February 4, 2012

NBA Sunday Showcase Returns with Bulls-Heat on ABC

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NBA Sunday Showcase Returns with Bulls-Heat on ABC

ESPN’s NBA Ratings Up 31 Percent

ABC’s NBA Sunday Showcase returns with a blockbuster matchup this weekend when the Miami Heat and LeBron James host the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose – in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch – at 3:30 p.m. ET.  ESPN’s lead commentator team – Mike Breen and analyst Jeff Van Gundy – will call the game with reporter Lisa Salters.  Kia NBA Countdown with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Chris Broussard will preview the action at 3 p.m.  Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast the game with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. Hall of Famers Jim Durham and Dr. Jack Ramsay will describe the action.

Also, ESPN will televise a Sunday night contest when the defending champion Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki host the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan at 8 p.m.  Dan Shulman will call the game – also available via ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV and the WatchESPN app – with analyst Doris Burke.

ESPN’s Van Gundy and Breen on Heat/Bulls game:

On whether this matchup is a preview of the 2012 Eastern Conference Final:

Van Gundy – “Without question.  I don’t see anybody beating the Heat in the early rounds.  Atlanta and Indiana, with their length and depth, could give Chicago a good run.  Right now, they have what it takes to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.  Even though last year’s matchup was decided in five games, I thought it was a close series.  Chicago is going to have to be a very driven team to overcome Miami’s talent.”

On the Heat as his championship pick:

Van Gundy – “They are the best team because of their talent and tenacity.  They can be a dominant team.  Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are healthy, Shane Battier was a great pickup and Norris Cole has been a great backup at the point guard position.  They have good chemistry and a phenomenal talent base.  I think they are better than last year when Dallas beat them in The Finals.”

On the top storyline heading into Sunday:

Breen – “So far, they are clearly the top two teams in the East and both teams have a real shot at winning the championship.  It will be interesting to see how Chicago comes out after being eliminated by the Heat last season.  The Bulls know this is the team they will have to go through again this postseason.  It’s tough to get a barometer on the teams right now with so many players missing time and there is a long way to go between now and the playoffs.”

On Derrick Rose as the best point guard in the NBA:

Van Gundy – “He’s certainly one of the elite players in the league and he was deserving of the MVP award last year.  The point guard position is excellent.  Chris Paul and Deron Williams are excellent.  There are a lot of really good players.  Rose had a special season and he’s a special player.  Most importantly, it sounds like he’s a special teammate who cares most about team success.”

ESPN’s NBA Ratings Up 31 Percent

ESPN’s 14 NBA telecasts this season are averaging a 1.7 rating, an increase of 31 percent when compared with a 1.3 rating for 13 NBA games during the same time span (since Christmas) last year, according to Nielsen. The corresponding household impressions are up 26 percent (1,664,000 vs. 1,319,000) and average viewers are up 21 percent (2,149,000 vs. 1,780,000).

ESPN.com’s Heat/Bulls Coverage

This weekend’s content on ESPN.com, ESPNChicago.com and the Heat Index will include:

  • a “Hot Button” feature on which team improved the most since last season;
  • previews (including Sunday’s ESPN.com Daily Dime), photo galleries and columns leading up to the game;
  • in-game updates;
  • immediate reaction and postgame reports.

ESPN Classic: “The Heat is On”

Prior to the Heat’s matchups against the Knicks and Bulls this weekend, ESPN Classic will re-live some of the best games between the teams Friday, Jan. 27, including:

  • 1992 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 3: Bulls vs. Heat (2-4 a.m.) – Michael Jordan nets 56 points in a 119-114 Bulls victory;
  • 2000 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 3: Heat vs. Knicks (4-6 a.m.) – Anthony Carter hits a baseline runner with 2.2 seconds left as the Heat escape 77-76 in overtime;
  • 1999 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 5: Knicks vs. Heat (8-10 a.m.) – Allan Houston scores the game-winning basket in a 78-77 Knicks win;
  • 2000 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 7: Knicks vs. Heat (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) – the Knicks survive with a 83-82 win in a classic Game 7;
  • 1997 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 5: Knicks vs. Heat (12-2 p.m.) – the Heat win 96-81 as a brawl occurs with 1:53 remaining in the game;
  • 1998 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 4: Heat vs. Knicks (2-4 p.m.) – the Knicks edge the Heat 90-85;
  • 2011 regular season: Knicks vs. Heat (4-6 p.m.) – Amare Stoudemire blocks LeBron James’ layup with seven seconds left to secure a 91-86 Knicks win;
  • 2011 regular season: Bulls vs. Heat (6-8 p.m.) – the Bulls win the third straight regular season game against the Heat 87-86.

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Filed Under: ABC, NBA

ESPN & ABC NBA Pregame Show Moving to L.A.; Expanded Role for Magic Johnson

December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Kia NBA Countdown, the NBA pregame show airing on both ESPN and ABC, will originate from the ESPN Los Angeles Production Center at L.A. LIVE – across the street from STAPLES Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers – beginning Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25, at 2 p.m. ET.

Additionally, Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson will expand his ESPN responsibilities this season. Johnson will be a featured analyst – joining Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Chris Broussard – on Kia NBA Countdown (both ESPN and ABC) throughout the entire season. Johnson will also continue to conduct one-on-one interviews with some of the NBA’s biggest stars and provide analysis on SportsCenter and other ESPN news and information shows.

“We’re reinventing our NBA pregame experience with a new studio and a less scripted, more dynamic show,” said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production. “We’re thrilled Magic has agreed to expand his role and look forward to his consistent presence throughout the entire season.”

“It’s been a lot of fun working with ESPN and its NBA team the last four years,” said Johnson.  “I’ve enjoyed it so much I’m looking forward to making even more appearances this season and I’m very excited about the show moving to L.A.”

Kia NBA Countdown will include several new elements this season:

§  a lively roundtable format offering strong opinions, discussion and debate centered on the games about to tip off and top storylines around the league

§  increased access to some of the NBA’s biggest stars

§  re-occurring segments, such as those incorporated into ESPN’s NBA season preview shows (e.g. trade him/keep him, step up/step back)

§  increased interaction with fans via social media (e.g. commentators will more frequently answer fan questions submitted using social media)

Kia NBA Countdown is generally televised leading into ESPN’s NBA games on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the season and preceding NBA Sunday game broadcasts on ABC.

SportsCenter recently televised a five-part series which offered a glimpse of the new Kia NBA Countdown:

Video (click image)

Quotes

On Miami’s title chances:

Magic – “The only way the Heat win, it must be LeBron James’ team.  He must dominate the ball. He must get everybody into the flow of the game because he was the man for seven seasons in Cleveland.  He always had the ball in his hands.  He must have it in his hands to be effective.  He must dominate the action in Miami.

