The final curtain call of a 12-year television dynasty
In short: When the Los Angeles Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets in 2002, it wasn't just another championship. It marked the end of an era for NBC, closing a twelve-year chapter of NBA broadcasting that saw the rise of dynasties and the retirement of legends.
The 2002 NBA Finals served as a historic bookend for NBC’s tenure as the league's primary broadcaster. While ABC would take over the rights in 2003, the network chose to conclude its run with a poignant tribute during the highlights of Game 4. A twelve-year compilation was shown, showcasing the Chicago Bulls' era under Michael Jordan, the final seasons of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, plus Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's active Lakers period.
The series itself was defined by contrasting trajectories. The New Jersey Nets had undergone a massive transformation under president Rod Thorn, moving from a three-year playoff drought to clinching the Eastern Conference's top seed. They were led by Jason Kidd, who became only the fourth player in history to average a triple-double over an entire Finals series. Conversely, the Lakers entered as heavy favorites, coming off a 15–1 postseason run—the greatest winning percentage in NBA history at that time.
The championship was secured by Shaquille O'Neal, who earned his third consecutive Finals MVP with averages of 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. However, the series also left a lasting mark on sports media: it was the final assignment for legendary play-by-play announcer Marv Albert on national television. As the credits rolled on NBC's final broadcast, they played "Winning It All" by The Outfield—a staple of their Finals coverage since 1992—before fading to a shot of an empty gym and the message, "Thanks for the memories."
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2002 NBA Finals
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