The Monday Lineup: Mike Tirico’s “most memorable weekend” PLUS: 13 ESPN moments from the weekend
Really love Tirico's "OH MY GAWWWWD!!!!" call on the Lillard shot. Properly sold drama/significance of moment. https://t.co/sHMM6PbcYl
— Andrew Unterberger (@AUgetoffmygold) May 3, 2014
EDITOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Mike Tirico called two dramatic NBA Playoff games over the weekend – Friday’s Game 6 buzzer-beater from Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard against the Houston Rockets on ESPN, and Sunday’s Game 7 last-second win by the Brooklyn Nets over the Toronto Raptors on ABC. Here, for Front Row, he shares the story of his – and his co-workers’ – cross-country coverage of the first-round series clinchers.
The two games were especially fun because of the arenas and recent history. Given the lower national profile of both Portland and Toronto, plus what was the stake, the energy in both buildings was incredible. On top of that, it had been 14 and 13 years respectively since either home team won a playoff series, so the intensity was as high as it gets.
The two games played out in different ways. The Blazers were ahead or close throughout, the Raptors trailed for the entire second half. So you could see the late game drama coming in Portland more than Toronto.
At the end of any game, I always look even more closely at where players line up to start the play. At our mid court position it is hard to see action on the near sideline in the corners. So my concern is always losing the basketball from my sight as time runs down.
In Portland, the Rockets called timeout after Portland took the floor, so I was anticipating a different setup and that was the case. Knowing Lillard hit four game-winners, I was guessing the ball was going his way.
In Toronto, Kyle Lowry was going to the basket the entire fourth quarter, so that was an easy one to anticipate.
The eruption in Portland was so genuine and celebratory after the call, the best way to document the moment was to shut up so we Hubie Brown was on color, with Heather Cox doing sideline reporting] did for a bit. In Toronto [with Lisa Salters doing sideline reporting], the deflated crowd naturally pointed the attention back to Paul Pierce and the Nets.
I didn’t know until the Lillard play that it has been over a decade and a half since a series was won at the buzzer. To have it nearly happen twice in 40 hours on different coasts, in different countries makes the weekend incredibly memorable.
The real stars of the weekend were our crew members. Led by [director] Ken Dennis and [producer] Ed Feibischoff, our mostly East Coast-based core crew crisscrossed the continent with connecting flights, border control and no chance to set up in Toronto on Saturday night because of a lacrosse game.
The viewers would never know because, as usual, [ESPN’s production crew] thrived in adverse circumstances.
As one of the last original announcers dating back to the start of our NBA coverage 12 years ago, thanks to the fans, teams and our team, it was my most memorable weekend on the project.
Now, some of what you may have missed over the weekend:
1. More praise for Tirico
As one who appreciates sports announcing & majored in Radio/TV, @miketirico call on Lillard's buzzer beater is easily in my Top 5. Amazing.
— Chase Bunker (@chasebunker) May 4, 2014
Watched replay of @Dame_Lillard game winner for first time since witnessing live. Great call by @miketirico #goosebumps #alegendisborn
— Jason Adams (@Steelfabguy) May 4, 2014
Its probably already been said numerous times, but how good is @SyracuseU grad @miketirico ? That call on #lillard game winner was AMAZING!
— FunnyMikeyD (@FunnyMikeyD) May 3, 2014
Besides @Dame_Lillard's spectacular shot last night, what made the moment even more special was @miketirico's call. Chills. #NBAPlayoffs
— Roni (@RBBallWiz) May 3, 2014
2.
I've been loving this ESPN broadcast from Wrigley's bleachers. And @DShulman_ESPN and @JohnKruk_ESPN were great sports to sing too..
— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) May 5, 2014
3.
Hubie Brown is a genius, best commentator to listen to during the NBA playoffs. @ABC @NBA #legendary
— Steven Baldwin (@SteveBaldwin92) May 4, 2014
Hubie Brown — smartest announcer in all of basketball. Just breaks it down. You go to school when you listen to him. Just awesome.
— Jason Martin (@GuyNamedJason) May 4, 2014
4.
Mike Breen/Jeff Van Gundy and Dan Shulman/John Kruk in one day makes me a happy guy.
— Ben McKeown (@bdmckeown) May 5, 2014
5.
Truly loving this @BBTN of Wrigley Field. Lots of cool behind the scenes footage & the announcing from the bleachers is awesome
— Eddie (@EFQZ) May 5, 2014
Love it that @DShulman_ESPN and @JohnKruk_ESPN are out in the elements at Wrigley broadcasting the game! #Bleachers #HistoricField
— Chris Gilmore (@chrisgilmore00) May 5, 2014
A GREAT VIEW the one ESPN (USA) has tonight for #SundayNightBaseball @ Wrigley Field.
@BBTN
@Buster_ESPN
#MLB pic.twitter.com/LuCsF2cGWg
— Ivis Aburto (@IvisAburto) May 5, 2014
6.
What happens when stuck in stairwell pre-espn World Cup presentation for too long. pic.twitter.com/dp9dH3OeFv
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) May 2, 2014
7.
#NASCAR at @TalladegaSuperS on @ESPNNASCAR is always riveting TV! pic.twitter.com/bLWTrhiPt5
— Andy Hall (@AndyHallESPN) May 3, 2014
ESPN’s last shot at telling the World Cup story looks to be an epic one http://t.co/5McgYVnkE7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 3, 2014
Soccer analysts @AlexiLalas, @TaylorTwellman debate if US will survive group of death @ ESPN's #WorldCup2014 preview: pic.twitter.com/h27XLQjdF1
— Kaylee Hultgren (@KDHultgren) May 2, 2014
8. NFL Draft week is upon us.
The formative years. Pre Mel Gel development. pic.twitter.com/RdxBUZcJNd
— Mel Gel (@MelGel1960) May 2, 2014
9. ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament begins next weekend.
Coord Producer @MisterWallaceGA with @paulcarcaterra discussing the show format for the #NCAALax Selection Show pic.twitter.com/KRykfg5r1F
— John Vassallo (@JohnVassallo) May 4, 2014
10.
Hey Espn scheduling- I am never working may the 4th again. I didn't sign up for this…#starwars pic.twitter.com/kWXIQiRhVy
— Sara Walsh (@Sara_Walsh) May 4, 2014
11.
Congratulations Corey Crawford, American Conference long jump Champion. Great hanging with @jaycrawfordespn pic.twitter.com/Mr8qMY0jT5
— Brad Davis WFTS (@BradDavis_WFTS) May 4, 2014
12.
Absolutely gripping read on what went on inside the Clippers and NBA after Donald Sterling's remarks surfaced http://t.co/3PSjQHGpk0
— Bobby Big Wheel (@BobbyBigWheel) May 2, 2014
13.
My eyes are watering but my heart is full: Team USA softball legend Jessica Mendoza announces retirement http://t.co/x7u1SuVrgq via @espnW
— Jessica Mendoza (@jessmendoza) May 2, 2014
Mike Soltys, Kristen Hudak and Ben Cafardo contributed to this post