It was an emotional evening for the "Inside the NBA" crew on Saturday night as they ended their final NBA broadcast for TNT.
The Indiana Pacers took out the New York Knicks in Game 6 with a 125-108 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to secure a 4-2 series win and book their spot in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This meant that Saturday night turned out to be the last game of the East finals, and, effectively, the final "Inside the NBA" broadcast for TNT.
Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson all sent their farewell messages at the end of the show. O'Neal, however, had one final act up his sleeve just before the curtains closed on the show for one last time.
"Before we go, guys, let's do the mic drop," O'Neal said.
O'Neal's epic mic drop moment drew all sorts of reactions from the fans on social media. More than a few of them, however, were left in tears after seeing the Hall of Fame big man's final parting gesture.
"This part man ð« ðð¢ð" a comment on X read.
"this is making me cry," said another.
"this is the worst day in NBA History ð¥ºð¥ºð¥º" declared a user.
TNT broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal (left) and Charles Barkley.
TNT broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal (left) and Charles Barkley.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
"Big ugly tears," a reaction read.
"ð" another said.
"ð¢" posted a fan.
The silver lining here is that "Inside the NBA" will carry on. The show will be broadcast on ESPN starting next season as the renowned sports network acquired the rights for the well-loved program.
Nevertheless, Saturday night was still the end of an era after "Inside the NBA" closed out its last show on TNT after a historic 35-year run.