Rick Carlisle Stole Ernie Johnson’s Microphone to Share a Classy Message With TNT

Stephen Douglas | May 31, 2025

Ernie Johnson and Rick Carlisle share a moment after the Pacers win the Eastern Conference finals. / @AwfulAnnouncin

The Indiana Pacers won the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks and are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. After the game, TNT's Ernie Johnson led the trophy presentation and interviewed Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. When the interview was over, Johnson wished Carlisle luck. That's when the coach stole the broadcaster's microphone.

Since this was TNT's final NBA broadcast with their broadcast rights now over, Carlisle shared some nice words with the league's longtime partner.

"Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that's coming to an end. We're all very sad about that. But you're a man of great class. Congrats."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle pays tribute to Ernie Johnson and NBA on TNT. pic.twitter.com/a5QODkEfgx

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 1, 2025

"Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that's coming to an end," said Carlisle. "We're all very sad about that. But you're a man of great class. Congrats."

Johnson looked touched.

It was a bittersweet moment for fans as they celebrated TNT's final broadcast. The good news is that the Inside the NBA crew should be returning next season on ESPN. Though something about it just won't feel the same.

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