 

“If they don’t win it this season, one of the big three will have to go.  Their window is right now.  LeBron’s window is right now.”

On LeBron James:

Barry – “LeBron James is more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan. He’s a combination of the two. Yes, it has to be his team, but they are at their best when Dwyane Wade is their No. 1 scorer.  LeBron needs to play more as a point guard, more like Magic Johnson, where he still can dominate the game.”

On the Lakers’ title hopes:

Magic – “The Lakers are not the best team in the West.  Dallas is first and Oklahoma City is second.  A couple things have to happen – first, an upgrade at the point guard position because the West is loaded with great point guards; second, the players must make a commitment to winning again because there are too many distractions. Lakers fans do not like that. What they want is a commitment to winning and, if Coach Brown can get them committed to winning and to each other, that’s going to be a big improvement from last season…the locker room has to get better as well.”

On Oklahoma City:

Magic – “Oklahoma City is the team to look out for because they have the best player in the game in Kevin Durant. It’s his team now and they have an emerging star in Russell Westbrook if he learns how to get everybody involved. This team is the one to look out for, especially in the West.”

 

On the Celtics’ title aspirations:

Magic – “Doc Rivers is a great coach, but the window is closed because Miami is a better defensive team and the Chicago Bulls are a better defensive team with younger legs and more talent.”

Barry – “I like this team. That series against the Miami Heat was much closer than people give it credit.  LeBron James was spectacular and he won that series.  I still think the Celtics make a last run.  This is it.”

On the Mavericks’ repeat chances – window open/closed:

Magic – “Open, because they have a great coach in Rick Carlisle and a great owner in Mark Cuban who wants to win…as long as you have Dirk Nowitzki on that team you are in good position.

Wilbon – “Even though (they didn’t) sign Tyson Chandler, Mark Cuban is going to find a way and people are going to want to come play with Dirk and the crew.”

On the Knicks:

Barry – “Amare Stoudemire was arguably the MVP of the NBA last year before Carmelo Anthony arrived. He was playing terrific basketball.  Landry Fields was arguably the Rookie of the Year and then disappeared off the map.”

Wilbon – “If the Knicks disappoint this year, you know you are going to hear it and where there is smoke there is going to be real fire. Phil Jackson is not retired. He’s preparing himself right now to coach next season. Phil is not going to come in for anybody this season, but you can mark it down. Phil Jackson is going to be coaching in the NBA next season.”

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA

ESPN’s Mike Breen & Jeff Van Gundy to Call Two NBA Games on Christmas

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment


ESPN’s lead NBA commentator team of play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and analyst Jeff Van Gundy are planning to call two Christmas Day games. They will begin in Dallas when the defending NBA Champion Mavericks and Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki host the Miami Heat and its All-Star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Lisa Salters will be the courtside reporter in Dallas.

Immediately following the game, Breen and Van Gundy will jet to the Bay Area for the head coaching debut of former colleague Mark Jackson with Golden State.  The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers and All-Star Blake Griffin at 10:30 p.m.  Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, a Warriors legend and Jackson’s teammate at St. John’s and with the Indiana Pacers, will join Breen and Van Gundy courtside for the Warriors/Clippers game. Terry Gannon will be the reporter.

Both games are part of an NBA Christmas Day quadruple header across ESPN and ABC.  Coverage will begin with the Kia NBA Countdown pregame show at 2 p.m. on ABC.  Following Heat/Mavs at 2:30 p.m., ABC will broadcast the Los Angeles Lakers and perennial MVP candidate Kobe Bryant hosting the Chicago Bulls and 2011 league MVP Derrick Rose at 5 p.m.  Mike Tirico, who will be in New Orleans the next day for Monday Night Football, will call the game with analyst Hubie Brown and reporter Heather Cox.

ESPN’s action will tip off with the Orlando Magic and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder and two-time league scoring leader Kevin Durant at 8 p.m.  Dave Pasch will provide commentary with analyst Doris Burke. ESPN’s games will also be available via ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV and the Watch ESPN App.

ESPN Radio, entering its 17th season of NBA action, will broadcast two Christmas Day games – the Boston Celtics and its core four of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett visiting the New York Knicks and stars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with coverage beginning at 11 a.m., followed by Heat/Mavericks.

NBA Christmas Day Schedule:

 

Date Time (ET) Teams/Commentators Networks
Sun, Dec 25 12 p.m. Boston at New York ESPN Radio
Marc Kestecher, Jim Spanarkel
2 p.m. Kia NBA Countdown ABC
2:30 p.m. Miami at Dallas
Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters ABC
Jim Durham, Will Perdue ESPN Radio
5 p.m. Chicago at L.A. Lakers
Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox ABC
8 p.m. Orlando at Oklahoma City ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV
Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Golden State ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV
Breen, Van Gundy, Chris Mullin, Terry Gannon

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA

NBA Season to Open on ABC & ESPN with Christmas Day Quadruple Header

December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

NBA Season to Open on ABC & ESPN with Christmas Day Quadruple Header

90-Game Flexible TV Schedule; 2011 NBA Finals Rematch Part of Christmas Day Showcase

ESPN Radio’s 17th Season Begins Christmas Day; ESPN Deportes to Televise 19 Games

ESPN’s multiplatform coverage of the 2011-12 NBA regular season will include 90 games, highlighted by 15 exclusive broadcasts on ABC – the home of The Finals – and 75 ESPN telecasts. Games airing on ABC and ESPN are subject to flexible scheduling, providing the best matchups throughout the season. All games will be available in high definition, with ESPN telecasts also generally available via ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV and the Watch ESPN App. Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast 24 regular-season games and ESPN Deportes will present 19 telecasts.

ABC and ESPN will tip off the season with a quadruple header on Christmas Day opening with a blockbuster doubleheader on ABC – a Finals rematch when the reigning NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki host the Miami Heat and All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Chicago Bulls and league MVP Derrick Rose visiting the Los Angeles Lakers and perennial All-Star Kobe Bryant at 5 p.m. The Kia NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the ABC doubleheader at 2 p.m.

NBA Christmas Day action will continue on ESPN with a primetime doubleheader tipping off with the Oklahoma City Thunder and two-time NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant hosting the Orlando Magic and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard at 8 p.m. In the Christmas nightcap, former ESPN analyst Mark Jackson will make his head coaching debut with the Golden State Warriors and Monte Ellis hosting the Los Angeles Clippers and All-Star Blake Griffin at 10:30 p.m. ESPN Deportes will also televise the primetime doubleheader.

ESPN Radio, entering its 17th season of NBA action, will broadcast two Christmas Day games – the Boston Celtics and its core four of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett visiting the New York Knicks and stars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with coverage beginning at 11 a.m., followed by Heat at Mavericks.

