Doris Burke gets emotional in moving tribute to longtime partner Mark Jones

Sunday, April 12, 2026, marked a special and deeply emotional moment for NBA broadcasts on ESPN, as Doris Burke and Mark Jones called their final game together during the matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic.

A highly emotional moment in the broadcast

During the transmission, Burke took a few seconds to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Jones, recognizing his legendary career and the lasting impact he made after more than 30 years at ESPN. Both broadcasters openly showed their mutual affection and respect in a moment filled with emotion.

“Partner, we’ve got to take a second because tonight, I know your career is gonna continue on after, but after spending more than half your life calling games for this network, tonight is it,” Burke said. “And I just want you to know, everybody involved – in the truck, here courtside – we are honored to be here with you.”

Jones, visibly moved, kept his composure and responded with professionalism, assuring he would close out the night “as it should be.”

As Burke highlighted, Mark Jones is closing a remarkable chapter of more than three decades in NBA broadcasting. His journey began in 1990 with ABC, and after 36 years he decided to step aside, delivering his final NBA regular-season broadcast on that same April 12.

In addition to his work with the network, Jones continues as the primary voice of the Sacramento Kings on NBC Sports California, cementing his status as one of the most respected play-by-play announcers in the game.

The farewell couldn’t have been more fitting: a high-intensity NBA game in which Boston secured the win, providing the perfect ending to a career defined by consistency, passion, and excellence in sports broadcasting.