"The band is back together, even though they never really parted. Departed? Sure. The crew that comprised " Inside the NBA" moved from TNT when the cable network lost its NBA broadcast rights to ESPN, NBC and Amazon after last season. But the ensemble that somehow is greater than the sum of its star-studded parts continues - albeit now under the title, "NBA Tip-Off.""
"The familiar lineup of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson reunited for a pregame show ahead of ESPN's doubleheader Wednesday, with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs visiting the Dallas Mavericks. And they poked fun at themselves and at the Worldwide Leader. Any fears that ESPN suits would tone down the rollicking, often hilarious dynamic the quartet brought to the last decade-plus of the 36-year "Inside the NBA" run were quickly doused."
"O'Neal opened by admonishing Johnson for mentioning the NBA's opening games Tuesday night, which broadcast on NBC and the Peacock streaming service. "You are supposed to say, this is TRON - the real opening night," O'Neal said to laughs. "Don't forget who we are, boys." Johnson gently pushed back, replying, "Don't be that way!" to more laughs. O'Neal said Smith was almost late for the show, and Smith said, "I haven't been that nervous since Game 7 of the NBA Finals.""
Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson reunited on ESPN for a pregame show titled NBA Tip-Off after the TNT crew moved when the cable network lost its NBA broadcast rights to ESPN, NBC and Amazon. The quartet appeared ahead of ESPN's doubleheader, with the Cavaliers at the Knicks and Spurs at the Mavericks. The group maintained its rollicking, often hilarious dynamic and poked fun at themselves and ESPN executives. O'Neal chided Johnson about other opening-night broadcasts, and the hosts traded playful barbs about nerves and punctuality. Barkley expressed lingering skepticism but offered praise for ESPN as a broadcasting destination.
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