It was given to Reggie Miller to tee up TNT’s postgame tribute Saturday night to Hall of Fame play-by-play broadcaster Marv Albert.
Albert was wrapping up his final call for the network, the Bucks’ clinching victory over the Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals in Atlanta. Miller, his last analyst, briefly touched on what Albert contributed to the history of the NBA.
“You gifted the game of basketball with your voice,” Miller said.
Albert then got the last word as he signed off for the last time before retirement. He spoke over a photo montage of his 55-year broadcasting career. There was also a moment where the 80-year-old Albert seemed to long to stay behind the microphone. He referred to a comment he made to TNT colleague Ernie Johnson.
“And Ernie, as I said to you a couple of weeks back, I wish I were starting all over again. It has been such a joy,” Albert said. He followed with a quick sign-off.
