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?”
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.
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.
