Mike Breen On Why THE BLOCK Was His Favorite LeBron Call Ever

[@KeyserSoze592]

"Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup, oh blocked by James!" That bit of commentary is indelibly etched in my brain for all eternity.

[@SlappedOut]

no lie lol

[@alejandroserrano7755]

Despite his age, he has an amazing ability to make any play sound so epic. Some commentators are funnier or more exagerated but Mike Breen is able to emulate what we are feeling thru his voice.

[@idkjj8835]

Lebron James with the rejection

[@geordiejones5618]

Just the emotion of his voice he felt what every fan felt. Love or hate Lebron, every single person watching that game felt like time froze for a split second. Even the players all kind of just stood there for a beat like "did that just happen?"

[@willrehm8793]

Immediate chills reading that. Shoutout Breen the GOAT

[@Deondre_Clark]

Mike Breen questioning whether he gets to call it "our game" is peak humility. This man elevated so many moments in NBA history that OF COURSE he's a part of the game. Dude is an icon

[@lindae_ing]

For real. he’s in a Basketball Hall of Fame for a reason

[@RevoZtuns]

Such a humble man. Absolute legend!!!

[@gandix5516]

A good portion of the public loves to rip “celebrities” apart, especially in the sports world so many famous people have very low self esteem from reading the constant hate. He prob gets so much nonsense for things he says that he’s nervous to say something that would offend a player/fan etc. Mike Breen is everything right with this world. Amazing human.

[@djdeuce00]

His commentary and voice will live on forever!

[@elmalloc]

ok

[@tombystander]

Ray Allen shot and lebron's block are the two biggest finals moments I can remember and breen was right there for both. Can't tell this man enough, Thank you!

[@jlui21]

- One of the best blocks in history b/c it gave Lebron a title in CLE (and shows that he was always a DPOY candidate) 2. Ray Allen's shot deflated the Spurs so that in the following the year, Spurs rock Lebron-Wade. Thus breaking up Miami's team. Best revenge game in the last 30 years.

[@Nevastopcashin]

Kyrie’s shot???

[@sweatbot5000]

@@jlui21 Well stated. Respect, brodie.

[@nikolaininkov]

You missed to mention the player who scored the clutchest shot in Cavs history! I'll give you a clue it wasn't Lebron.

[@khalxd1991]

@@jlui21 Wade and Bosh were washed and super injured

[@TitinoWilliams]

Mike Breen is a living Legend. Do you know how many famous calls and moments this guy got to witness ever since the 90’s? Maaaaan. 🙌🏿

[@asdfghjkllkjhgfdsa8725]

Honestly he's living the dream. People are paying thousands of dollars to see 1 of them. He got paid to see them all.

[@Betweenthegamesports87]

That's right so what's his take on who the goat is will be great to hear

[@MegaChallanger]

I still like mike trico though. Especially thr 2014 dame call.

[@qualicumjack3906]

@@asdfghjkllkjhgfdsa8725 You know how many million people make his salary in a day?

[@alaye5583]

​@@qualicumjack3906you know how many million don't

[@UncutGamingClips]

I'm glad to know the "blocked by James" is his favorite because that's always the first that comes to my mind when I hear his voice on TV.

[@nanashi7779]

"Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup-OOOH BLOCKED BY JAMES... LEBRON JAMES WITH THE REJECTION." Iconic.

[@super2984]

@@nanashi7779 was he the “ its bedlum here in cleveland commentator “ ?👀

[@tupacalypse88]

@@super2984 I believe so it's the voice I'm hearing in my head remembering it

[@George4rcher]

@@super2984yes then he says “CURRY blocked by james”

[@super2984]

@@George4rcher yep u right i remember now 🤦‍♂️😮‍💨

[@musamansa8577]

The 2016 finals game 7 is the only game I can go back too and watch the last couple of minutes and still feel like how it felt when I first watched it

[@geordiejones5618]

20 years from now I'll still get chills. The tension wasn't just in the air at the game it was everywhere that game was being watched.

[@Yendor2319_]

Exactly I remember that whole day woke up in new orleans had to drive back home to Houston made it jus in time before tip off

[@NESGTorro]

@@Yendor2319_ bro I literally was on a road trip too sat down right for the tip off lmao

[@YoungChuy2398]

Game 1-6 were mid asf cause it mostly blowouts, but game 7 is easily the greatest NBA finals game ever

[@geordiejones5618]

@@YoungChuy2398 people forget but game 7 of the 2013 Finals was just as tight, single possession. Both games were dynasty vs elite team with Lebron, and Lebron won both of them.

