Doris Burke has been calling games for a long, long time. And there were hardly any instances where her words went in a little too controversial direction. However, recently, Burke went into an unapologetic mode while commenting on Rudy Gobert’s dunk on Isaiah Hartenstein.
Burke stirred up quite the conversation during the WCF between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. She took a different path when she commented on Rudy Gobert’s jaw-dropping dunk over Isaiah Hartenstein.
While calling the game, Doris injected a bit of humor and history into the moment.
“And I don’t know much about history, but I know the French and Germans don’t like one another. And Rudy says, ‘Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein!’ Have a little bit of that left-handed dunk!” Burke said.
Nah man Doris Burke is drunk lmaooo 😭
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) May 27, 2025
“I don’t know much about history but I know the French and German don’t like one another.”
pic.twitter.com/RlLSwTCJHL
This quick quip almost immediately drew a reaction from her co-host, Mike Breen.
“What are you trying to start here?” Breen enquired.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
However, some viewers pointed out that Hartenstein was actually born in Oregon, which led to some head-scratching about his connection to Doris’s comment. He grew up in Germany, holds dual citizenship, and has played for the German national team.
Supporters of Doris defended her while emphasizing that she was on the mark in referencing Hartenstein’s ties to Germany.
Also Read: Social Media Is Calling For ESPN To Suspend Dorris Burke Immediately
Doris Burke Made Controversial Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Comment
Doris Burke has had her fair share of ups and downs when it comes to fan reactions during NBA games. As one of the most well-known commentators for ESPN, alongside Mike Breen, she’s transitioned to a prominent role.
But her ascend hasn’t come without some criticism, especially from certain fan bases.
During Game 4 of the Timberwolves vs. Thunder series, the usual chatter on social media turned up a notch. Burke made a comment about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing tactics and called him a “free-throw merchant.”
Mike Breen: “[Shai] has taken 7 free-throws already in 4 minutes and 30 seconds.”
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 21, 2025
Doris Burke: “There’s a reason NBA Twitter likes to call him the ‘free l-throw merchant,’ Mike” 😂💀
Doris called out Shai! 👀 pic.twitter.com/kGMdlHruBP
While some viewers appreciated her straightforwardness, many Thunder fans weren’t too thrilled to hear those words.
It would be interesting to see what Doris Burke’s next commentary session brings up. A controversy related to nationality or someone outwitting the fouls.