ABC & ESPN Schedule Highlights

ABC and ESPN will combine to showcase some of the top teams in the league, including 16 appearances by the Heat (the maximum allowed across both networks), 15 by the Bulls and Lakers, 14 by the Celtics and Knicks, 12 by the Mavericks, 11 by the Thunder and 10 by the Clippers and Magic.

ABC highlights

  • 15 exclusive broadcasts;
  • flexible schedule allowing for the best possible matchups throughout the season;
  • a special Christmas Day doubleheader including a Finals rematch between the Heat and Mavericks at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Lakers hosting the Bulls at 5 p.m.;
  • five NBA Sunday doubleheaders – Dec. 25, Feb. 19, March 4, April 1 and 15;
  • six appearances by the Heat; five appearances by the Lakers and Bulls; four appearances by the Celtics and Knicks; and three appearances by the Mavericks;
  • Eastern Conference Finals rematch between the Bulls and Heat on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • Blockbuster matchup with the Lakers hosting the Heat on Sunday, March 4, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • a rematch of the 2008 and 2010 Finals with the Lakers hosting Boston on Sunday, March 11, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • multiple appearances by the Thunder and Kevin Durant – hosting Chicago on Sunday, April 1, at 1 p.m. and visiting the Lakers on Sunday, April 22, at 3:30 p.m.;
  • NBA Countdown will preview all games/doubleheaders 30 minutes prior to broadcast start times.

ESPN highlights

  • 75-game flexible schedule allowing for the best possible games throughout the season;
  • 30 doubleheaders and one tripleheader;
  • 10 appearances – the most permitted – by the Bulls, Celtics, Clippers, Heat, Knicks and Lakers;
  • nine appearances by the Magic, Mavericks, Suns and Thunder; eight appearances by the Spurs; seven appearances by the Nuggets and Trail Blazers; and six appearances by the Hawks, Jazz, Sixers and Warriors;
  • special holiday afternoon telecasts on Martin Luther King Day – Chicago at Memphis, home of the National Civil Rights Museum, Monday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. – and Presidents Day – Atlanta at Chicago on Monday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m.;
  • a series of compelling matchups including the Heat’s All-Star trio of James, Wade and Bosh hosting the Knicks with Anthony and Stoudemire (Friday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m.); Kobe Bryant and the Lakers visiting Madison Square Garden to face the Knicks (Fri., Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.); and the Bulls – the team with the best record in the league last season – hosting the Heat on Wed., March 14, at 8 p.m.;
  • an exciting Oklahoma City team, led by Durant, hosting the Heat on Sun., March 25, at 8 p.m., then visiting the Heat on Wed., April 4, at 8 p.m.;
  • a highly-anticipated doubleheader Tuesday, April 10, beginning at 7 p.m. with the Heat hosting the Celtics and followed by the Knicks visiting the Bulls at 9:30 p.m.;
  • a unique tripleheader Saturday, April 21, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. and highlighted by the Bulls hosting the Mavericks at 8 p.m.;
  • 10 games over the final week of the regular season (April 18-25) as part of the push to the playoffs.

ESPN Radio

ESPN Radio will broadcast 24 regular-season games, including four doubleheaders, showcasing the best teams in the league. ESPN Radio will also broadcast All-Star events (including the 61st All-Star Game) and The Finals.

2011-12 ABC NBA Schedule

 

Date Time (ET) Teams
Sun, Dec 25 2:30 p.m. Miami at Dallas
5 p.m. Chicago at L.A. Lakers
Sun, Jan 29 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Miami
Sun, Feb 12 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Boston
Sun, Feb 19 1 p.m. Dallas at New York
3:30 p.m. Orlando at Miami
Sun, March 4 1 p.m. New York at Boston
3:30 p.m. Miami at L.A. Lakers
Sun, March 11 3:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Lakers
Sun, April 1 1 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City
3:30 p.m. Miami at Boston
Sun, April 8 1 p.m. Chicago at New York
Sun, April 15 1 p.m. Miami at New York
3:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Lakers
Sun, April 22 3:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers

 

2011-12 ESPN NBA Schedule

*denotes ESPN Deportes telecast

 

Date Time (ET) Teams
Sun, Dec 25 8 p.m. Orlando at Oklahoma City*
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Golden State*
Fri, Jan 6 8 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
10:30 p.m. Portland at Phoenix
Wed, Jan 11 8 p.m. Dallas at Boston*
10:30 p.m. Miami at L.A. Clippers*
Fri, Jan 13 8 p.m. Chicago at Boston
10:30 p.m. Miami at Denver
Sun, Jan 15 9 p.m. Phoenix at San Antonio
Mon, Jan 16 1 p.m. Chicago at Memphis
Wed, Jan 18 8 p.m. Portland at Atlanta
10:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Clippers
Fri, Jan 20 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando*
10:30 p.m. Minnesota at L.A. Clippers*
Fri, Jan 27 8 p.m. New York at Miami
Sun, Jan 29 6:30 p.m. San Antonio at Dallas
Wed, Feb 1 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Dallas
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Utah
Fri, Feb 3 8 p.m. New York at Boston
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Denver
Fri, Feb 10 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at New York
10:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Utah
Sun, Feb 12 7 p.m. Miami at Atlanta
9:30 p.m. Utah at Memphis
Wed, Feb 15 10 p.m. Portland at Golden State
Fri, Feb 17 8 p.m. New Orleans at New York
10:30 p.m. Phoenix at L.A. Lakers
Sun, Feb 19 8 p.m. Denver at Oklahoma City
Mon, Feb 20 4 p.m. Atlanta at Chicago
Wed, Feb 22 7 p.m. Boston at Oklahoma City
9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas*
Wed, Feb 29 9 p.m. Chicago at San Antonio
Fri, March 2 8 p.m. Golden State at Philadelphia
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Phoenix
Sun, March 4 7 p.m. Chicago at Philadelphia
9:30 p.m. Denver at San Antonio
Mon, March 12 8 p.m. New York at Chicago*
10:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Clippers*
Wed, March 14 8 p.m. Miami at Chicago*
10:30 p.m. Utah at Phoenix
Fri, March 16 7 p.m. Miami at Philadelphia
9:30 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City
Sun, March 18 7 p.m. Orlando at Miami*
9:30 p.m. Portland at Oklahoma City
Wed, March 21 7 p.m. New York at Philadelphia
9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas*
Fri, March 23 8 p.m. Boston at Philadelphia
10:30 p.m. Denver at Utah
Sun, March 25 8 p.m. Miami at Oklahoma City
10:30 p.m. Memphis at L.A. Lakers
Wed, March 28 7 p.m. Orlando at New York*
Fri, March 30 8 p.m. Dallas at  Orlando
10:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Clippers
Wed, April 4 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers
Sat, April 7 8 p.m. Orlando at Philadelphia
10:30 p.m. Denver at Golden State
Mon, April 9 9 p.m. Phoenix at Minnesota (ESPN2)
Tue, April 10 7 p.m. Boston at Miami*
9:30 p.m. New York at Chicago*
Wed, April 11 8 p.m. Atlanta at Boston
10:30 p.m. Golden State at Portland
Fri, April 13 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Detroit
10:30 p.m. Dallas at Portland
Sat, April 14 9 p.m. Phoenix at San Antonio
Wed, April 18 8 p.m. Orlando at Boston*
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Golden State*
Fri, April 20 7 p.m. Boston at Atlanta
9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at San Antonio
Sat, April 21 5:30 p.m. Denver at Phoenix
8 p.m. Dallas at Chicago
10:30 p.m. Orlando at Utah
Sun, April 22 1 p.m. New York at Atlanta
Wed, April 25 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at New York*
10:30 p.m. San Antonio at Phoenix*

