Doris Burke left basketball fans baffled as she pulled out a Second World War reference during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The veteran NBA analyst was on the call as the Oklahoma City Thunder squeezed out a 128-126 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves to pull ahead in the series 3-1.
During the second half of the game on Monday night, Burke broke out a quick history lesson when Minnesota’s French star Rudy Gobert dunked on OKC’s American-German center Isaiah Hartenstein.
“I don’t know much about history, but I know the French and German don’t like one another,” ESPN’s color commentator said, as a replay of the moment rolled before a commercial.
“And Rudy says, ‘Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein, have a little bit of that left-handed dunk!’”
Burke’s comments drew instant confusion from broadcasting partner Mike Breen, who asked her: “What are you trying to start here?”
Unsurprisingly, clips of the WW2 reference were soon shared on social media, and divided fans.
“She needs to be off the air after that,” one fan suggested.
“Do you think a single person in America or who was watching while she said this laughed at all?” another questioned.
“Cringe commentating,” a third concluded.
Others, though, found the comment rather amusing.
“WW2 reference mid-WCF game is WILD,” one responded.
Burke made a WW2 reference before describing SGA as a ‘free throw merchant’Getty Burke’s French-German history reference as Gobert dunked on HartensteinGetty“She cooked ngl,” another said.
“Elite, more of this please,” a third replied.
The Gobert-Hartenstein line wasn’t the only one from Monday’s game that gained attention, with Burke once again describing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a free throw merchant.
She said the same thing last week, as the Thunder star was accused of ‘foul-baiting’ in Game 1.
As SGA went to the line again on Monday night, Burke remarked: “This is why he’s called the free throw merchant.”
Gilgeous-Alexander produced a stunning performance as OKC moved to within one game of the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, with 40 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.
SGA was unfazed by his ‘free throw merchant’ tag as he led the Thunder to victoryGettyHe made five of six free throw attempts in the final 15 seconds to seal the 128-126 win, and was asked about his ‘free throw merchant’ tag post-game.
“The way I see it, the fans, they can do whatever they can do to help their team and knock me off my game,” SGA, who can give OKC what the $1bn super-trio of Durant, Harden and Westbrook failed to win, responded.
“That’s their job, that’s what creates home court advantage, a fan base and energy in the building.
“In terms of the label, I don’t care. I’ve never cared. I’ve said before, I’ve shot more free throws in a season than I did this season.
“Because we’re on top of everyone’s radar, it’s a bit more noticeable, now people care about it. But I kind of see it as a compliment.”
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to wrap up the series against the Timberwolves at home in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
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