Mike Breen explains why he didn't use his 'bang' call in NBA Finals Game 1
Share and Follow

After Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, many fans were left without something — commentator Mike Breen’s signature “bang” call.

Despite being a veteran announcer for 20 years, Breen decided to skip his iconic call and instead used the simpler phrase “It’s good, it’s good,” which still carried the excitement of the moment.

He later elaborated on his decision to deviate from his usual catchphrase for the shot that put the Pacers ahead in the series.

“We were so happy with such a fun game and a great comeback,” Breen told Sports Illustrated, “and now there’s obviously juice to the series and I liked the Haliburton call and then I find out later that I’m getting destroyed because I didn’t say ‘BANG!’

“I think in all these years I only said bang for a two-pointer once. It was a Kobe Bryant game-winner in the playoffs when he hit a shot against Phoenix, and it was the only time. That’s the only time. I save it for threes.


Tyrese Haliburton shoots a game-winning basket over Cason Wallace.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots the game winning basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace in the closing second of the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. AP

“In hindsight, because of the magnitude of the shot, it certainly would’ve worked and made people happy, but I don’t premeditate the call and it was such an unbelievable shot. If he was beyond the 3-point mark, I probably would’ve said ‘BANG!’”

Breen, the Knicks’ play-by-play man on MSG Network, is known to be selective about the call, with the last one coming in May for Jalen Brunson’s series-clinching shot against the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.


Three sportscasters holding microphones at a basketball game.
Richard Jefferson, Dorris Burke and Mike Breen speaking before the Denver Nuggets against the Boston Celtics game on March 2, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NBAE via Getty Images

Brunson’s shot, which gave the Knicks the win in Game 6, earned an even rarer double “bang” call from Breen.

He previously explained to The Post after ex-Knick Donte DiVincenzo’s clutch 3-pointer in the 2024 NBA playoffs what has to happen in order for a shot to receive the double “bang.”

“Three or four specific things had to happen and they did, so when he hit that shot and the crowd went crazy, it just came out,” Breen said then. “It’s not something that was thought of, it just came out for such a spectacular play during this extraordinary sequence in such a huge playoff game.” 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
TikTok star Tucker Genal dead at 31

Tragic Loss: TikTok Sensation Tucker Genal Passes Away at 31 – A Heartfelt Tribute

Popular TikTok personality Tucker Genal has passed away at the age of…
Trump risks political ruin by falling into his own inflation trap

Trump Faces Potential Political Fallout from Self-Imposed Inflation Dilemma

How can Donald Trump avoid becoming a mirror image of Joe Biden?…
Bungling cops scramble to find at-large Brown University killer

Manhunt Intensifies: Brown University Murder Suspect Remains Elusive

Authorities are facing increasing pressure to apprehend an ‘organized’ suspect who remains…
Israeli intel official says your 'jaw would drop' at terror plots prevented worldwide

Stunning Revelations: Israeli Intel Unveils Global Terror Threats Averted

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: High-ranking officials within Israeli intelligence have disclosed that the…
Trump-style law-and-order conservative clinches Chile’s presidency as violent crime crisis reshapes nation

Chile Elects Trump-Style Leader Amid Surging Violent Crime Crisis: A New Era of Law and Order

In a groundbreaking political shift, Chile elected José Antonio Kast, a staunchly…
Disney World sparks fury for rolling out 150 percent price hike

Disney World Faces Backlash Over 150% Ticket Price Increase

Disney World has faced intense criticism online following the announcement of a…
Bondi Beach terrorists had homemade bombs and ISIS flags in car: cops

Authorities Discover Homemade Explosive Devices and ISIS Flags in Vehicle Linked to Bondi Beach Terror Suspects

On Tuesday, police disclosed chilling details about the Bondi Beach massacre, Australia’s…
Bystanders confront gunman in Australia

Bystanders Courageously Intervene During Australian Gunman’s ISIS-Inspired Attack

In a dramatic turn of events captured on video, courageous bystanders attempted…