Kendrick Perkins biting Bob Myers on live TV has NBA fans in disbelief [VIDEO]

Kendrick Perkins Pretends to Bite Bob Myers During NBA Finals Halftime Show

Kendrick Perkins had another unforgettable on-air moment during halftime of Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals when he leaned over the ESPN desk and jokingly pretended to bite fellow analyst Bob Myers. The incident, which aired live on June 5, quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a wave of memes, reactions, and disbelief.

The panel—featuring Stephen A. Smith, Malika Andrews, Bob Myers, and Perkins—was breaking down the first-half action between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Thunder up 57-45 at the break, all eyes were on the broadcast. And that’s when Perkins, known for his unpredictable energy, leaned in with exaggerated barking noises and mock-bit Myers’ shoulder.

The Internet Reacts

NBA fans flooded social media with posts ranging from laughter to confusion:

• @bkbuffalomeat: “Kendrick Perkins bit the sh*t outta Bob Myers for no reason LMAO”
• @HaterReport_: “No way man lmaoo. Kendrick Perkins just bit Bob Myers on live TV “
• @MicahAdamsStatGuy: “Kendrick Perkins just tried to eat Bob Myers’ shoulder like the Cookie Monster. It’s the NBA Finals.”
• @DravisTheTrue: “Kendrick Perkins just bit Bob Myers on live tv. #WhatHappenedToTheGameILove”
• @PerSources: “Man why did Kendrick Perkins just bite Bob Myers “
• @bismofunyans: “Kendrick Perkins just bit Bob Myers lmao. #ThunderUp”

Within hours, video clips of the moment were circulating with captions like “Perk really just did that?” and “What is happening on ESPN tonight?”

Alongside Stephen A. Smith, Perk has become known for his antics while commentating on ESPN. During an interview, Kendrick said he was told that the “E” in ESPN stands for “Entertainment.” As a result, Perk says his goal is to put on a show. This strategy has led to him getting commercials, such as his Chime promo spot, that airs daily.

A Pattern of Viral Antics

This isn’t the first time Kendrick Perkins has brought chaos to the halftime desk. In December 2023, during a Celtics-Sixers game, he made headlines for barking like a dog during halftime analysis. At that time, ESPN viewers were both amused and bewildered, a mix that seems to follow Perkins regularly.

A year later, in November 2024, Perkins did the same thing. He began barking aggressively at Chiney Ogwumike, his “NBA Today” co-host. There were several reports from the media who claimed he scared her. She definitely reacted as if she were startled by his barking. In addition to his barking, Perk is also outspoken.

He also criticized TNT’s playoff coverage a year ago, in 2024, calling out Reggie Miller for dominating air time during a Knicks-Pacers game. Whether he’s sharing analysis or sparking controversy, Perkins rarely goes unnoticed.

Why It Landed

With Game 1 being such a high-profile matchup—a one-point Pacers win (111-110) in a Finals between two small-market teams—viewership was massive. That made the moment even more viral. Perkins, already trending for his energetic delivery, pushed it over the edge with his bizarre but ultimately harmless bite.

Additionally, Perk has expressed his excitement for the Oklahoma City Thunder reaching the NBA Finals. The last time the Thunder competed for a championship, it was 2012. Back then, Perk was the Thunder’s starting center.

The panel’s reactions also helped sell the moment. Malika Andrews and Stephen A. Smith both looked caught off guard, while Myers, to his credit, appeared to laugh it off, although his slight lean away was clear. The authenticity of the reactions fueled speculation: Was it scripted? Was Myers expecting it? Either way, the moment broke through the typical halftime routine and became a defining visual of Game 1.

While no official comment has been made by ESPN or Myers, it’s clear the network is leaning into the moment, airing replays during postgame and not shying away from the viral heat.

Halftime Chaos, Full Game Drama

Game 1 itself was an instant classic, with the Indiana Pacers narrowly edging out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110. The game featured a fierce back-and-forth between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, both fighting to lead their franchise to its first NBA title.

By halftime, the Thunder led 57-45, and Perkins’ desk antics added unexpected levity to an already dramatic night. Fans tuned in for basketball and got a bit of viral mayhem too. As a result, the fans wound up getting two classic moments with the game.

Before the game got into full swing, there were jokes about SGA and his free throws. After that, Perk created the already-infamous moment with Bob Myers. Then, the second half of Game 1 saw the Pacers work their way back into the game, like they’ve done all postseason.

From start to finish, this ABC broadcast brought the entertainment for fans.

The Bigger Picture

Kendrick Perkins, a 2008 NBA champion and 40-year-old former Thunder and Celtics big man, has evolved into one of ESPN’s most talked-about personalities. While some fans love his unfiltered takes and antics, others find them distracting. That tension is part of what makes moments like this trend.

His strong Oklahoma City ties give him even more presence during these Finals. And with the Thunder now trailing 0-1 in the series, his role in both analyzing and inadvertently entertaining the audience seems set to grow.

Perkins has often prided himself on his level of outspokenness. In addition, he repeatedly stated that his goals are to entertain the people at all-times. As a result, he lets his personality shine through when he’s offering his regular commentary. That’s led to an increasing number of moments where he’s emulated a dog.

This time, right in the middle of the NBA Finals’ Game 1, Perk wound up creating one of the wildest moments in television history. Not to be outdone, the game itself lived up to the hype. The Thunder are going back to the drawing board, the Pacers are three wins from the title, and Perk left viewers confused.

Some viewers are calling for ESPN to rein him in. Others are calling for more. Either way, it’s Perk’s world—and during NBA Finals coverage, we’re all just watching it.