[@nathangregory6664]

Yo I could listen to his voice for hours

[@landlocked_lifts332]

Join us Knicks fans in solidarity. We have Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Mike Breen on the mics, the greatest arena in the history of professional sports, and expectations so low that a first-round exit will be seen as a win.

[@unitedleagueofgamers3633]

I literally just finished this clip, and said out loud “I could listen to that for hours” came to look at the comments and it’s the first one I see lol.

[@imhotepnixon]

@@landlocked_lifts332 as much as I agree with you Harp and Followill are goated in Dallas would never switch up 💯

[@denneywanjala2160]

Ey yo?

[@dee4eva]

@@denneywanjala2160 grow up

[@SupermanHopkins]

There are two types of people in the world: Those who have watched "OH! BLOCKED BY JAMES!!" about 20x on KZbin, and those who need to be introduced to the velvety voice of Mike Breen! 😄

[@sgttomas]

…200x

[@YvngGoat_]

The Ray Allen shot and the LeBron block are the most iconic calls

[@LebronJames-kd6pw]

Got chills listening to him talk about what that play and the title in Cleveland meant to Lebron.

[@bibi24]

thanks brah got chills reading your comment, respect

[@greg2797]

That Ray Allen shot was definitely the greatest clutch shot i've ever seen. The way he backed up perfectly to the 3 point line in the corner without stepping out of bounds or stepping on the 3pt line without looking down... You could tell he practiced that a lot. It's funny tho that shot seems to overshadows a lot of stuff that happened lol Like LeBron scoring 16 points in that 4th quarter alone, LeBron hitting a clutch 3 right before that to cut the lead to 2, the fact that Ray's 3 tied the game not won it so there was an OT where LeBron went off both offensively and defensively. And then the fact that there was still a game 7 they had to win that was also a close game and LeBron took over with clutch defense and and offense while icing the game with 2 FTs.

[@richardturner1063]

Thanks Greg, you nailed it 😁

[@cjmoss51]

I remember watching that game live. The people in the stadium were leaving EARLY af then trying to get back in when the Heat came back. Its insane.

[@LeviDavidSchaffer]

My wife and newborn were sleeping peacefully before that shot it wasn't a big enough apartment. They WHERE sleeping

[@gokulvishnu5899]

Mike breen, Kevin Harlen and Marv Albert, most iconic commentators in NBA history.

[@bigtonytiger]

I think of "Oh what a shot from Curry" against OKC when I think of Mike Breen. Made it so much more intense when he called that game. I watched it visiting San Francisco at a bar and no one else was watching or reacting to one of the greatest games their hometown team will ever play. I was in shock afterward when the whole place stopped and looked at me as I lost my mind with that crazy long shot from Curry to win. This is why we love sports: thanks Mike!

[@Admiral_Potato41]

That's one of the few regular season games over the last 10 years that I can think of that had a playoff atmosphere from the jump. That game was electric!

[@34bean65]

Not even a playoff game lmao 😂😂 stephews be crazy

[@Admiral_Potato41]

@@34bean65 noone said it was a playoff game? Are you really that bothered? Lolol. That game put Steph on anyone's map who still wasn't somehow paying attention after the garden game coming out party. I'm not even a Warriors fan, matter of fact as a fan of another West team I really don't like them. That being said if that wasn't exciting basketball too you, especially the last five minutes of that game, then you're just a casual sorry not sorry. Btw, Stephew is almost as corny as Bronsexual.

[@Rickle_Pick23]

Yea that’s something about the gay community. They just don’t appreciate sports the same way

[@kece1]

@@Rickle_Pick23 ???

[@Mr.Zen_73]

I love Mike Breen's NBA calls he always brings tremendous energy and passion!

[@photobombchamp]

It’s not the NBA finals without Mike Breen, absolute legend

[@Shadow-jw1kt]

Absolute facts. Best commentator in the world.

[@khoado123]

His voice man. Perfect for sport

[@lionelgrisbane-ud87]

Hell yes MOTHERF^%%ER!!!!!!

