NBA World Loved Mike Breen's 'Blocked by James' Call Next to Richard Jefferson

Blocked by James!

James swats DiVincenzo in the fourth quarter between the Lakers and Timberwolves | Screengrab via ESPN

ESPN announcer Mike Breen perfectly executed a return to one of his most famous calls Sunday afternoon between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the 2016 NBA Finals, Breen famously exclaimed "blocked by James!" after an incredible chase-down block from LeBron James which helped the Cleveland Cavaliers secure their first and only championship. Richard Jefferson, now an ESPN analyst, was on that Cavs team where he won the sole title of his 17-season NBA career.

Jefferson was on the call next to Breen Sunday, which provided a full-circle moment as James blocked Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo in a big moment during the fourth quarter.

BLOCKED BY JAMES 🤯

Dorian Finney-Smith NAILS the trey on the other end! pic.twitter.com/GWrxu600su

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025

In addition to his ESPN colleague, Breen gave the NBA world a feeling of déjà vu that they absolutely loved:

Get chills every time we get a Breen yelling blocked by James

— kyle (@knicks_tape99) April 27, 2025

BLOCKED BY JAMES

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) April 27, 2025

That "BLOCKED BY JAMES," nine years later, sure sounded familiar.

— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) April 27, 2025

Blocked by James will never not give me chills

— Joe Gilbert (@JoeGilbertCLE) April 27, 2025

that “blocked by james” never gets old, dawg.

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) April 27, 2025

Nothing — NOTHING — like a Mike Breen “BLOCKED BY JAMES!” 🫡

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 27, 2025

Just heard a Mike Breen “Blocked By James” in the year 2025 that almost broke the microphone.

— Heath (@heathbrooks14) April 27, 2025

Mike Breen screaming “BLOCKED BY JAMES” pic.twitter.com/2BoNQHNXyq

— Kevin Moore (@KMooreTV) April 27, 2025

Unfortunately for James, his Lakers fell short to the Wolves in a close game that ended 116–113. Lakers guard Austin Reaves got a good look to tie the game at the buzzer, but the shot fell short and L.A. is now on the brink of elimination, trailing 3–1 in the first-round series.

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