“You Paved the Way for Other Women”: Magic Johnson Lauds Doris Burke for “Trailblazing” Debut as NBA TV Game Analyst

Despite the Dallas Mavericks getting dismantled, there were two winners in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals last night. The Boston Celtics and the woman broadcaster who made history. From being a sideline reporter for ABC to becoming the first woman to serve as a TV analyst in the 2024 NBA Finals, ESPN Broadcaster Doris Burke has come a long way. And as usual, Magic Johnson never fails to recognize any good work. 

Paying homage to Burke’s historic achievement, Johnson reshared ESPN’s official tribute tweet for Burke. Along with it, Johnson penned down a congratulatory message for the role model. “Congratulations, Doris! Tonight you paved the way for other women to follow in true trailblazing fashion. I have much respect and love for you!” Magic Johnson wrote on X.

Basketball has been Burke’s life since she was 7 years old. When her family moved to New York, their home’s previous owner left behind a ball, and picking that up was the beginning of her love for the sport. Burke’s passion and knowledge for the sport led her to the Manasquan High School girls’ basketball team where she became the school’s all-time leading scorer.

Following this, she began to explore her chances in the broadcasting world as a radio analyst. And Burke soon found her footing by becoming the first woman to call a New York Knicks game. After a long journey, it was only in 2020 that she was able to call the Conference Finals and NBA Finals on the radio. Again, leading from the front, Burke inspired numerous women to not give up on their dreams.

Fans and loyal followers were content and thrilled to see Burke join JJ Redick and Mike Breen to lead the NBA broadcasting team. Burke’s close friends, including members of the league, tipped their hat to her. 

JJ Redick, LeBron James, and more congratulate Doris Burke on her achievement 

Of course, LeBron James is the fans’ GOAT, but for Game 1, the true GOAT was Burke. King James himself acknowledged it. “Important moment for our sport tonight. Love and respect to DB and everything she does to elevate all of us!” James wrote.

After the Boston Celtics clinched the 107-89 win against the Dallas Mavericks, Redick also praised her as he said, “I do have one final word. I just want to say how proud I am of my teammate Doris Burke, who made history tonight, calling this NBA Finals game. Look, I’m a newbie at this. I called my first tonight. It’s meaningless in the grand scheme of things. What she did tonight is historic. I am so proud of her. I love you. It’s so great working with you.” Touched by heartwarming appreciation, Burke expressed her gratitude. 

Truly grateful for the stranger who left a basketball on Burke’s doorstep, sparking her dreams and countless others. Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.