The Indiana Pacers have officially booked their ticket to the NBA Finals, where they will battle the Oklahoma City Thunder in what should be an epic seven-game series.
The Pacers took a major step toward their championship dream this season by defeating the New York Knicks, 125-108, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks put up a formidable fight both in this game and in the series, but it's the Pacers who will be moving on.
Saturday night also marked the final NBA broadcast of TNT, whose TV rights with the league have now officially come to an end after the East finals. This only means that this was the last game for the entire NBA on TNT crew, including its elite team of commentators.
Allie LaForce, Stan Van Gundy and Kevin Harlan all said their goodbyes as the show ended. It was NBA shooting legend Reggie Miller's words, however, that resonated as the Hall of Famer bid farewell with an emotional message.
"Well, think about my life," he started. "I'm very fortunate. I've only known two things. 18 years with one franchise in this building with Indiana Pacers. and 19 years with Turner. ... This has been an unbelievable ride.
"But, you know, I've had a lot of partners at this place. I've been with one the longest. I've got to thank you, Mr. Kevin Harlan."
Miller singled out Harlan as the one individual whom he is most thankful for as their run on TNT comes to an end. The Pacers icon made his opinion of the award-winning broadcaster extremely clear.
Reggie Miller at the NBA 75th Anniversary Team ceremony at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Indiana Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
"What you do is absolutely tremendous," Miller continued. "You're the best in the business. I know you don't like a lot of compliments, but thank you for making my job so much easier in terms of your preparation and to be on your hip and to listen to you and how much of a great family man."
"You've made me a better father just by listening and watching you and Annie as an example. Thank you for being part of the Miller household legacy forever. So thank you, Mr. Kevin Harlan."
It was an undeniably emotional moment not only for Miller but also for the entire NBA on TNT crew. After all, this group has been together for so many years, and saying goodbye clearly was not easy for them.
The silver lining here for Miller, in particular, is that NBA fans will still hear his voice during broadcasts next season. The 59-year-old has agreed to a new contract as a lead game analyst with NBC as the network takes over the NBA's broadcast rights beginning in 2025-26, along with Disney (ABC/ESPN) and Amazon.