Inside the NBA cleared for extended airtime during Knicks-Cavaliers East finals
inside-the-nba-cleared-for-extended-airtime-during-knicks-cavaliers-east-finals
The studio program Inside the NBA will enjoy a longer leash when the New York Knicks meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, giving the on-air team freedom to stretch beyond its usual runtime.
Front Office Sports reported that parent network ESPN has set aside a one-hour postgame block after every contest, yet TNT — which retains full creative control under its licensing agreement — may allow the show to run past that window at its discretion. In practice, that means Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith can continue talking well past midnight if they choose.
The crew will also host one-hour pregame shows before each matchup, with a single exception: Game 3, which airs on ABC. For that contest, the first 30 minutes of Inside will be carried on ABC before the broadcast shifts to ESPN.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is expected to join the desk for two guest appearances during the series.
The Eastern Conference finals will be the last time this postseason that the program originates from its Atlanta studio. For the NBA Finals, the entire cast plans to travel and broadcast on site — marking the first time the full team will cover the championship series together from the host city.
Source: Hoops Wire
