With TNT assigned to cover the Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors, âInside the NBAâ frontman Ernie Johnson got the chance to return to his hometown with the first two games of the series scheduled in Milwaukee.
On Friday, the long-time host of the Emmy award-winning show choked up after recalling his old neighborhood in Milwaukee:
Ernie got emotional as he reflected on his return to his old Milwaukee neighborhood. đ pic.twitter.com/81lQbetukv
â NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 18, 2019
Johnson's co-hosts, former NBA greats Shaquille O'neal and Charles Barkley, joined him in his city tour as the three werr seen in several restaurants and landmarks across town during these Eastern Conference Finals. He even dropped by at his old home, where he met with the new owners, as he said during the broadcast.
Ernie, 62, grew up in Milwaukee and stayed there until the age of 8. In 1965, his family left Milwaukee to follow the Braves, where his father Ernie Sr. played for six seasons and eventually became part of the team's PR staff.
The franchise relocated to Atlanta. Since, then, Atlanta has been EJ's home, and it is here where he found success, especially with his gig at Inside The NBA.
Nevertheless, Milwaukee still has a special place in Ernie's heart.
It was truly a special day for Johnson. To add to that, Milwaukee's mayor also declared Friday night as âErnie Johnson Jr. Night.â
Friday night could be the last time that Johnson and crew would cover the series in Milwaukee.
The Bucks have dominated the Toronto Raptors over the first two games of the series so far. With Games 3 and 4 shifting over to Toronto but with the Bucks controlling the match-up so far in dominating fashion, it is possible that this series may not be back in Milwaukee.
The Raptors, of course, will try to stay alive in this best-of-seven bloodbath as they look to take care of business at home, the same way Milwaukee did.
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