Tonight, it wasn’t just the Super Bowl the sports world would celebrate. The broadcast of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers was the last game Hubie Brown called on air. Before the game, players came to congratulate him on his stellar basketball and media career. The Fiserv Forum dedicated a tribute to the basketball virtuoso. And for one final time, Brown got an upper hand on the officials.

The game that began with a celebration of the decorated NBA analyst and former coach also ended the same way. The referees collectively offered a touching gesture for the 91-year-old. Brown was awarded the game ball as a way to commemorate his final game with Mike Breen by his side.

However, Hubie Brown decided to go out with a ‘bang’. Reliving his coaching days, Brown jokingly left an earful for the referees. “Wait a second Kevin Loughery and I used to lead the league in technicals every year. Are you actually giving me a present representing the refs,” he told the referees.

Brown and Loughery were coaches in the ABA (American Basketball Association) in the 1970s before the merger to form the NBA. Loughery notably won the 1974 ABA title with the then ‘New York Nets’ in 1974. Brown followed him up with the 1975 ABA title with the Kentucky Colonels, cementing his legacy early on as a basketball savant.

Aside from his title with the Colonels, Brown has coached multiple NBA teams, back when he was a fiery personality. The 91-year-old has notably coached the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. His first team, though, was the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972. Hence, ending his career right where it began carried some sentiments. And most importantly, they managed to grab a win in honor of Brown tonight.

However, it wasn’t just the crew and the players inside the arena that celebrated the long and brilliant career. Several of the NBA’s most distinguished acknowledged the mark Hubie Brown left on the game.

Chris Paul and LeBron James honor the legacy of Hubie Brown

When you look back at Brown’s career, you see that he achieved excellence in each part of it. As an analyst, Brown worked for 21 years since becoming a full-timer in 2004. His enthusiasm for the sport reverberated through his voice. As for the things he regularly called, his mind worked similarly to one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history.

Ahead of his final game, Chris Paul spoke kindly about Brown and even recalled a fond memory.

“I just want to send you best wishes man. Can’t believe you calling it quits. I thought I would call it quits before you,” CP3 said. “But man I appreciate you. A few years ago I sent you text talking about how you are one of the only people that actually say what I’m thinking when I’m playing in the game man. What you gave to the game is unbelievable man. I have so much love and respect for you and I wish you nothing but the best,”.

His words hit the exact crux of Brown’s career. The legendary personality won two COTY awards, with a 26-year difference between them. It earned him an induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame. Then he flourished as an analyst for 21 years it was adorned with a National Sports Media Hall of Fame.

For many of the vintage players still alive in the league, Hubie Brown’s influence is well understood. And for the legend he is, LeBron James gave him the apt title. “HUBIE BROWN THE GOAT!!” he wrote in his tweet. It’s incredible to see a legend of the game be showered with so much love. Brown has given his whole life to the NBA and has seen every single season of the league since its inception in 1946. He leaves a long-lasting legacy as a coach, broadcaster, and, most importantly, as a passionate fan of the game we all love.