Mike Breen has long been the voice of NBA Finals moments, his signature “Bang!” call etched into basketball history. But after two decades of leading ESPN’s coverage, some fans are starting to wonder if it’s time for a new voice to take the mic.
At 64, Breen is calling his 20th NBA Finals, but it’s the first time he’s working with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson in the booth instead of longtime partners Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson.
While Breen continues under a long-term deal and plans to return for the 2025-26 season, but criticism intensified after Game 6. Many viewers thought Breen lacked the fire and energy during one of the biggest moments of the series, a thunderous dunk by Pascal Siakam over Jalen Williams. The reaction wasn’t pretty.
Backlash Heats Up After Game 6 Call
Fans lit up social media following Breen’s lukewarm call of the Siakam slam. Many argued it deserved more than just a standard reaction from a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Mike Breen: "IT'S GOOD! IT'S GOOD! AT THE BUZZER! A 30-point lead facing elimination! Everything going down for the Indiana Pacers! They're one quarter away from a Game 7!" 🏀🔥🎙️ #NBA #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/VKbVI6PZqN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 20, 2025
One user wrote, “Mike Breen is horrible lmao Harlan was more alive for less impressive dunks.”
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Mike Breen is horrible lmao Harlan was more alive for less impressive dunks pic.twitter.com/vK9TIbHxoZ https://t.co/g6Sqesn0JA
— Jake (@CookedBySteph) June 20, 2025
Another added, “I’m damn near ready to call Mike Breen ass at this point.”
i’m damn near ready to call Mike Breen ass at this point https://t.co/wTGRbsIlb2
— 🤺 (@philfanacc) June 20, 2025
The sentiment was echoed across platforms, with one fan saying, “Mike breen is so unbelievably washed.”
Mike breen is so unbelievably washed 🥀💔 https://t.co/b6gfB0EPfY pic.twitter.com/xbZkdKUWy5
— FCB Davis Howard (@ShyonDieon) June 20, 2025
Others called for his replacement altogether, suggesting voices like Kevin Harlan step in. “Mike Breen, it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you,” one user joked, mixing metaphors but clarifying the point.
Mike Breen it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you… someone get Kevin Harlan in there and let my man retire https://t.co/zPmu1Jms65
— Blindage (@Blindage_) June 20, 2025
Despite the noise, Breen hasn’t addressed the criticism publicly. And while he’s set to return next season, the futures of his broadcast partners remain up in the air. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN hasn’t locked in Richard Jefferson, whose contract is set to expire. Amazon Prime Video has reportedly shown interest in Jefferson, while Doris Burke’s return is uncertain.
For now, all eyes stay on Breen, who still has one more shot to quiet the doubters. Everyone will watch the broadcast booth closely when Game 7 of the NBA Finals tips off Sunday night.
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