ESPN announcer Mike Breen has one of the memorable catchphrases within the historical past of sports activities broadcasting. His easy however efficient “Bang!” has punctuated a number of the NBA’s largest moments, like Ray Allen’s game-tying three for the Heat in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals and Stephen Curry’s lengthy game-winner in opposition to the Thunder in ’15 (a uncommon double “bang” from Breen).
Breen is the voice of this NBA era, and his calls are simply as memorable to gamers as they’re to followers. In Game 2 of the Western Conference finals in opposition to the Lakers, Nuggets star Jamal Murray hit a clutch three and as he ran again down the courtroom, turned towards Breen and yelled, “Bang!”
It was a enjoyable little bit of showmanship from Murray, who was in the midst of an incendiary 23-point fourth quarter, but it surely held deeper significance for Breen. He was requested in regards to the second in an interview with Howard Beck printed in GQ on Tuesday:
Chris Paul did one thing like that when earlier than, however not within the warmth of a second of a giant playoff recreation like that. I’ve gotten to know [Murray], and he is such a terrific younger man. And for him to try this in the midst of a recreation, it was actually flattering. And the subsequent day once I noticed him, I made positive I thanked him, as a result of it made me really feel like OK, possibly I’m doing one thing proper when it comes to attempting to boost huge moments. And if a participant like that, in a second like that, that is what he thinks of, then possibly I’m doing my job the best means. So it was satisfying, but it surely was additionally very humbling.
That’s a refreshing perspective. Breen has been calling NBA video games for greater than 30 years and that is his 18th Finals behind the microphone, however gamers are nonetheless discovering methods to indicate him how a lot he means to the league.
Source: www.si.com
