RismadarVoice Reporters
May 29, 2026
ESPN commentator, Mike Breen is set to call his 21st consecutive NBA Finals this week but this year carries a personal weight unlike any before, as the long-time broadcaster will be covering the New York Knicks in the championship series for the first time in his career.
Breen, a lifelong Knicks supporter who has spent over three decades calling their games, admitted the moment is emotionally significant.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say there are emotions,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s tip-off.
The veteran announcer, who began his broadcasting journey with the Knicks in the early 1990s, has become one of the most recognisable voices in basketball, known globally for his trademark “Bang!” call on big shots.
Despite his personal ties to the franchise, Breen said professionalism remains central to his approach, noting his responsibility to deliver neutral coverage for viewers.
He credited legendary broadcaster Marv Albert the former “voice of the Knicks” and NBA on NBC commentator as a major influence on his career.
“I’ve known him since I was basically a kid,” Albert said of Breen. “His play-by-play is superb, off the charts.”
Breen’s journey from fan to elite broadcaster now comes full circle as the Knicks chase a long-awaited championship, ending a decades-long drought that has defined generations of supporters.
Reflecting on the moment, Breen said the Knicks’ resurgence highlights the emotional power of sport.
“When a team goes through such a long drought… that’s the beauty of being a fan,” he said. “It’s all worth it when it finally comes to fruition.”
