Mark Jones had a moment to shine. And let’s just say he could’ve done a better job.
Jones filled in Thursday for ESPN’s Mike Breen to call Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. Jones also called Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with Breen on the bench after testing positive for COVID-19.
On Thursday, Jones, like many basketball fans, was stunned by the Boston Celtics’ furious fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Golden State Warriors, 40-16 in the final frame to steal Game 1 in San Francisco, 120-108.
However during a 14-0 run by the Celtics, Jones opened the door to criticism: “The Celtics have stormed ahead! This insurrection has them leading by 11.”
It’s unclear if Jones was trying to refer to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. But those on Twitter found his choice of words, curious to say the least.
“Stormed? Insurrection? The heck…”
“Good lord what a force. ‘Insurrection.’ Mark Jones just can’t help himself.”
“Yo Mark Jones, we’re not doing casual insurrection jokes yet”
“I can’t believe Mark Jones called this fourth quarter ‘The Insurrection’”
“Did Mark Jones really just call this an insurrection?”
“Mark Jones we can’t say insurrection anymore”
ESPN lead NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and insider Adrian Wojnarowski also missed Game 1 with COVID issues. Jones called the game with Mark Jackson in a two-man booth.
Boston is making its first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2010 and chasing the franchise’s 18th NBA Title.
The Warriors are in the finals for the sixth time in the last eight years and chasing the organization’s seventh championship overall.
Game 2 is Sunday.
Story by Mike Rosenstein, nj.com
