PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: ESPN NBA Commentators Mark Jackson and Mike Breen seen prior to a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, 2021 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Dow\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
David Dow\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
On Thursday night, ESPN will make sports TV history with its broadcast for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n
Front Office Sports has reported that Thursday's coverage will mark the first all-Black broadcast team for the Finals. Mark Jones will be the play-by-play announcer, Mark Jackson will be the lead analyst, and Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter.<\/p>\n
ESPN had to make a few adjustments to its broadcast team for the Finals due to a COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p>\n
Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Adrian Wojnarowski are all on the bench because they tested positive.<\/p>\n
Jones has been covering for Breen since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.<\/p>\n
As for Jackson, he's in the same role. The only difference now is that he doesn't have his sidekick in Van Gundy next to him.<\/p>\n
It's unclear when Breen and Van Gundy will return. At this rate, they might have to miss Game 2 as well.<\/p>\n
Until an update is provided, NBA fans can expect Jackson, Jones and Salters to run the show.<\/p>\n
Game 1 will tip off at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.<\/p>\n
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ESPN Will Make Sports Television History Thursday Night - The Spun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: ESPN NBA Commentators Mark Jackson and Mike Breen seen prior to a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, 2021 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Continue reading