The NBA’s 75th anniversary has opened the door to plenty of celebration.
Earlier this season, the league put together a list of its 76 greatest players to honor the milestone and returned to Cleveland, the site of the NBA’s 50th anniversary, for the 2022 All-Star Game.
But that was just the beginning of the festivities.
On Wednesday, ESPN continued the commemorative efforts with the NBA75 Celebration Game — a throwback telecast of the Brooklyn Nets–New York Knicks tilt.
The alternate broadcast featured visuals from decades past (1960s for the first quarter, 1970s for the second, 1980s for the third and 1990s for the fourth). It also included special guests Marv Albert, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Costas — and much more.
“We’re taking fans on a journey through the evolution of this vibrant, culturally impactful league while also pairing the content with the iconic performers of today,” said Tim Corrigan, Vice President, ESPN Production.
“Regardless of age or era, if you love basketball, there is something for you in this broadcast.”
If you’re looking for a blast from the past, here are highlights from the retro-cast:
⚫️⚪️ Starting off in the 1960s… Seth Curry drains the triple to open the scoring during the #NBA75 Celebration Game Broadcast on ESPN2! pic.twitter.com/NtxHj3KZD9
— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2022
“Barrett drives… Yes!”
Mike Breen with the homage to Marv Albert during the #NBA75 Celebration Game Broadcast on ESPN2 💯 pic.twitter.com/xTY6lzjemF
— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2022
We saw Seth Curry open the scoring in the 1960s… his triple in the 1990s highlights the @BrooklynNets 10-0 run to take control late! #NBA75 Celebration Game Broadcast on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Bj77nPi4Gs
— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2022
0:35
After Bill Walton takes over the broadcast, Mike Breen has a laugh with him as he can’t get a word in.
Source: www.espn.com