 

2011-12 ESPN Radio NBA Schedule

 

Date Time (ET) Teams
Sun, Dec 25 11 a.m. Boston at New York
Miami at Dallas
Thu, Jan 12 7:15 p.m. New York at Memphis
Thu, Jan 19 7:15 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Miami
Thu, Jan 26 7:15 p.m. Boston at Orlando
Sun, Jan 29 2:30 p.m. Chicago at Miami
Thu, Feb 2 7:15 p.m. Chicago at New York
Thu, Feb 9 7:15 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Boston
Sun, Feb 12 2:30 p.m. Chicago at Boston
Thu, Feb 16 9:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Portland
Sun, Feb 19 12 p.m. Dallas at New York
Orlando at Miami
Fri, Feb 24 T BD T-Mobile Rookie Challenge
Sat, Feb 25 TBD Meet the All-Stars
Sat, Feb 25 TBD All-Star Saturday Night
Sun, Feb 26 TBD All-Star Game
Thu, March 1 7:15 p.m. Oklahoma City at Orlando
Sun, March 4 12 p.m. New York at Boston
Miami at L.A. Lakers
Sun, March 11 2:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Lakers
Miami at Chicago
Thu, March 14 7 p.m. Miami at Chicago
Thu, March 21 8:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas
Thu, March 29 7 p.m. Dallas at Miami
Sun, April 1 12 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City
Miami at Boston
Sun, April 8 12 p.m. Chicago at New York
Sun, April 15 2:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Lakers
Sun, April 22 2:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers

 

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA

NBA Season Opens with Christmas Day Showcase on ABC & ESPN

December 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

NBA Season Opens with Christmas Day Showcase on ABC & ESPN

Christmas Day will mark the opening of the 2011-12 NBA season with a special showcase including a blockbuster doubleheader on ABC – a Finals rematch when the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki host the Miami Heat and All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Chicago Bulls and league MVP Derrick Rose visiting the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant at 5 p.m.  The Kia NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the ABC doubleheader at 2 p.m.

Additionally, ESPN will televise a primetime doubleheader tipping off with the Oklahoma City Thunder and last year’s scoring leader Kevin Durant hosting the Orlando Magic and Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard at 8 p.m.  In the nightcap, former ESPN analyst Mark Jackson will make his head coaching debut with the Golden State Warriors when they host the Los Angeles Clippers and All-Star Blake Griffin at 10:30 p.m. ESPN’s doubleheader will also be available via ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV and the Watch ESPN App.

“Like all NBA fans, we’re excited for the start of the season and are thrilled with our Christmas Day quadruple header,” said Leah LaPlaca, vice president, programming. “There is no shortage of storylines – from the Finals rematch to some of the greatest stars in the league being on display – and we look forward to showcasing them while continuing the tradition of Christmas Day NBA games on ABC and ESPN.”

“It’s a different opening day than has ever happened in the past and Christmas Day games have always been a big day for the NBA,” said Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN NBA analyst. “This unique situation combined with the unveiling of a championship banner for the Mavericks in a Finals rematch, and then to see the Lakers and the debut of Mike Brown as head coach, those things are all going to be very compelling.”

NBA Christmas Day schedule – ABC & ESPN

 

2 p.m. ET Kia NBA Countdown ABC
2:30 p.m. Miami at Dallas ABC
5 p.m. Chicago at L.A. Lakers ABC
8 p.m. Orlando at Oklahoma City ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV, Watch ESPN App
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Golden State ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV, Watch ESPN App

 

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA

ESPN Sports Saturday to Debut December 10 on ABC

November 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

New Show Anchors Two-Hour ESPN Saturday Block on ABC

ESPN Sports Saturday, a new one-hour show filled with timely news and information on the biggest stories in sports, will debut Saturday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m. ET on ABC.  The new show will anchor the “ESPN Sports Saturday” block of programming on ABC (weekly from 4-6 p.m.) with ESPN Films, among other ESPN programming, shown from 4-5 p.m.

ESPN Sports Saturday will combine live news updates with informative debate created exclusively for the show featuring commentators from ESPN programs such as Pardon the Interruption, SportsNation, First Take, Jim Rome is Burning, NFL Live, SportsCenter, College GameDay and Mike & Mike in the Morning.  ESPN anchor Jay Harris will host ESPN Sports Saturday in December.

ESPN Sports Saturday is produced by the same production team which worked on Winner’s Bracket, which previously occupied the 5-6 p.m. broadcast window.

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN

ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 Combine to Present Every 2011 Little League World Series Game

August 16, 2011 By 1 Comment

Little League World Series Available in 3D for First Time; All ESPN & ESPN2 Telecasts to be Simulcast on ESPN3.com

ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to present all 32 games of the 2011 Little League World Series presented by Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes held in Williamsport, Pa., Aug. 18-28. ABC – in its 49th consecutive year of Little League World Series coverage – will broadcast both the International Championship and the United States Championship on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 12 p.m. ET and 3 p.m., respectively. ABC will then present the Little League World Series Championship on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 3 p.m.  Overall, ABC will broadcast five games from Williamsport.

This is ESPN’s 23rd consecutive year of Little League World Series coverage, dating back to 1989. ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise 27 Little League World Series games from Williamsport. All ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts will be simulcast via ESPN3.com and nearly all games will be available on ESPN Mobile TV. Fans who receive their cable TV video subscription from an affiliated provider will be able to tune in live via the WatchESPN app on tablets and smartphones.

Little League World Series action from Williamsport will begin Thursday, Aug. 18, with four games on ESPN (1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.).  ABC will also broadcast two games from the opening weekend – Saturday, Aug. 20, at 3 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m.  Action will continue daily (excluding Friday, Aug. 26) through the Little League World Series consolation game Sunday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. on ESPN and Little League World Series Championship at 3 p.m. A full telecast schedule can be seen below.