[@danjohn8371]

Plz never retire, I can't imagine nba without you

[@phucnguyen0110]

LeBron's block, Bosh rebounding then passing to Allen, Curry logo-deep three, Melo + Jeremy Lin in the Garden for the Knicks. Can't count them all, it's insane. Thanks Mike!

[@johnjunior7231]

By far my favorite broadcaster, he brings excitement,,energy enthusiasm and pure love for the game

[@RealMikeMiller13]

I met Mike breen briefly after a Knicks game last year & he was just so kind

[@sixfootsosa4466]

What a legendary broadcaster

[@nisis578]

His calls gives me chills

[@ehmj2094]

Gave me goosebumps when they mentioned Ginobili is one of their favorite player. The respect .

[@justjelvin6103]

Same here bro 👌

[@ehmj2094]

@@justjelvin6103 right? He is my all time fave player .

[@justjelvin6103]

Im also a lefty and I always copied the way he plays, thats why way back then theu called me Manu in our school department and here in our place, 😁

[@ehmj2094]

@@justjelvin6103 that's cool. 2005 manu was a beast. Always loved his competitiveness and flare to the game.

[@justjelvin6103]

@@ehmj2094 he should had won the finals mvp that year, but its all good they won the championship

[@Shadow-jw1kt]

Mike Breen is the best commentator in any sport, ever. I will always watch a game in which he is the primary announcer. He’s absolutely incredible.

[@shivaneepatell]

He banged his way to the top!

[@adamsilver5230]

Mike Breen is the goat of commentator ever!!! I also love his nba finals montage especially cavs in 2016. Anytime I watch that montage it makes me carry as a lebron fan!!!

[@datboiJan]

damn they got Mike Breen to do the podcast too. one of my favorite announcers

[@yogishankar1]

Love your interviews. Keep up the great work.

[@officialrichsmith]

This man’s voice is GOLD. He is by far the greatest commentator to ever live! You’ll literally find yourself hitting the ⏮️ 10 sec rewind button on one play a thousand times simply because of how much he brought it to life.

[@jerz7657]

I'll never forget my dad and I watching ray Allen sink that three. That's still my favorite announcer calls of all time. The Block by James call is a very close second

[@jastrology4192]

One of your best interviews JJ and Tommy, would love to see more content from announcers and behind the scenes people

[@Jdot109]

Mike breen is such a legend

[@KingDami1999]

No one does it like Mike Breen 🔥

[@jeraldalbritton1326]

Rumor has it Igoudala still hears whispers of "Blocked of by James" at night

[@jeremymuir4332]

We remember all these great moments from his point of view because the commentary is so iconic. When I remember LeBron in 20 years time it will be chasing down Iggy to the call of "Blocked by James". No-one has done it all better than LeBron and he was never bigger than that night in Oakland.

[@herbtube30]

Still my favorite finals play ever, will never forget the "blocked by James"!

[@HollywoodAJ]

Mike Breen is the greatest commentator EVER. Whenever he calls a game it’s definitely a big game.

[@1800LUNATIC]

Mike Breen is so thoughtful, really enjoyed this interview

[@youtubewatcher4955]

I visit the BLOCKED BY JAMES commentary like once a week. Sometimes twice a week.

[@ninjachannel007]

I am glad to hear Breen's take on how a single play can change the course. A backup PF gets an offensive rebound putback and and-1 free throw in the second quarter, and his team goes on to win by 2 points. That one hustle play matters a lot more.

[@justjelvin6103]

From getting JJ in my team in NBA Live 08, to 2k (but ill admit it it was hard to make shot in 2k with JJ, idk how to time his shot there haha) To this moment when he chose to continue he's basketball career by commentating and Podcasting, deyyyym I appreciate everything that your podcasts makes, itsssss just so surreal that this stories are told and shared here in your platform, the perspectives of a player, a competitor, a teammate, and as a fan of basketball was just showcasing in your platform, so kudos JJ, fan from the Philippines 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@joenicedj]

Mike Breen's "Blocked by James" is as iconic as Al Michaels' "Do You Believe in Miracles...Yes!" Can't wait to see the rest of this interview.

[@joenicedj]

Also, if the Spurs gets that rebound, Tim Duncan is 6-0 in NBA Finals and probably gets a fourth Finals MVP. One shot dramatically changes his perception in the pantheon of NBA lore.

