The basketball world witnessed the end of an era on Saturday night as the NBA on TNT and its flagship television program Inside the NBA concluded its final episode on the network, giving way to the 2025 NBA Finals and a move to ABC/ESPN next season.
The station's final broadcast included a wild moment from Shaquille O'Neal as he dropped an 'F bomb' on camera without getting censored and host Ernie Johnson sharing his heartfelt thoughts and emotions on the crew's upcoming move.
The night also included a heartfelt post from former NBA on TNT reporter David Aldridge, who took to X to share his thoughts on what the Turner Sports Television network meant to him and his career.
Ernie Johnson and Rick Carlisle after Game 6.
Ernie Johnson (L) interviews Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after his team's Game 6 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
"In the spring of 2004, ESPN let me go," Aldridge wrote on X.
"It was unmooring. It was a shock. I had a wife and baby to take care of. That fall, Jeff Behnke and Jeff Ogan hired me to work at Turner Sports.
"It was the best time I ever had in my life. Godspeed, @NBAonTNT," Aldridge continued.
"You saved me. I love you all."
Aldridge has worked for TNT, The Philadelphia Enquirer, The Washington Post and Turner Sports among other media outlets.
Fans reacted to his emotional comments.
"I'm sorry for skipping you on 2k," one fan wrote about the famous video game series Aldridge starred in.
"You have always been the same at the Washington Post, ESPN, and TNT," another added.
"Professional at all times, and great to read and listen to," they continued.