ESPN’s coverage of the Little League World Series will include a customized open featuring Disney’s Phineas and Ferb.

ESPN will also televise the Little League Web Gems/World Series Preview presented by Subway, which will recap the best defensive plays of the tournament and preview the Little League World Series Championship, on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. Karl Ravech will host the show with reporter Kyle Peterson.

Game Commentators

During the early rounds of play in Williamsport, ESPN’s commentator teams will include play-by-play commentators Karl Ravech and Gary Thorne and analysts Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra and John Kruk. Reporters will include Kyle Peterson, Mateo Arias (from Disney XD’s Kickin It) and Monica Gonzales.

 

Brent Musburger and Hershiser will provide commentary for the International, United States, and World Series Championship. Ravech and Peterson will call the third place consolation game.

Little League World Series Available in 3D

For the first time, the Little League World Series will be presented in 3D via ESPN 3D. All 22 games emanating from Lamade Field in Williamsport will be presented in 3D, including the third place consolation game.

 

SportsCenter & Baseball Tonight

Several daily SportsCenter updates will be provided from ESPN’s Baseball Tonight set on site in Williamsport throughout the tournament. Hosts will include Karl Ravech, Gary Thorne and Chris McKendry, joined by analysts Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra and John Kruk and reporter Kyle Peterson. Additionally, Ravech will host a special edition of SportsCenter on Saturday, Aug. 27, following the International Championship.

ESPN.com

ESPN.com will provide extensive coverage of the 2011 Little League World Series including:

 

Facebook & Twitter

ESPN’s Little League World Series Facebook page will offer an interactive experience for fans, including videos, photos, poll questions, breaking news, scores and updated standings throughout the tournament. In addition, several ESPN analysts and reporters will be tweeting live from Williamsport including Karl Ravech, John Kruk, Mateo Arias, Monica Gonzalez and Kyle Peterson.

ESPN Sport Science

Coverage of the Little League World Series will also include an ESPN Sport Science feature about little leaguers hosted by John Brenkus. The feature examines the skill level of Little League World Series players and how they match up against MLB players, taking into consideration that the average little leaguer is 86 pounds and 11 inches shorter than the average Major Leaguer. ESPN Sport Science

ESPN International

ESPN International will broadcast up to 29 Little League World Series games from Williamsport via ESPN2 in Venezuela and Mexico, ESPN2 Caribbean, ESPN Brazil, ESPN Australia, ESPN Israel, ESPN Middle East (throughout Middle East and North Africa) and ESPN Pac Rim (Southern Africa).

 

2011 Little League World Series Schedule

Pool A – Mid-Atlantic (Clinton County, Pa.), West (Huntington Beach, Calif.), Southeast (Warner Robins, Ga.), Great Lakes (La Grange, Ky.); Pool B – New England (Cumberland, R.I.), Midwest (Rapid City, S.D.), Southwest (Lafayette, La.), Northwest (Billings, Mont.); Pool C – Caribbean (Oranjestad, Aruba), Japan (Hamamatsu, Japan), Mexico (Mexicali, Baja California), Europe (Rotterdam, Netherlands); Pool D – ME/Africa (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia), Latin America (Maracay, Venezuela), Canada (Langley, British Columbia), Asia-Pacific (Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei).

Date Time (ET) Game Field Network
Thurs, Aug 18 1 p.m. #1 Asia Pacific vs. Mexico

 

 Volunteer ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
3 p.m. #2 Northwest vs. Midwest

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
5 p.m. #3 Caribbean vs. Japan

 

 Volunteer ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #4 Southeast vs. Southwest

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Fri, Aug 19 1 p.m. #5 MEA vs. Canada

 

 Volunteer ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
3 p.m. #6 New England vs. West

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
5 p.m. #8 Europe vs. Latin America

 

 Volunteer ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #7 Great Lakes vs. Mid-Atlantic

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Sat, Aug 20 12 p.m. #9 Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2

 

 Volunteer ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
3 p.m. #10 Loser of Game 2 vs. Loser of Game 4

 

 Lamade ABC; ESPN 3D
6 p.m. # 11 Loser of Game 5 vs. Loser of Game 8

 

 Volunteer ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #12 Loser of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 7

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN 3D; ESPN Mobile TV

Sun, Aug 21		 12 p.m. #13 Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 8

 

 Volunteer ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
2 p.m. #14 Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 4

 

 Lamade ABC; ESPN 3D
6 p.m. #15 Winner of Game 6 vs. Winner of Game 7

*If Mid-Atlantic is Game 7 winner, this game will be moved to Lamade at 8 p.m. and Game 16 will move Volunteer at 6 p.m.

 

 Volunteer ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #16 Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 3

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN 3D
Mon, Aug 22 12 p.m. (A) Consolation Game:  Loser of Game 9 vs. Loser of Game 10

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
2 p.m. #17 Loser of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 9

 

 Volunteer ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
4 p.m. #18 Loser of Game 14 vs. Winner of Game 12

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
6 p.m. #19 Loser of Game 16 vs. Winner of Game 11

 

 Volunteer ESPN2; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #20 Loser of Game 15 vs. Winner of Game 10

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Tues, Aug 23 1 p.m. (B) Consolation Game: Loser of Game 11 vs. Loser of Game 12

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com
4 p.m. #21 Winner of Game 17 vs. Winner of Game 19

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #22 Winner of Game 18 vs. Winner of Game 20

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Wed, Aug 24 4 p.m. #23 Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 16

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #24 Winner of Game 14 vs. Winner of Game 15

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Thurs, Aug 25 4 p.m. #25 Winner of Game 21 vs. Loser of Game 23

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
8 p.m. #26 Winner of Game 22 vs. Loser of Game 24

 

 Lamade ESPN2; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
Sat, Aug 27 10:30 a.m. Little League World Series Challenger Exhibition Game Volunteer ESPN3.com
  12 p.m. International Championship

 

 Lamade ABC
3 p.m. United States Championship

 

 Lamade ABC
Sun, Aug 28 11 a.m. Consolation Game: Third Place

 

 Lamade ESPN; ESPN 3D; ESPN3.com; ESPN Mobile TV
3 p.m. World Series Championship

 

 Lamade ABC

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Filed Under: ABC, Baseball, ESPN

New Rights Agreement Will Keep Indianapolis 500 on ABC through 2018

August 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

ABC To Be Exclusive Broadcast Network Partner for IZOD IndyCar Series

 A Memorial Day weekend television tradition will continue with a new, six-year rights agreement that will keep the Indianapolis 500 on ABC through 2018, extending one of the longest-running relationships between a sporting event and a television network past the half-century mark.

