019ll ever see pic.twitter.com\/xEtNgZaPO4<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

6.<\/strong> This week’s SI Media With Jimmy Traina<\/em> features an interview with ABC\/ESPN\u2019s Richard Jefferson, who is making his NBA Finals debut alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Jefferson shares insights on his personal habits, the recent controversy involving LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, the NBA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Following Jefferson, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins me for our weekly \u201cTraina Thoughts\u201d 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<\/em> Apple reviews for May.<\/p>\n

You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina<\/em> podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.<\/p>\n