Fans slam Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson over NBA Finals commentary [VIDEO]
Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson Received Much Backlash Over Their Game 7 Commentary
Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson are facing major backlash after their performance on the call for Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 103-91 to win the championship last night, but fans were more focused on ESPN’s commentary team—and not in a good way.
For years, Doris Burke’s commentating style has been a topic of discussion. Meanwhile, Richard Jefferson is often finding the things he says become trending topics on social media. However, the fans made it clear they wanted more from the commentary of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Awkward Exchange Sparks Outrage
Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Burke and Jefferson, particularly for an awkward and confusing exchange about the gather step and traveling rules. The moment, triggered by an on-court play, showed Jefferson attempting to explain the gather step to Burke. What might have been a clarifying discussion turned into a mess, with fans calling it awkward, ill-informed, and painful to listen to.
“Richard Jefferson actively trying to teach Doris Burke what’s a travel. He had to let it go but nah he doubled down.” – @KevinOwildin
“Doris Burke has looked foolish tonight when trying to talk about basketball with Richard Jefferson.” – @JoshIseberg
Viewers Call for a Shakeup
The negative reactions poured in from every direction. While Mike Breen rounded out the commentary trio, most of the fire was directed at Burke and Jefferson, with fans saying their dynamic lacked chemistry and credibility—especially in a Game 7 setting.
“Every time Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson open their mouths, there’s a 99% chance they’re about to talk absolute nonsense.” – @Ryan
“Can we please get anyone not named Doris Burke or Richard Jefferson on the broadcast?” – @ColeCarter
“Richard Jefferson and Doris Burke suck.” – @crt
Long-Brewing Frustration
This wasn’t an isolated incident. ESPN’s decision to move on from Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in 2023 was already met with skepticism. The Finals crew of Breen, Burke, and Jefferson officially came together in February 2025, according to ESPN Press Room. However, Game 7 was their biggest stage yet—and many fans feel they dropped the ball.
The gather step exchange became symbolic of a larger issue: lack of synergy and perceived technical gaps. Comments like “they don’t understand what an NBA gather step is” trended alongside hashtags like #NBAFinals.
The perception that neither commentator had a strong grasp of basic rules left fans questioning whether ESPN had placed the right team on its biggest stage. The moment was so distracting that fans stopped talking about the game and started talking about the broadcast.
Context Behind the Crew
The shift in broadcast teams began after Van Gundy and Jackson were let go in 2023. Burke, a longtime sideline reporter and occasional analyst, was promoted to full-time broadcast duties. Jefferson, who had provided studio analysis, joined the broadcast team for the 2024–25 season.
Game 7 of the 2025 Finals—an emotional night for fans and players alike—put the spotlight squarely on them. But instead of elevating the game, many feel the commentary detracted from it.
For many fans, that was disappointing, seeing how the Thunder and Pacers delivered a championship series that won’t be forgotten.
Social Media Turns Brutal
X was filled with frustration, jokes, and criticism aimed directly at the broadcast team. Users like @xpug.HODL tweeted, “I AM TIRED OF HEARING DORIS BURKE AND RICHARD JEFFERSON SAY WORDS,” while @LucasStieferman added, “They don’t understand what an NBA gather step is.” These weren’t isolated hot takes—they reflected a wave of discontent.
Even memes began surfacing, with edited videos mocking the commentary or using exaggerated audio dubs to parody the exchange. One viral clip added background laughter over their discussion, sarcastically labeling it “NBA 101.”
Viewer Trust at Risk
Game 7s aren’t just basketball games—they’re national events. Millions of viewers expect coverage to match the moment. For many fans, that trust was broken during the 2025 Finals. The controversy surrounding the booth has opened up broader discussions about ESPN’s direction, talent decisions, and its grasp of basketball culture.
This isn’t just about one misstep—it’s about ESPN’s brand, credibility, and connection with NBA audiences. In a year where the league’s popularity is peaking again, fans are demanding a broadcast team that can elevate, not distract from, the game.
Will ESPN Respond?
ESPN is no stranger to viewer feedback, and the trending criticism could factor into future broadcast decisions. A report from Awful Announcing, earlier this month, suggested Burke’s Finals future was already uncertain. Now, those discussions may intensify.
While discussions may intensify, there have been no official reports from the network about a shakeup. In fact, every time she commentates, Doris Burke trends on social media for her voice, alone. As previously mentioned, Jefferson, meanwhile has become one of the most visible figures at ESPN via “NBA Today.”
However, none of this changes the displeasure that many viewers of Game 7 expressed, last night. As a result, there is a discussion, even if it is only among the fans.
Fans are pushing for analysts with deeper chemistry and better technical insight, especially for Finals broadcasts. Whether that leads to a shakeup remains to be seen.
Final Word
The 2025 NBA Finals may have ended with the Thunder hoisting their first championship trophy, but much of the social conversation is centered around who was on the mic. As the dust settles, ESPN will have to evaluate whether their current trio can deliver Finals-level coverage—or if it’s time for a new era.
From questionable rule discussions to a lack of chemistry, Game 7’s commentary team failed to meet expectations. And fans, as they made clear on X, are done staying quiet about it.
Ultimately, people always want something to talk about. Whether it’s good or bad, people are going to talk. The 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Thunder and Pacers was one that kept people talking. From Haliburton’s game-winner in Game 1, to the Thunder’s domination after Game 3, the series was entertaining.
Now, fans are on social media dissecting everything they just witnessed, even the commentators.