NBA On TNT Emotionally Signed Off For The Last Time Saturday

The end of a era has arrived as NBA on TNT has come to an end. "Inside the NBA" hosts said their emotional farewells on Saturday night.

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After decades of iconic moments, tons of laughs, and legendary comradery and commentary, NBA on TNT has officially checked out of the game.

The network aired its final basketball broadcast, closing the curtain on an era that gave us never ending hilarious debates, buzzer-beater reactions, and halftime thoughts and jokes. Not only are the hosts of "Inside the NBA" feeling the full-court heartbreak, so are fans.

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And That's A Wrap: NBA On TNT Has Aired For The Final Time

Fans knew that last broadcast was going to be an emotional one, and for good reason. "Inside the NBA" has been known for its basketball commentary, debates, and absolutely hilarity between the four hosts.

The last broadcast was Saturday night during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference Final game six in Indiana.

While this is the end of the guy's time on TNT, the show will go on, just on a different network. And all four hosts will keep the show alive next season in the new home.

Each host took some time to share their thoughts and feelings during the last broadcast.

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Shaquille O'Neal: 'We're A Family'

Finals words from each host started with O'Neal, who quickly pointed out that he's "the youngest here."

"It's been a great run. It's been an honor. Chuck, I love you like the older brother that I never had," he said. "And if you say something, I will whoop your a-- one last time on this show right now."

He continued with a message for both Smith and Johnson before saying they will be "sticking together."

"We're a family. I'm glad we're sticking together. And like I said, even though the name changes, the engine is still the same," he said. "And to the new network we're coming to, we're not coming to f around."

He concluded his speech by saying he "loves" and "appreciates" the guys.

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Kenny Smith Said NBA On TNT Has Been A 'Magnificent Ride'

And then the attention turned to Smith, who shared that this moment is "bittersweet."

"Not just because us four are moving, but it's been a history that has been set by all of the people that have laid the groundwork behind the scenes, before the scenes, the game crew, the toss back crew," he shared before naming some important people involved in the show.

"We're gonna see each other, but the faces that you're going to miss, that you forget that they are everyday of your life, this has just been a magnificent ride," he said.

It was then time to pass the mic to Barkley.

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Charles Barkley Thanked TNT And Many Others

Barkley began by saying he "got lucky and made one of the best decisions ever."

He shared that he was going to go to NBC, but after being invited to dinner with Turner, after five hours, he decided to change his mind and go to TNT. He also thanked some important people who helped him throughout his journey at Turner for the past 25 years.

"If you're with people that long, they are your family," he said. "And I just want to thank everybody at Turner for the last 25 years. It's been an honor and I'm grateful and thankful. And also to ESPN, it's gonna be an honor and privileged to work with you guys."

He also thanked the NBA and "every coach I had, every player I played with" for giving him the life he's had.

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"I'm lucky and blessed," he said. "And I want to thank TNT and even though we will never say TNT sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life."

Ernie Smith Gets Emotional Saying Goodbye To NBA On TNT

Johnson, last to say his goodbyes, got choked up at the end.

"I'll try to keep this brief," he started. "Several years ago, I wrote a book called 'Unscripted' and I asked people to embrace the unscripted and not fear the unscripted. If I had written the script, the NBA and TNT would be together forever. It's not gonna happen, but while I was disappointed and I was sad, I was not bitter. We know how business works. Gratitude is the operative word for me."

Since 1989, Johnson has been with TNT. He said no matter what you call the company; he will always be "Turner." He's grateful for his time working with the guys and reminisced about the good times.

Holding back tears, he thanked everyone and said he was "honored to do this."

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"The four of us are gonna be together, our production crew is gonna be together," he said. "It's gonna be that same bunch. We're still gonna be shooting that show in Atlanta, it's just gonna air somewhere else. And so, the craziness that you've seen, the nonsense and the foolishness and the top-notch basketball analysis all of that stuff will be on ESPN or ABC next year, not on TNT. For that, we're sad."

He concluded his speech emotionally with, "But I'm proud to say for the last time, thanks for watching us. It's the NBA on TNT."

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