Doris Burke left fans up in arms with her commentary for Thunder-Timberwolves Game 4
Share this @internewscast.com

ESPN commentator Doris Burke had the internet baffled Monday night during Game 4 between the Timberwolves and Thunder. 

The experienced broadcaster was talking about Rudy Gobert, who hails from France, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who has German roots, when she unexpectedly brought up the historic rivalry between France and Germany.

“I’m not well-versed in history, but I know that the French and Germans haven’t been the best of friends. Rudy says, ‘Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein!’ and then he delivers that impressive left-handed dunk!” Burke remarked.

The comment led to play-by-play announcer Mike Breen to interject, “What are you trying to start here?”


Doris Burke and Angel Gray look on during the game between he Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks on March 7, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Doris Burke and Angel Gray look on during the game between he Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks on March 7, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

It’s unclear exactly what Burke was trying to refer to, but the French and Germans were rivals in each of the World Wars.

“Cringe,” one X user wrote in response to Burke’s comments.

“Did Doris Burke just make a WWE2 joke,” another user posted with a photo of puzzled Shaquille O’Neal.

Burke is a somewhat polarizing broadcaster among certain fan bases.

The Sporting News noted another comment she made during the broadcast that likely created some angst among the viewers at home. 

Burke said during one of the fouls that Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew that it was “why he’s called the free throw merchant.”

The comment had been a reference to the conversation about Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing tactics.

“There is no way she should be saying this on air, shoutout to [Richard Jefferson] for sticking up and understanding,” one account on social media complained. 


Richard Jefferson,Doris Burke and Mike Breen before the Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves game during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025
Richard Jefferson,Doris Burke and Mike Breen before the Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves game during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 NBAE via Getty Images

NBA fans will be hearing Burke a bit more going forward with ESPN carrying the NBA Finals after the Western Conference crowns a conference champ. 

The Thunder currently lead the Western Conference finals, 3-1, after they defeated the Thunder, 128-126, on Monday night.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israeli soldiers observing destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Strategy to Capture Gaza City: Launch of ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots II’ to Eliminate Hamas

ISRAEL has revealed its plans to conquer Gaza City in a final push…
Top White House officials turn to public appearances with troops as a tense Washington watches

White House Leaders Engage with Troops Amid Tense Political Climate

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump expanded his law-enforcement measures in Washington…
NYPD welcomes nearly 1,100 recruits to academy – largest class in almost a decade

NYPD Enrolls Largest Academy Class in Nearly a Decade with Nearly 1,100 New Recruits

The NYPD has recently welcomed approximately 1,100 new recruits to its police…
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop people from climbing it

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announces plan to paint the entire southern border wall black to deter climbers

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that the full stretch…
Blue city rattled as alleged serial attacker preys on women in ritzy neighborhood

Upscale Neighborhood in Blue City on Edge as Suspected Serial Attacker Targets Women

Philadelphia’s community is feeling anxious following a series of sexual assaults that…
Kohberger prosecutor reveals crucial moment: ‘Everything hinged on that argument’

Key Moment Unveiled by Kohberger Prosecutor: ‘The Entire Case Depended on That Debate’

<!–> Idaho Prosecutor Jeff Nye Discusses the Kohberger Prosecution Jeff Nye, leading…
Woman taking a selfie in a gym.

Popular fitness influencer Nicole Brenda Santos Marins dies after cycling accident involving a car and subsequent lorry collision

A FITNESS influencer has been killed in a horror crash after cycling…
Hurricane Erin: East Coast beaches closed, warnings issued due to storm

Hurricane Erin: Storm Forces Beach Closures and Prompts Warnings on the East Coast

RODANTHE, N.C. — From Florida to New England, people attempting to enjoy…
Photo of a young man with curly hair.

Family’s Heartfelt Tribute to Teen Lost in Crash: ‘He Brought Love to Everything,’ as 36-Year-Old Driver Sentenced

A GRIEVING family have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their “beautiful” son…
Wilmington, North Carolina building explosion NC leaves 4 firefighters injured

Explosion in Wilmington, North Carolina Injures Four Firefighters

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Four firefighters were injured after a building exploded Tuesday…
Pope Leo opts to share papal residence with four associates, breaking with tradition

Pope Leo Breaks Tradition by Sharing Papal Residence with Four Associates

Pope Leo XIV is introducing changes at the Vatican by choosing to…
Utah police officers killed during domestic disturbance response were husbands, fathers: 'Definitely heroes'

Utah Police Officers Tragically Killed in Domestic Disturbance Were Devoted Family Men: ‘True Heroes’

Two Utah police officers who were killed in a shooting while responding…