The biggest stage in basketball is finally here, and the voices behind it are just as iconic as the action on the court.
The 2025 NBA Finals are set to tip off on June 5, with the Indiana Pacers taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be a high-octane showdown. Both teams have bulldozed their way through the playoffs, each winning 12 games respectively. Now both wait for NBA immortality.
While the players will be battling it out on the hardwood, the broadcast booth will feature its championship-caliber lineup. So, who’s calling the Thunder vs. Pacers series for ABC? Let’s dive in.
Ultimate Final Broadcasters for the Thunder vs. Pacers Series
In February, ESPN announced its new lead broadcast team for the Finals: studio analyst Richard Jefferson, legendary broadcasters Mike Breen and Doris Burke. The trio will be joined by sideline reporter Lisa Salters.
Thursday, @ESPNNBA tips off its exclusive, wall-to-wall coverage of the 2025 #NBAFinals
MVP @shaiglalex & the @okcthunder host @TyHaliburton22 & the @Pacers
🏀 8:30p ET | ABC pic.twitter.com/eKpihfEU6L
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 2, 2025
Let’s take a closer look at the voices who will guide us through every bucket, buzzer-beater, and block.
Mike Breen
There is simply no NBA Finals without Breen, and thankfully, that legacy continues in 2025. Famous for his electrifying “BANG!” call, which has become synonymous with clutch moments, Breen remains the most recognizable play-by-play voice in today’s NBA.
Mike Breen by the numbers 🤯@ESPNNBA play-by-play commentator to call record-extending 20th #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/KTlWHuG65V
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 5, 2025
This year marks his 20th appearance as the lead broadcaster for the Finals, a milestone that reflects his legendary status in the sport. His voice doesn’t just describe the action, but it elevates it, bringing weight and emotion to every game.
Beyond his NBA résumé, Breen’s broadcasting career spans many major sporting events. He’s called NFL games for both NBC and FOX. Moreover, earlier in his career, he handled WNBA broadcasts for NBC.
Doris Burke
Burke has earned her place as one of the most respected voices in basketball. In 2024, she made history as the first woman to call a major men’s championship game on network television. Her sharp analysis, in-depth understanding of the game, and smooth delivery have made her a fan favorite and a respected figure throughout the league.
JJ Redick takes a moment on ‘SportsCenter with SVP’ to recognize Doris Burke for making history in calling an NBA Finals game.
“What she did tonight is historic. I am so proud of her. I love you. It is so great working with you.” – JJ
“Don’t make me cry.” – Doris🏀📺🎙️❤️ https://t.co/BNdPE5Pod7 pic.twitter.com/aOjENtgYqb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 7, 2024
What makes Burke’s commentary so authentic is that she’s lived the game herself. A former standout player at Providence College, she knows basketball from the sidelines and hardwood. The recipient of several awards and accolades, such as the 2017 Wise Women of the Year award and the 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award, Burke’s journey with ESPN began in 1991, and she’s been a steady presence ever since.
Richard Jefferson
An NBA champion turned analyst, Jefferson brings a fresh and lively energy to ESPN’s coverage—and now, to the NBA Finals. Since joining ESPN in 2019, Jefferson has become a familiar face across the network’s basketball programming.
Whether breaking down plays on NBA Today, sharing takes on First Take or Get Up, or contributing to NBA Countdown, SportsCenter, and Hoop Streams, his insight and humor have made him a standout personality.
It’s time to get to work. pic.twitter.com/7Hctgd4y1r
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) February 24, 2025
Jefferson’s analysis carries extra weight because he’s been through it on the court. He played 17 seasons in the NBA, which was highlighted by a championship run with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 alongside LeBron James. He has averaged 12.6 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game.
Lisa Salters
On the sidelines for the 2025 NBA Finals, longtime reporter Salters will once again bring her trusted voice and presence to the broadcast. A seasoned journalist with decades of experience, Salters has been in sports media since the 1990s. Still, her career took a significant leap forward in 2000 when she joined ESPN as a general assignment reporter.
Since then, Salters has become a fixture in NFL broadcasting. She is best known for her work on “Monday Night Football” and has also been part of NBA coverage on ESPN and ABC since 2005.
NBA Finals Game 1: Thunder vs Pacers
With the Pacers chasing their first-ever NBA title and the Thunder looking to complete a dramatic rebuild-to-champion journey, the 2025 Finals are shaping to be unforgettable.
