NBA fans watching Game 6 of the Finals on Thursday night saw something more than just basketball. They saw strength. They saw resilience. And they saw Lisa Salters, standing tall on the sidelines, carrying more than just a microphone.
Salters, who has covered everything from NBA Finals to Monday Night Football, showed up for work despite personal struggles that have quietly followed her throughout the playoffs. Her mother is currently dealing with serious health issues, a fact ESPN’s Mike Breen shared during Game 2.
The news hit home for many who admire Salters not just for her reporting but for her poise and professionalism.
Fans Rally Behind Salters Amid Personal Struggles
Breen’s words echoed during the broadcast: “Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have.” That sentiment sparked a wave of support that continued to build through Game 6 and flooded social media.
Mike Breen: "[Lisa Salters'] mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now… Although we've never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have." 🎙️❤️ pic.twitter.com/7YJHlKfiwh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2025
Fans quickly voiced their love and concern.
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“I hope all is well with her and her family,” one viewer posted on X.
I hope all is well with her and her family.
— Geneva in General (@HoustonGen73027) June 20, 2025
Another wrote, “Lisa and Steph are two of the classiest ladies in the business. Prayers for both families.”
Lisa Salters going to miss the NBA Finals Game 6? That’s when you’ll know if one of their parents has passed. Very sad news, if so. Lisa and Steph are two of the classiest ladies in the business. Prayers for both families 🙏
— Melon Husk (@Gee_Unit123) June 19, 2025
A third chimed in, “Thoughts and prayers to Lisa Salters.” Many also extended support to Salters’ longtime partner, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, who is currently on a leave of absence.
Thoughts and prayers to Lisa salters
— MLB Koreem 🦅💍💍 (@RipKoreem_) June 9, 2025
Despite the emotional weight, Salters delivered as she always does- sharp, composed, and connected. Her appearance on the sidelines didn’t go unnoticed, and neither did her effort to keep pushing forward while balancing family matters behind the scenes.
Salters, a Sports Emmy winner and the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history, has earned her place as one of the most respected journalists in the game. What fans saw Thursday night was more than just a professional doing her job. It was a quiet show of strength from someone many already admired, and now admire even more.
She’s expected to return for Game 7 of the Finals on Sunday night. For now, the sports world continues to stand with her, hoping for peace, strength, and healing for her and her family.
Also Read: ESPN Colleague Reveals The Cause Of Lisa Salters’ Mysterious Absence From NBA Finals
