When the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night, it signaled the Bucks’ first trip to the NBA Finals since 1974.

It also signaled the last on-air-game for broadcaster Marv Albert, who has been associated with the NBA since 1963.

The Hall of Fame broadcaster last month said he planned to retire following his call of TNT’s coverage of the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference finals.

"With tonight's game winding down, I'm thinking 'Well, this is it. My last broadcast.' And all that's going through my mind is I have been so fortunate to be doing this for 55 years. Doing what I love, having a front-row seat for so many of the iconic moments of sports history,” Albert, sitting alongside Reggie Miller (pictured), told the TNT audience.

“I wish I were starting all over again. It has been such a joy. So for the last time, thanks so much for watching. I'm Marv Albert, saying 'Thank you, and good night.'"

The scene then shifted to the NBA on TNT Inside the NBA studio, where Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal each paid homage to Albert.

“I don't think I'll have any problem filling the time,” Albert told them. “Although once October and November roll around, I'm sure I will miss the fact that I'm not getting ready to call games.”

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Albert said he plans to travel with his wife, Heather, read, work out and spend time with his four kids and eight grandchildren.

His son, Kenny, will be calling NHL games for Turner Sports next season. Sons Al and Steve are also sports broadcasters.

“I remember hearing you on radio as a kid growing up in New York,” said Smith. “Then it was amazing to hear you’ call my name during NBA games.”

“You had an incredible career of 60 years,” offered Johnson.

“It was 55 years,” Albert retorted.

“Well, the better part of seven decades,” Johnson said, to which Albert smiled and agreed.

Albert was off the air for several years during the 1990s when he faced charges of sexual assault. He eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges,

Albert, who just turned 80, was in the last year of a five-year deal with Turner Sports.

Albert called his first New York Knicks game in 1963, then signed as the team's permanent play-by-play man in 1967, which he did for nearly four decades.

Albert has been with Turner Sports for 22 years, including 19 as an NBA play-by-play announcer.

His iconic catch phrase, coming after a player scores an especially difficult shot: “Yes! And it counts”:

“Marv’s legendary voice will forever be linked to many of the greatest moments in sports history,” Jeff Zucker, chairman, WarnerMedia News and Sports, said via the organization.

“He has entertained and informed generations of fans, and his broadcasting legacy will unquestionably stand the test of time.”

Among his duties, Albert has called 25 NBA All-Star Games, 13 NBA Finals, Dream Team games during the 1992 Olympics, the NCAA Tournament (2011-15), Wimbledon Championships (2000-02), the 2002 World Championships of Basketball and the 2001 Goodwill Games.

“There is no voice more closely associated with NBA basketball than Marv Albert’s,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said via the league. “My first memories of the NBA were of listening to Marv call a game with his signature style, iconic phrases and unparalleled passion.

"Marv has been the soundtrack for basketball fans for nearly 60 years. We congratulate him on a Hall of Fame career that is simply unmatched.”

Photos Courtesy Turner Sports

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