Legendary NBA broadcaster explains why he used rare call during Knicks-76ers game

The 62-year-old confirmed to Schiffer that the first time he used his famous "BANG!" call twice came following a near-halfcourt three-pointer by Stephen Curry against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

"Yeah, that was definitely the first one. I remember thinking afterwards, like, sometimes the games are so heated and crazed, and you’re so focused you don’t even remember what you said specifically. You have an idea, but you don’t remember what you said," Breen said. "But I remember thinking afterwards of that one, 'How did I call it? Did I give it a double?' It was just one of those — it was such an unbelievable game. It certainly wasn’t anything I ever planned; it just came out. I remember thinking, Boy, I hope I didn’t sound like I completely lost it. Because it was the first time that I ever did it."

The longtime voice of the Knicks on the MSG Network has also been the lead announcer for NBA games on ABC and ESPN since 2006, including the NBA Finals.

Breen told Schiffer that the "BANG! BANG!" call "was not planned out" when Curry hit his dagger eight years ago and he "never thought (he) would ever say it twice like that."

"It just came out in the heat of the moment, and that’s just simply a love of basketball and a love of the drama that can come at the end of a game," Breen said.

Schiffer notes that there have been six documented instances of double "BANG!" from Breen.

Following Curry, Breen broke out the rare call for Eric Gordon against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, Luka Doncic against the Los Angeles Clippers in the "Bubble" playoffs in 2020, Marcus Smart against the Knicks in 2021 and Julius Randle against the Miami Heat in 2023. Donte DiVincenzo's game-winner on Monday was the sixth.

Breen's decision to use one for Smart (then with the Boston Celtics) vs. New York may have drawn the ire of some fans in the Big Apple.

"Knicks fans get mad when I use it for opponents," the famed announcer said. "But no, I’ve never regretted using it because it’s kind of a spontaneous, extra-excited reaction to a special play and I don’t think I’ve ever said, 'Oh, I should have done a double there.' I’ve had people tell me I should of at certain spots, but you know what I’ve tried not to overdo it in any way. Even just the regular 'Bang!' I don’t do it every game. In fact, if I have to go back and look, I don’t even think I do it even half the games that I broadcast."