The legendary quartet—Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Charles Barkley—continued to deliver pure entertainment in 2025. As Inside the NBA transitioned to ESPN and ABC, viewers witnessed some of the most hilariously unscripted moments yet. Here are the top verified highlights from this season:
1. Charles Barkley’s Hot Mic Rant
May 21, 2025 — During the Eastern Conference Finals broadcast, Barkley unknowingly unleashed an F-bomb over what he thought was a commercial break. His scathing critique of the All-Defensive Team voters—”those guys who vote… don’t know what the f*** they’re doing”—went out live and quickly became a viral sensation.
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2. Shaq’s Abrupt Bathroom Dash
April 2025 — Mid-segment, Shaq made a legendary exit from the set due to a bathroom emergency—while joking about a questionable olive oil cleanse. The crew’s playful reactions, slow-motion replay, and follow-up jokes showed why this moment had fans hysterical.
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3. Show Farewell from TNT
May 31, 2025 — The final episode of Inside the NBA on TNT aired after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In the emotional sign-off, both Ernie and Kenny dropped F-bombs, wrapping up that era on a note only they could pull off. The show now continues on ESPN and ABC starting with the 2025–26 season.
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Why These Moments Matter
These moments were not only hilarious—they were authentic and unforgettable, a reminder of the unscripted magic that made Inside the NBA iconic.
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Airing raw honesty: Barkley’s hot mic moment captured him at his most unfiltered—and unexpectedly funny.
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Live TV spontaneity: Shaq’s dash from the set provided classic, human humor in an otherwise polished broadcast.
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A chapter closes: The TNT farewell signified the end of one era and laid a foundation for another, all with characteristic levity.
