Hours before kickoff at Super Bowl 59, as the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Philadelphia 76ers, the sports world bore witness to the conclusion of Hubie Brown’s legendary broadcasting career. The 91-year-old called his final NBA game in Milwaukee as the Bucks took on the 76ers and defeated Philadelphia 135-127. Damian Lillard delivered a special performance, but the night was all about Hubie as one of the greatest minds in basketball history closed the last chapter of his storied career.
Inside Hubie Brown’s Remarkable Basketball Journey
Hubie Brown played professional basketball before becoming a high school coach in 1955 and has been in and around the game ever since. He first coached in the professional ranks in 1972, where he was an assistant on the great Milwaukee teams of the early 70s, which were led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Brown was then a head coach in the ABA and NBA for the Kentucky Colonels, the Atlanta Hawks, the New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies. He won the ABA championship with Kentucky and was NBA Coach of the Year twice during his almost-30-year coaching career.
Following the conclusion of his coaching career, Brown was one of the best broadcasters in the NBA, with a reputation for his basketball intelligence and ability to teach fans of all ages about the game. February 9th, 2025 was his final game, where alongside ESPN’s Mike Breen, he narrated the action for fans around the world one final time.
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The Milwaukee Bucks Showed Out For Hubie’s Final Game
Pregame festivities honoring Brown included a standing ovation and even Bucks mascot Bango delivering Brown a celebratory cake. Players from both teams, including Brook Lopez, Joel Embiid, and Bobby Portis, who has had a special relationship with Brown over his career, came to greet the legendary broadcaster before tipoff.
SO much respect for Hubie Brown from the Sixers/Bucks players 🫶
Hubie’s final call is UNDERWAY alongside Mike Breen on ABC! pic.twitter.com/h2y3fKcrJZ
— NBA (@NBA) February 9, 2025
As the game commenced, the Bucks were hoping to reverse what has been a tough recent stretch. With just a 2-6 record in their last 8 games and without Giannis Antetokounmpo on Sunday, there was a lot of work to do against a Philadelphia team that, despite their struggles, were fielding Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all together for one of the few times this season.
For the Bucks, it was a home debut for new acquisition Kyle Kuzma. After scoring 12 points in Atlanta on Friday, the forward was keen to get in on the action. As per usual, Damian Lillard had a lot more on his plate without his running mate Antetokounmpo, and he had a fantastic performance.
Lillard and Maxey provided the majority of the highlights, trading deep threes, impressive midrange jumpers, and dazzling finishes at the rim, with Brown detailing the talent of both star guards. Lillard tallied 43 points total, a season-high for the 34-year-old. Kuzma chipped in 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in a solid debut at Fiserv Forum. Another newly acquired Buck, Jericho Sims, did not get any playing time.
The Bucks controlled the entire 4th quarter and won 135-127.
Milwaukee Once Again Honored Hubie Brown after the Final Whistle
After the game had ended, Milwaukee celebrated their win but also once again honored Hubie Brown. Even more players came over to thank him, including George, Lillard, and more. Brown was presented with the game ball, and as ESPN’s Lisa Salters interviewed Lillard, the All-Star point guard took his time to thank Brown for everything he has done for the game.
“IT’S MANDATORY THAT WE PAY OUR RESPECT TO HIM.” 🗣️
Damian Lillard with a POWERFUL sentiment on the legendary Hubie Brown! 💯 pic.twitter.com/38NKWm74Oc
— NBA (@NBA) February 9, 2025
It was a great day for the Bucks to get back in the win column, but a sad afternoon for the game of basketball, who said a heartfelt farewell to Hubie Brown, the greatest to ever do it.
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