When it comes to watching the NBA (or any sport for that matter) and something historic happens, there are two ways we remember it. The sights and the sounds.
One that comes to my mind immediately is Ray Allen’s miracle three. Game 6, San Antonio Spurs are up by three on the Miami Heat, LeBron James takes a three, no dice, Chris Bosh grabs the board, Ray Allen back pedals into three-point land, heaves it and boom, the American Airlines Arena explodes.
Now I remember the sights and I also remember the sounds, it was Mike Breen on call. “James catches, puts up a three, won’t go, rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three pointer BANG! TIE GAME WITH 5 SECONDS REMAINING” Yes that was off by heart.
Mike Breen is going to announce his 10th NBA Finals, a record for any TV announcer and there’s a reason why he’s done so many. It’s because he’s simply (in my opinion) the best person for the job.
”It’s such an honor and it’s such a privilege to be able to call the finals and the number is, it’s incomprehensible to me,” Breen said.
Dick Stockton held the old record for a TV lead announcer by working nine finals, according to information provided by Elias to ESPN. Marv Albert did eight.
Breen said he always considers Albert the voice of the NBA. But when it comes to the championship round, the title now belongs to Breen.
”We are so fortunate to have Mike as the voice of the finals,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. ”His incredible desire to understand every aspect of the NBA and his passion for the game make him truly one of the very best in the industry.”
Now I am not very educated when it comes to the history of play-by-play announcers, but Breen is my favourite and I applaud him going into double digits for calling the NBA Finals. Here’s to another 10.
