Doris Burke makes history as first woman game analyst in NBA Finals
- Doris Burke breaks barriers as the first female game analyst for an NBA Finals.
- The historic moment occurred during Game 1 of the Mavericks vs. Celtics.
- Burke's achievement highlights progress in gender equality in sports broadcasting.
Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals is starting tonight at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics from the Eastern Conference are playing against the Mavericks from the Western Conference for the NBA championship this year. Doris Burke from ESPN will be the first woman to be a game analyst on TV for a championship final in one of the major U.S. sports leagues. Doris Burke's journey to this moment started when her family moved to New Jersey from New York when she was 7 years old. She played in 87 games, averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 assists per game. Her broadcasting career began in 1990 as a radio analyst for women's basketball games. She made history by being the first woman to call men's basketball games and New York Knicks broadcasts. In 2017-18, she became the first woman to be a national NBA game analyst. In 2020, she was the first woman to call the Conference Finals and NBA Finals on the radio. Kyrie Irving's journey back to the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks has been long and complicated. If you want to watch the NBA Finals locally, you can check out USA TODAY Home Internet for broadband service plans in your area. Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Doris Burke mentioned that Robin Roberts was a big influence on her career. Roberts, from ABC's “Good Morning America,” praised Burke for acknowledging those who paved the way for her. Ann Meyers Drysdale, the first woman to work an NBA game for a broadcast network in 1997, believes Burke deserves this opportunity. Burke is now in a position to mentor upcoming analysts and announcers. Doris Burke's success has inspired many, like Jessica Mendoza, who changed her thoughts about women in sports after hearing Burke as an NBA analyst. Mike Breen, who will be calling his 19th finals, will be without Jeff Van Gundy as an analyst for the first time since 2006. Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were laid off last July. Burke appreciates the support she has received and is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for women in sports.