ESPN on ABC will broadcast the 500 Mile Race for the 48th consecutive year on May 27, 2012, and, with the new agreement taking effect in 2013, also will televise the 100th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2016.

As part of the new agreement, ABC will be the exclusive broadcast network partner for the IZOD IndyCar Series from 2013-2018 and will continue to televise four races each year in addition to the Indianapolis 500. The worldwide presence of the Indianapolis 500 and the series on television will continue as ESPN also has international syndication rights for all IZOD IndyCar Series races.

“The Indianapolis 500 and ABC have been together since 1965 and we are very proud to extend the relationship with this new agreement,” said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports. “The 500 is a uniquely American event and a Memorial Day tradition, and we especially look forward to televising the 100th edition of the race in 2016.”

The Indianapolis 500 aired as part of ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” from 1965 until 1971, when it was broadcast for the first time as a same-day, stand-alone, tape-delayed telecast in prime time. It was shown on a delayed basis until the first live telecast in 1986. This past May, ESPN’s production of the Indianapolis 500 telecast used 64 high definition cameras, a satellite-activated effects system and more of the most modern television technology available.

Beginning in 2012, ABC’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500 and the IZOD IndyCar Series will be expanded to include live streaming of ABC’s onboard cameras on ESPN3.com, ESPN’s signature broadband sports network. The streaming of the onboard cameras also will be available to ESPN3 subscribers via www.indycar.com.

“We value our partnership with ABC and ESPN and are pleased that the relationship will continue into the future,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO. “Along with a vast understanding of the Indianapolis 500 and the sport of IndyCar racing, ESPN’s production team continues to seek out innovative ways to televise our sport. As broadcast technology advances and opportunities arise to implement new technology, we can count on ESPN to bring the best quality production to our viewers.”

ABC has televised IZOD IndyCar Series races every year since the formation of the series in 1996 and has aired five races each year under the current agreement, which began in 2009 and runs through the 2012 season.

“INDYCAR is very excited about our continued relationship with ABC,” said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. “This allows the series long-term growth on the network. This new contract also helps us expand our presence around the world with ESPN representing our international rights. I want to thank ABC for their strong confidence and commitment in our brand and series. This deal will help our series, team owners, sponsors and fans for the long term with a much more solid foundation.”

ESPN also has highlight rights for the ABC races across all ESPN platforms. The next IZOD IndyCar Series race airing on ABC will be at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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Filed Under: ABC, IndyCar

ESPN 2011 College Football Commentator Assignments

August 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
What’s New: Urban Meyer on Saturday afternoons; Cunningham & Griese in prime-time roles; Mowins & Bellotti on ESPN2 noon; and Wischusen & Davie on ABC afternoon
 
Returning: Musburger & Kirk Herbstreit on ABC Saturday Night Football; Brad Nessler & Todd Blackledge on ESPN Saturday in prime time; Davis, James, Palmer & Brown on Thursdays; and McDonough & Millen on ABC Saturday afternoons
 
The addition of two-time BCS National Championship coach Urban Meyer and several returning commentators in new roles highlight the lineup of announcer pairings for college football game telecasts across ESPN platforms. Meyer, who resigned from Florida at the conclusion of last season, will work Saturday noon ET games on ESPN with commentator Dave Pasch and analyst Chris Spielman. In addition to calling ESPN’s University of Texas spring game together, Meyer was an assistant coach at Ohio State when Spielman was a player.
 
Highlights of new assignments:
 
  • ESPN2 and ESPNU Saturday prime-time telecasts will include analysts in new roles.
  • Ed Cunningham, who called ABC afternoon games last year, will partner with Mark Jones for ESPN2’s weekly telecast.
  • Brian Griese will move from ESPN2’s Saturday noon game to ESPNU’s evening game with returning announcer Clay Matvick. Allison Williams will serve as reporter.
  • Beth Mowins will assume the role of play-by-play on ESPN2’s Saturday noon telecast with analyst Mike Bellotti, who worked primarily ESPN and ABC West Coast games last year.
  • Analyst Bob Davie will move from ESPN2 Saturday night games to ABC Saturday afternoon telecasts with Bob Wischusen, who worked Saturday noon games on ESPN2 last year.
  • Former Georgia offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb will join announcer Rob Stone on Saturday afternoon ESPNU telecasts. Stinchcomb was primarily a studio analyst last year.
 
The assignments of returning commentator pairings includes Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit calling the Saturday Night Football series on ABC, broadcast television’s only weekly primetime game (8 p.m.), for their sixth consecutive year. Erin Andrews will report from the sidelines of the broadcast for her second season. The weekly Saturday ESPN College Football Primetime telecast will pair leading play-by-play voice Brad Nessler with analyst Todd Blackledge and reporter Holly Rowe. Additional highlights:
 
  • For the second straight year, game and studio host Rece Davis will call the Thursday ESPN College Football Primetime series with analysts Craig James and Jesse Palmer, and reporter Jenn Brown.
  • Commentator Sean McDonough and analyst Matt Millen will team up for a third season to work the marquee Saturday afternoon telecasts on ABC.
  • Analyst Brock Huard and commentator Carter Blackburn will continue to work ESPN and ABC Saturday games, primarily featuring West Coast sites.
  • ESPN Friday night telecasts will be called by Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore for the fourth year.
  • Danny Kanell, in his second year with ESPN, will serve as an analyst on the ESPNU afternoon game with announcer Pam Ward.
  • Announcer Bill Rosinski, analyst David Norrie and reporter Joe Schad will work ESPN Radio’s weekly Saturday broadcast.
 
ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN 3D and ESPN Regional Television Game Pairings
 
Note: Additional commentators will contribute throughout the season.
 
Game Telecast Play-by-play Analyst Reporter
Saturday Night Football (on ABC) Brent Musburger Kirk Herbstreit Erin Andrews
ESPN College Football Primetime (Saturday) Brad Nessler Todd Blackledge Holly Rowe
ESPN2 College Football Primetime (Saturday) Mark Jones Ed Cunningham
ESPNU SEC Saturday Prime Time Clay Matvick Brian Griese Allison Williams
ESPN College Football Primetime (Thursday) Rece Davis Craig James and Jesse Palmer Jenn Brown
ABC Saturday Afternoon Sean McDonough Matt Millen Heather Cox
ESPN College Football (Saturday afternoon) Dave Pasch Chris Spielman and Urban Meyer
ESPN2 College Football (Saturday afternoon) Beth Mowins Mike Bellotti
ABC Saturday Afternoon Mike Patrick Craig James
ABC Saturday Afternoon Bob Wischusen Bob Davie
ABC or ESPN Saturdays (primarily West Coast) Carter Blackburn Brock Huard
ESPNU Saturday Afternoon Rob Stone Matt Stinchcomb
ESPNU Saturday Afternoon Pam Ward Danny Kanell
ESPN and ESPN2 Friday Joe Tessitore Rod Gilmore
ESPNU Thursday Anish Shroff Jay Walker
ESPNU late Saturday (WAC) Adam Amin David Diaz-Infante
ESPNU late Saturday (HBCU) Adam Amin Jay Walker
ESPN 3D (Saturday) Joe Tessitore Tim Brown
ESPN Radio Bill Rosinski David Norrie Joe Schad
SEC Network (ESPN Regional Television syndicated games) Dave Neal Andre Ware Cara Capuano
BIG EAST Network (ESPN Regional Television syndicated games) Mike Gleason John Congemi Eamon McAnaney
ESPN Regional Television MAC Syndication Michael Reghi Doug Chapman
 
