The New York Knicks have firmly secured the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they are preparing to fight for the championship. However, before the Knicks’ first playoff game, Knicks fans had taken a serious blow, one that did not concern the team at all.
It is being said that this postseason, fans will not be hearing their favorite MSG channel broadcast team’s voices.
Breen Speaks the Truth
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During the Knicks’ final regular-season telecast on MSG Network against the Charlotte Hornets on April 12, ESPN’s lead NBA voice and Knicks play-by-play announcer, Mike Breen, held nothing back.
Breen said: “1st time ever…entire playoffs exclusive to national TV…poor decision…fans want to hear their home team announcers, at least 1st round…part of the family. I get networks pay a fortune…but fans deserve to be thrown a bone…This is our final telecast of the season.”
That last line hit hard. This is our final telecast of the season. For Knicks fans who’ve spent 82 games bonding with Breen and the legendary Walt “Clyde” Frazier, that sentence stings.
The Industry Responds
Breen’s comments immediately rippled across the sports media world, with broadcasters from across the country echoing his frustration.
The Athletic’s Jared Weiss tweeted: “This is quite the statement coming from the guy calling the Finals. Good on Breen for sticking up for the local broadcasts.”
Local broadcaster Natalie Kerwin added: “Really appreciate this, especially coming from someone like Mike Breen. Wish we had the chance to call playoff basketball with our crew this postseason.”
Altitude TV’s Vic Lombardi also tweeted: “Mike Breen spewing truth. Sucks we can’t carry ANY playoff games. We will still carry pre and post game shows on @AltitudeTV. But the league has $76 billion reasons they chose this path. I get it.”
And former NBA player-turned-broadcaster Eddie A. Johnson simply said, “Thank you Mike Breen!”
The Knicks open the playoffs on April 18 against the Atlanta Hawks.
Knicks Ready for Playoff Battle
Despite the broadcast disappointment, they go into the postseason with a lot of momentum. Having one of the best point guards in the league, Jalen Brunson, New York wrapped up the regular season on a high note and got home-court advantage in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Defense has been a major factor for the Knicks under head coach Mike Brown, and his style has helped them develop a tough, physical identity. So this aspect will be very important when they face the Atlanta Hawks’ offense, led by Walker, a very potent scorer.
The Knicks not only made it to the playoffs, but they also did so by dominating. Their 50-win season is one of the best in franchise history in more than 10 years, and it is anticipated that Madison Square Garden will be very lively when the first game starts on April 18. Brunson becoming a star player, KAT playing better, and giving some important roles to other players have all led New York to raise fans’ hopes for a championship for the first time in a long time.
Knicks Fans Get Bad News Before Playoffs Even Begin