[@marlonsmith924]

Much as I love Bron Tim is Underrated as hell!

[@joenicedj]

@@marlonsmith924 Imagine that -- underrated as hell and he (by all accounts) is a top-ten player of all time.

[@thomasjames24306]

And Pop subbed him out on that play. If he was in, they get that rebound and win.

[@standamangaming1353]

Being a “clevelander” born,raised and living here; yes the block was iconic and how he got his team to perform to come back and win it all was also legendary. The block and The shot by Irving sealed it

[@homesecrets494]

Ray and LeBron are deffo his iconic calls

[@31olegna]

He keeps Jeff and Mark in check 🤣 easily my favorite broadcast team

[@oGCpoTT]

easily the best call of all time in basketball, arguably the best call in any sporting event

[@whyumadbiatch]

chill out bro

[@whyumadbiatch]

@@mayankpunjabi1052 all sports? Cmon I can think of plenty of Marv Albert calls better than this and not to mention other sports. Again chill out bro

[@davidelombardo6145]

It brings me so much joy when others recognize the greatness of Manu. Ultimate competitor, super tough and a brilliant, brilliant player. A true winner

[@pauljesly2569]

Mike breen Legend

[@deeowens101]

Man I love Mike breen fr he got hella memories in my childhood

[@dubswirl3082]

With as fast a pace that this game is.. Mike breen has an inherent talent of painting pictures for the viewers. A hard thing to do if you think about it. And being able to catch a moment with vocal tone and delivery. If you had no visual on the game and only an audible..you still feel like you’re right there when he’s calling the game.

[@jacobhughes9010]

Mike breen is literally the voice of the NBA from my childhood

[@earldennen8103]

he was the commentator i love the most mike breen its cool and his voice was nice 👏👍👍👍👍👍

[@curtthechameleon]

It's still my favorite play and play call announced. Unreal

[@LeMan8o4]

“Blocked By James!” should have it’s own documentary!

[@dilach41]

Mike Breen da GOAT

[@thomashester2]

Mike Breen is my favorite commenter

[@antons7210]

This was the moment that proved that LeBron was truly clutch. Quite literally the block of his career. It was so well timed, I almost get tear-eyed just thinking about it. Game 7 of the 2016 NBA finals is a game I will go back to 20 years from now and still get chills watching it

[@yaahlabanyamyan144]

Damn you gotta let that sink in. He said all the years he watched Ray Allen prepare and practice and take that shot, only to see him hit it in one of the biggest moments in NBA history. He was proud of Allen off that one shot. Major respect to Breen 💪🏾

[@WhistleLad]

@1:53 the only problem with this logic is that Danny Green was guarding Ray, not Ginóbili. Watch the play again. Manu had been picked and had switched to Wade. I understand your point JJ, but that would have been a back-to-the-basket scramble switchback onto the guy who was furtherest from the basket on that side. It is an interesting anecdote to say now, but it would have been unreasonable in the moment.

[@fahmyboy1]

Iguodala to Curry Back to Iguodala Up for the Layup OHHHHHHHH BLOCKED BY JAMES

[@Lu_Williams]

Goosebumps EVERYTIME

[@Nate_Works]

Mike Breen is the GOAT of broadcasting games

[@simbarashecharuma9411]

For basketball yes.. in all of sports, you need to watch Peter Drury, the Shakespeare

[@dillyboyq]

I could listen to Mike Breen talk about his favorite casted games for EVER!

[@lukepittle8961]

Mike you are definitely apart of this great game.

[@iBLit_Savy]

I saw you giving it to stephen A n mad dog this morning I appreciate you JJ for giving them the facts love the show 👏🏾👏🏾

[@life0093]

I used to always love when he’d say “blocked by Wade!”

[@SaharaKnows]

Iconic voice

[@christophermiles833]

Mike Breen and Kevin Harlan the greatest to ever do it

[@seangibbs9568]

CRAZYYY Ray Allen just talked about his preparation for that shot in his podcast w JJ

[@vincepagulayan1918]

Mike breen and Kevin Harlan is the Best Commentator in the NBA of All Time 🔥

[@dee4eva]

Marv Albert too “YES”

[@vincepagulayan1918]

@@dee4eva I agree hes one of the best of all time 😊🔥

[@laurentsaurel1751]

Mike Breen was born to do this .

