A legendary chapter in basketball history came to a close on Sunday as Hubie Brown, a stalwart in coaching and broadcasting, called his final professional basketball game.
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 135-127, but the real spotlight was on Brown, whose illustrious 70-year career spanned both the sidelines and the commentary booth.
Tributes poured in from across the NBA community as the 91-year-old Brown bid farewell. Before tipoff, Bucks coaches donned "Thank you, Hubie" shirts, and players from both teams approached him to shake hands, acknowledging his vast contributions to the sport.
Brown’s coaching career began in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels (1974-76), leading them to a championship in 1975. He then transitioned to the NBA, coaching the Atlanta Hawks (1976-81), New York Knicks (1982-87), and Memphis Grizzlies (2002-05). Twice named NBA Coach of the Year (1978 and 2004), Brown’s tactical mind and leadership shaped countless players and teams.
His second act in broadcasting was equally impactful. Over 35 years as a national TV and radio analyst, Brown covered 18 NBA Finals and became one of the most respected voices in the game. His contributions were immortalized in 2005 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The emotional farewell in Milwaukee was fitting, as Brown's NBA coaching career began there as an assistant coach. During an early timeout, the crowd at Fiserv Forum erupted in a standing ovation as a tribute video played on the scoreboard.
At the end of the game, Brown was awarded the game ball, marking the perfect send-off. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
"I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough," Brown said in his final broadcast.
"We just want to send them the love that I've seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride."
Several of Brown’s former broadcasting colleagues, including Dave Pasch, Mark Jones, and Mike Tirico, stopped by to pay their respects, reinforcing the profound impact he had on generations of players, coaches, and fans alike.