** Additional reporters to be used include Jeannine Edwards, Quint Kessenich, Shelley Smith and Tom Rinaldi
 
The 2011 college football season on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN 3D, ESPN3.com, ESPN Radio, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Regional Television and ESPN GamePlan will total more than 400 regular-and post-season games, concluding with the entire Bowl Championship Series, including the National Championship, on ESPN. The schedule will include weekly Saturday night games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, weekly ESPN and ESPNU Thursday night contests and telecasts every Friday and select Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
 
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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NCAA Football

ABC & ESPN 2011-12 NBA Schedule

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment


90-Game Flexible Schedule; 2011 NBA Finals Rematch Part of Christmas Day Tripleheader

ESPN’s multiplatform coverage of the 2011-12 NBA regular season will include 90 games, highlighted by 15 exclusive ABC broadcasts – the home of The Finals – and 75 ESPN telecasts.  Games airing on ABC and ESPN are subject to flexible scheduling, providing the best matchups throughout the season.  All games will be available in high definition, with all ESPN telecasts also available via ESPN3.com and nearly all on ESPN Mobile TV.  Additionally, fans who receive their cable TV video subscription from an affiliated provider will be able to tune in live via the WatchESPN app on iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

ESPN Radio will broadcast 30 games, while ESPN Deportes (ESPN’s Spanish-language U.S. sports network) will televise 19 games.

Opening Week on ESPN

ESPN’s coverage will tip off with a doubleheader Wednesday, Nov. 2 – the Miami Heat and their core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh visiting the New York Knicks, featuring Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, at 8 p.m., followed by the Golden State Warriors, led by new head coach Mark Jackson, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant at 10:30 p.m.  ESPN Deportes will also televise the Nov. 2 doubleheader.

Opening week action will continue with a doubleheader Friday, Nov. 4 – the Boston Celtics and All-Stars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo visiting the Atlanta Hawks and All-Stars Al Horford and Joe Johnson at 8 p.m., followed by the L.A. Clippers and 2011 Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin hosting the Portland Trail Blazers and Brandon Roy at 10:30 p.m.

Both doubleheaders will also be available via ESPN3.com and ESPN Mobile TV.  NBA Countdown will precede the Wednesday and Friday doubleheaders with a preview show at 7:30 p.m.

Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast the Chicago Bulls and 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose visiting the defending champion Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. and the Heat hosting the Orlando Magic and 2011 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.

ESPN & ABC Combine for Christmas Day Tripleheader

Collectively, ESPN and ABC will present three Christmas Day games highlighted by a marquee doubleheader on ABC featuring a rematch of the 2011 NBA Finals – Miami at the champion Mavericks and Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki – Sunday, Dec. 25, at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Los Angeles Lakers – back-to-back NBA champions in 2009 and 2010 – hosting the Bulls and Rose at 5 p.m.  ABC’s NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the action at 2 p.m.  ESPN Radio will broadcast the Heat/Mavericks matchup 2:30 p.m.  ESPN’s Christmas Day telecast will precede the ABC doubleheader, showcasing Eastern Conference rivals when the New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics at noon.

ABC & ESPN Schedule Highlights

ABC and ESPN will combine to showcase some of the top teams in the league, including 16 appearances by the Heat (the maximum allowed across both networks), 15 by the Lakers, 14 by the Celtics, Bulls and Knicks, 13 by the Mavericks, 11 by the Oklahoma City Thunder and 10 by the San Antonio Spurs.

ABC highlights

§  15 exclusive broadcasts;

§  flexible schedule allowing for the best possible matchups throughout the season;

§  a special Christmas Day doubleheader including a Finals rematch between the Heat and Mavericks at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Lakers hosting the Bulls at 5 p.m.;

§  five NBA Sunday doubleheaders – Feb. 19, March 4, April 1, 8 and 15;

§  six appearances by the Heat; five appearances by the Lakers and Bulls; four appearances by the Celtics and Knicks; and three appearances by the Mavericks;

§  Eastern Conference Finals rematch between the Bulls and Heat on Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.;

§  Blockbuster matchup with the Lakers hosting the Heat on March 4 at 3:30 p.m.;

§  a rematch of the 2008 and 2010 Finals with the Lakers hosting the Celtics on March 11 at 3:30 p.m.;

§  multiple appearances by the Thunder and Kevin Durant – hosting Chicago on April 1 at 1 p.m. and the Lakers on April 8 at 3:30 p.m.;

§  NBA Countdown will preview all games/doubleheaders 30 minutes prior to broadcast start times.

ESPN highlights

§  75-game flexible schedule allowing for the best possible games throughout the season;

§  31 doubleheaders;

§  10 appearances – the most permitted – by the Celtics, Heat, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks and Spurs;

§  nine appearances by the Bulls, Nuggets, Thunder and Trail Blazers; eight appearances by the Clippers and Phoenix Suns; seven appearances by the Hawks; six appearances by the Warriors; and five appearances by the Magic;

§  opening week doubleheaders: Wed., Nov. 2 –  Miami at New York at 8 p.m., followed by the Warriors hosting the Lakers at 10:30 p.m. and Fri., Nov. 4 – Boston visiting the Hawks at 8 p.m., prior to the Trail Blazers visiting the Clippers at 10:30 p.m.;

§  the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony making his first return trip to Denver to face his former Nuggets team Wed., Nov. 16, at 10:30 p.m.;

§  LeBron James and the Heat visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Fri., Nov. 18, at 8 p.m.;

§  two of the most exciting teams in the league – Oklahoma City vs. Miami – on Fri., Dec. 23, at 8 p.m.;

§  the Celtics visiting the Knicks on Christmas Day at noon;

§  Los Angeles’ Lakers and Clippers meeting on Fri., Jan. 20, at 10:30 p.m.;

§  the Lakers and Bryant visiting Madison Square Garden to face the Knicks on Fri., Feb. 10, at 8 p.m.;

§  the Thunder and Kendrick Perkins hosting his former team, the Boston Celtics, Wed., Feb. 22, at 8 p.m.;

§  Eastern Conference Finals rematch – Miami at Chicago – Wed., March 14, at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN Radio
The NBA on ESPN Radio will tip off its 17th season Tuesday, Nov. 1, when the Mavericks and Nowitzki host the Bulls and Rose at 8 p.m. ESPN Radio’s 30-game regular-season schedule will include 12 appearances by the Heat, nine by the Lakers and eight by the Celtics and Mavericks. ESPN Radio will also exclusively broadcast The Finals and NBA All-Star events including the All-Star Game.

