Hubie Brown received tributes from across the NBA community as the former coach and longtime broadcaster headed into retirement after spending more than half a century in pro basketball.
The 91-year-old Brown called his final game Sunday as the host Milwaukee Bucks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 135-127. He was awarded the game ball after the final horn sounded.
“I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough,” Brown said at the end of the ABC telecast. “We just want to send them the love that I’ve seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride.”
Players from both teams approached him before the game to shake his hand. He received a standing ovation during the opening timeout as a video honoring him aired on the Fiserv Forum scoreboard, and Brown responded by blowing kisses to the crowd and mouthing “Thank you.”
Brown indicated he almost cried as that video aired.