The NBA Finals is creating a lot of buzz, with Celtics winning the opening game against the Mavericks. Additionally, a historic moment occurred when the legendary commentator, Doris Burke, was featured as an analyst in the first game of the finals. The ‘NBA on ESPN’ officially tweeted that Burke will become the first woman to serve as a TV game analyst for any major men’s professional championship event. However, this tweet didn’t go well with American tennis legend, Tracy Austin, as she felt her sport was being ignored.

Austin took to Twitter to react to the NBA’s tweet, saying, “Congrats to Doris but is this a trick question? Didn’t Mary Carillo call the Men’s finals of the @usopen for @CBSSports for years with John McEnroe? Is tennis not a major sport?” Interestingly, another female commentator, Mary Carillo, worked on the US Open coverage as an analyst for CBS Sports from 1986 to 2014. During her tenure, she also served as an analyst in numerous men’s singles finals. Austin highlighted this fact to criticize the NBA for their ignorance of tennis.

Meanwhile, Carillo is also serving as an analyst for NBC in their French Open 2024 coverage. Thus, it remains unclear how Burke created history as Carillo had already featured in the US Open for the men’s singles final, as Austin pointed out. Nonetheless, Burke felt satisfied with the things she had achieved in her career leading up to this feat.

Doris Burke gets emotional after achieving a rare feat

Burke, who began her broadcasting career back in 1990, has come a long way. From being a radio analyst for Providence women’s basketball games to getting a chance to feature in the NBA Finals, is no joke. As a result, she was extremely proud of her achievements.

She said, “It feels like I picked up the ball at seven years of age, and I haven’t put it down since to be perfectly honest with you. I’ve played it, coached it, and now covered it since I was seven years old … if there is a ball being tipped up and I’m lucky enough to be there, that makes me really happy.”

Additionally, Burke was also praised by many renowned names for her achievements. The list included the likes of the co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Robin Roberts, and NBA legend, LeBron James. “Love and respect to DB and everything she does to elevate all of us! You’re a [GOAT],” said James.

However, coming back to the point, what are your thoughts on the point that Tracy Austin has raised? Let us know in the comment section below!