The NBA playoffs continued this weekend and Sunday saw the Denver Nuggets even their series with the Minnesota Timberwolves at two games apiece as they won their second straight road game. During the game, the team continued celebrating its 35th season by honoring their first television announcer, Kevin Harlan. Harlan was calling the game for TNT along with Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford and Allie LaForce.
As they came out of a break, LaForce said, “Moments ago, fans celebrated 35 years of Timberwolves basketball and they took us back to 1989 when it all began. That happens to be the year that Kevin Harlan became the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first nine years of the team’s existence. He left his mark on this city with his iconic calls.
“It’s hard to imagine the NBA without hearing Kevin’s voice and it all started here. During that time, he called Kevin Garnett’s first three seasons, he also called the ‘Wolves first two playoff appearances in 1997 and 1998. The NBA would not be the same without you partner, and as much as you inspire the audience, you inspire Jamal, Reggie and I as well.”
“You are so sweet Ali, thank you, thank you guys and thanks to the Timberwolves organization,” Harlan responded after video footage was shown of Harlan receiving a Timberwolves jersey with his name and the number 35 on it. “It was my privilege to do their first nine seasons here in Minneapolis.”
Harlan had called NBA games for the Kansas City Kings (now the Sacramento Kings) in 1982, when he was 22 years old and right out of college. He then called a season of games for the University of Kansas before going on to call games for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1985-1993. Harlan joined Turner sports in 1996.