2011-12 ABC NBA Schedule

Date Time (ET) Teams
Sun, Dec 25 2:30 p.m. Miami at Dallas
5 p.m. Chicago at L.A. Lakers
Sun, Jan 29 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Miami
Sun, Feb 12 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Boston
Sun, Feb 19 1 p.m. Dallas at New York
3:30 p.m. Orlando at Miami
Sun, March 4 1 p.m. New York at Boston
3:30 p.m. Miami at L.A. Lakers
Sun, March 11 3:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Lakers
Sun, April 1 1 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City
3:30 p.m. Miami at Boston
Sun, April 8 1 p.m. Chicago at New York
3:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City
Sun, April 15 1 p.m. Miami at New York
3:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Lakers

 

2011-12 ESPN NBA Schedule
* denotes ESPN and ESPN Deportes telecast

Date Time (ET) Teams
Wed, Nov 2 8 p.m. Miami at New York*
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Golden State*
Fri, Nov 4 8 p.m. Boston at Atlanta
10:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Clippers
Wed, Nov 9 8 p.m. Houston at Philadelphia
10:30 p.m. San Antonio at L.A. Lakers*
Fri, Nov 11 10:30 p.m. Denver at L.A. Lakers
Wed, Nov 16 8 p.m. Boston at Miami
10:30 p.m. New York at Denver
Fri, Nov 18 8 p.m. Miami at Cleveland
10:30 p.m. Chicago at Phoenix
Wed, Nov 23 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City
Fri, Nov 25 7 p.m. Houston at Minnesota
Fri, Dec 2 10:30 p.m. Indiana at Portland
Wed, Dec 7 7 p.m. San Antonio at New York*
9:30 p.m. Dallas at Chicago
Fri, Dec 9 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Dallas
10:30 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix
Tue, Dec 13 7 p.m. Denver at Memphis
9:30 p.m. Atlanta at Chicago
Wed, Dec 14 8 p.m. Orlando at Oklahoma City
10:30 p.m. Golden State at Utah
Fri, Dec 16 7 p.m. Atlanta at Philadelphia
9:30 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City
Fri, Dec 23 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
10:30 p.m. Phoenix at Portland
Sun, Dec 25 12 p.m. Boston at New York*
Fri, Jan 6 8 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
10:30 p.m. Memphis at Orlando
Wed, Jan 11 8 p.m. Dallas at Boston*
10:30 p.m. Miami at L.A. Clippers*
Fri, Jan 13 8 p.m. Portland at San Antonio
10:30 p.m. Miami at Denver
Mon, Jan 16 1 p.m. Chicago at Memphis
Wed, Jan 18 8 p.m. San Antonio at Atlanta
10:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Clippers*
Fri, Jan 20 8 p.m. Phoenix at Boston
10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers
Fri, Jan 27 8 p.m. New York at Miami
Wed, Feb 1 7 p.m. Oklahoma City at Dallas
9:30 p.m. Miami at San Antonio*
Fri, Feb 3 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando
10:30 p.m. Utah at Denver
Fri, Feb 10 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at New York*
10:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Utah
Wed, Feb 15 9 p.m. Denver at Dallas
Fri, Feb 17 8 p.m. New Orleans at New York
10:30 p.m. Phoenix at L.A. Lakers*
Sun, Feb 19 8 p.m. Denver at Oklahoma City
Wed, Feb 22 8 p.m. Boston at Oklahoma City
10:30 p.m. Golden State at Phoenix
Wed, Feb 29 9 p.m. Portland at Denver
Fri, March 2 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Atlanta
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Phoenix
Sun, March 4 8 p.m. Denver at San Antonio*
Sun, March 12 8 p.m. New York at Chicago*
10:30 p.m. Boston at Phoenix*
Wed, March 14 8 p.m. Miami at Chicago
10:30 p.m. Boston at Golden State
Wed, March 21 7 p.m. New York at Philadelphia
9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas*
Sun, March 25 8 p.m. Boston at San Antonio*
Wed, March 28 7 p.m. Chicago at Atlanta
Fri, March 30 8 p.m. Dallas at Orlando
10:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Clippers
Wed, April 4 7 p.m. San Antonio at Boston
9:30 p.m. Memphis at Dallas
Tue, April 10 7 p.m. Atlanta at Miami*
9:30 p.m. New York at Chicago*
Wed, April 11 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at San Antonio
10:30 p.m. Golden State at Portland
Fri, April 13 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Detroit
10:30 p.m. Dallas at Portland
Wed, April 18 8 p.m. Toronto at Washington
10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Golden State*

2011-12 ESPN Radio NBA Schedule

Date Time (ET) Teams
Tue, Nov 1 8 p.m. Chicago at Dallas
Thu, Nov 3 8 p.m. Orlando at Miami
Wed, Nov 9 10:30 p.m. San Antonio at L.A. Lakers
Wed, Nov 16 8 p.m. Boston at Miami
Thu, Dec 1 8 p.m. Miami at Boston
Thu, Dec 8 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Miami
Thu, Dec 15 9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas
Thu, Dec 22 8 p.m. New York at Boston
Sun, Dec 25 2:30 p.m. Miami at Dallas
Thu, Jan 12 8 p.m. New York at Memphis
Thu, Jan 19 10:30 p.m. Dallas at Utah
Thu, Jan 26 8 p.m. Miami at Orlando
Sun, Jan 29 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Miami
Thu, Feb 2 8 p.m. Chicago at New York
Thu, Feb 9 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Boston
Sun, Feb 12 3:30 p.m. Chicago at Boston
Thu, Feb 16 10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Portland
Sun, Feb 19 1 p.m. New York at Boston
3:30 p.m. Orlando at Miami
Thu, March 1 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Orlando
Sun, March 4 1 p.m. New York at Boston
3:30 p.m. Miami at L.A. Lakers
Sun, March 11 3:30 p.m. Boston at L.A. Lakers
Wed, March 14 8 p.m. Miami at Chicago
Wed, March 21 9:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Dallas
Thu, March 29 8 p.m. Dallas at Miami
Sun, April 1 1 p.m. Chicago at Oklahoma City
3:30 p.m. Miami at Boston
Sun, April 8 3:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City
Sun, April 15 3:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Lakers

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA
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