**"Inside the NBA" Bids Farewell to TNT**

The popular and long-running NBA show "Inside the NBA" aired its final episode on TNT on Saturday night, marking the end of an era filled with memorable moments and insightful basketball analysis. The beloved show, hosted by Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, is set to move to ESPN next year, concluding its storied 35-year run on TNT.

"Inside the NBA" made its final bow following the Indiana Pacers' victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The emotional broadcast featured a live outdoor set adorned with cheers and chants of "TNT! TNT! TNT!" from enthusiastic Pacers fans. The episode was marked by laughter, tears, and an unforgettable mic drop by the four hosts, embodying the show's unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

Ernie Johnson, who has been with the show since 1990, expressed his mixed emotions during the sign-off. "If I had written the script, the NBA and TNT would be together forever. It's not going to happen, but while I was disappointed, I was sad, I was not bitter," he said, his voice catching with emotion. "We know how business works. Gratitude is the operative word for me."

Joining Johnson in bidding farewell were his co-hosts: Kenny Smith, a fixture since 1998; Charles Barkley, who came on board in 2000; and Shaquille O'Neal, who joined in 2011. Their chemistry and candidness earned the show 21 Sports Emmys and recognition by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2020.

Although TNT will no longer carry NBA broadcasts due to the new 11-year agreement with ESPN/ABC, NBC Universal/Peacock, and Prime Video, the future of "Inside the NBA" is secure. ESPN announced that the show will continue to be produced independently from its Atlanta-based studios, maintaining the same cast and production team.

Shaquille O'Neal assured fans that the essence of the show would remain unchanged. "Even though the name changes, the engine stays the same," he proclaimed. "To that new network we're coming to, we're not coming to f--- around. And since it's the last show, I'll say it: We're not coming to f--- around. We're kicking a--, we're taking names, we're taking over."

Reflecting on the journey, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley shared their gratitude. "This has just been a magnificent ride," said Smith, while Barkley reminisced about nearly signing with NBC before choosing TNT, expressing his thanks to the NBA and TNT for the life he has enjoyed.

The final moments of the broadcast saw Johnson and Barkley placing their mics on the desk, followed by O'Neal and Smith, as they embraced one another and walked off the set, symbolizing the end of a significant chapter in sports broadcasting. "I'm proud to say for the last time, 'Thanks for watching us. It's the NBA on TNT,'" Johnson concluded.