“It was a fantastic ride”: NBA legend Hubie Brown calls his final game at 91, closing an era in basketball commentary

NBA legend Hubie Brown has stepped away from the league’s duty after more than 50 years in professional basketball. The 91-year-old Hall of Famer called his final game as the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 135-127 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Following the final buzzer, Brown was honored with the game ball, a fitting send-off for a legendary coach and broadcaster whose impact on the sport spanned generations. His retirement has been perceived as the end of an era as he left a legacy that shaped both coaching and NBA commentary.

At 91, Hubie Brown called his final NBA game, closing a remarkable chapter in basketball history. The Hall of Famer, who has been a constant presence in the league since 1972 as both a coach and broadcaster, signed off in Milwaukee— where his NBA journey first began. As the Bucks secured a 135-127 victory over the 76ers, players from both teams showed their respect, stopping by the broadcast table to honor him.
"I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough. We just want to send them the love that I've seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride," Brown said addressing his retirement.
During the first timeout, the Fiserv Forum scoreboard played a tribute video, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd. Brown blew kisses to the fans. The crowd cheered the legend with a heartfelt “Thank you” honoring the appreciation for his decades-long impact on the game.

After the game, officials presented Brown with the game ball, a tribute to his decades of dedication to the sport. As the game wrapped up, Hubie Brown had one final exchange with play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.
"Thanks for your patience, fans. Today was a wonderful day for my family, because they're all here today. I love you all. And thank you for the opportunity from management," Brown said.
Support and respect for the star emerged from the broadcaster from all over the NBA community. Damian Lillard who stole the night with his masterclass performance recording 43 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in the game, shared that it was an honor to be a part of the game where the NBA legend signed off from his commentary duty. “It's mandatory that we pay our respect to him,” Lillard shared in a post-game talk with a reporter.

“Where our league is, what we’re able to do, as a brotherhood and as a league, you gotta pay love and respect to the people that pave the way and the people who have been around from the beginning. And, I know he started when he was 24 years old, and now his last game, he’s 91. That’s a lifelong investment in care and love into the game. And, it’s mandatory that we pay our respect to him,” he added.
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Los Angeles Lakers veteran, LeBron James also paid his homage. Taking to his X, he wrote, "HUBIE BROWN THE 🐐!!!!!!!"
Certainly, it was an emotional moment as Brown ended his legendary career after witnessing the league and generations of athletes for decades.