[@billbangz]

Breen has a distinctive voice like he should be doing movie narrations or book audibles on the side...

[@fangman21]

Durant ruined a great rivalry. If they just ran it back, that would've been an epic finals in 17. So wish we could've seen that over the juggernaut Warriors rampaging through the league.

[@SlappedOut]

the '17 finals woulda been stuff of legends if Durany doesnt ruin it

[@FaceFamous]

Yea it was cool for a second then I'm like damn. This is kind of cheating. 🤣 🤣 no one stands a chance

[@lorddj9910]

He also ruined a potential thunder vs Warriors rivalry as well that’s if he woulda stayed tho

[@jamesmarshall6619]

@@FaceFamous and a lot of us did our best to convince ourselves that yeah, if a couple of teams get a break here or there they could definitely beat the Warriors. Reality was we all knew if they stayed healthy it was over before the season began.

[@drosmith1781]

STFU! You're mad because KD didn't let LeBron win anymore rings while he was on GS WARRIORS

[@romancarmona4117]

Michael Jordan, Shaq and Tim Duncan had Marv Albert. Today's super stars Like Steph, LeBron and Jason Tatum have this legend👏👏👏

[@Limo0707]

Gotta give Mike Breen his flowers

[@bryananofa7165]

I love this man voice

[@ImadogGarcia]

Mike Breen is on my all time broadcast crew

[@jaron312]

It’s not just him I think everyone universally agrees that’s the best one

[@Tehui1974]

I didn't even know what this guy looks like until now. I love his commentary.

[@Swank943]

I love these convos especially the part about manu

[@gonzaaliano]

Breen and brian anderson are the best NBA broadcasters right now

[@imloadinq8536]

Legend

[@Soh90]

My wife and I were at the airport during that 2016 Finals game. The captain was pleading with everyone in the plane to turn their devices off so we could leave. NO ONE listened. After the block happened the whole plane was filled with oooh and ahhhhs. After Cleveland won the entire plane was filled with cheers lol. As a 76ers fan, I think everyone was a Cleveland fan that night. I will never forget the captain words after the game was over lol “ok, now that that’s over, can we please turn our devices off, push these tray tables up, and put our seats up so we can get you guys to Baltimore” 😅

[@pg13pacernation30]

Mike Breen is a legend

[@DamnSpawN]

not to mention lebron scored 16 4th quarter points to bring the heat in the game for ray to hit that said shot -- lebron was clutch that 4th quarter game 6

[@tresty4498]

MIKE BREEN THE GOATTTT

[@leroyrodgers6089]

Wow, he looks exactly how you would think he looks based on his voice.

[@solok5259]

Legend 🙏🏾

[@SJ-di5zu]

Ray Allen’s shot still has to be the most clutch of all time. MJ’s was up 3-2, not down. Kyrie’s was a tie game, so was Kawhi’s and CP3’s. Ray’s came down 2-3, back pedaling to the corner, down 3, it was just a hopeless situation.

[@jayt2192]

Mike Breen🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nosoupphoyou7916]

I don’t see why he doesn’t get the bag from 2K and add his commentary in I would love that

[@bashercleaner863]

Finally met the voice behind the iconic voice OH BLOCKED BY JAMES❤❤❤❤🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@profilipino4655]

Mike Breen the GOAT

[@johnpaulgonzalez9016]

clicked the video but minimized it, probably because im used to listening to mike breen when watching a game 😅

[@felixkong4429]

mike breen should be in 2k，make it happen！

[@siphillis]

Ray Allen's shot also changed basketball. The Spurs were forced to go all-in on their offensive strategy, which worked to perfection in the following Finals. Steve Kerr took inspiration from that Spurs team and ran a movement-heavy offense with the Warriors. And the rest is history.

[@hughmungas2883]

an iconic voice

[@Veyronp87]

livin legend!!

[@shivaneepatell]

Play the clips as he talks bro!

[@KevinCantWait08]

When you think of all the current, well-known play-by-play announcers for every major sport, Mike Breen has definitely proven to be the one that fans like the most. For every other major sport, it seems like fans either hate the most well-known guy, or they're torn between two or three of them. The best example of that I can think of is Joe Buck and Al Michaels, when they do football games. Most fans just can't really stand Buck, but Michaels isn't exactly a great alternative, either.