The NBA decided to move back completely to Tuesday night's broadcast of the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers clash. NBC decided to use the aesthetic and sound of their old NBA broadcasts, and they had veteran commentators on the call including former head coaches Doug Collins and Mike Fratello, as well as play-by-play maestro Bob Costas.
Although the game, in the end, was not very competitive anyway, it at least created a sense of novelty that millions of fans connected with. There is nothing more nostalgic than listening to the old NBA on NBC theme while watching the broadcast team use retro graphics, as this has made many fans feel as if they are more in touch with their inner child than ever before.
The NBA on NBC is airing a rerun of tonight's game between the Spurs and Sixers in Philly.
Bob Costas, Doug Collins and Mike Fratello are on the call. pic.twitter.com/XwWtt9I979
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 4 March 2026
"Loved the old school NBA graphics on NBC tonight. Also, Mike Fratello may be the most underappreciated analyst of my time. Dude is always hilarious," wrote X user @jimmytraina.
@21stCenturyTim said, "The throwback NBC score bug is beautiful. Memo to every network, every game: This is all we need."
The throwback NBC score bug is pretty cute.
Memos for every network, every game: That's all we need. pic.twitter.com/HjMFA9sdJ9- Tim Roberts (@21stCenturyTim) 4 March 2026
@GershOnline added, "NBC has completely recreated the graphics package from the original NBA on NBC. It's throwback telecast artistry."
NBC has completely acquired the graphics package from the original NBA on NBC.
This is throwback telecast artistry. pic.twitter.com/Zy1fM2UFGR
- Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) 4 March 2026
Fans mock 76ers for blowout vs. Spurs on NBC Throwback Night
The 76ers were missing Joel Embiid and Paul George in Tuesday night's contest against the Spurs, and they also lost VJ Edgecombe to an injury during the game. Still, they couldn't hold a candle to the Spurs, as San Antonio, at the time of writing, led by nearly 50 points – much to the dismay of fans.
“The Sixers should never have been allowed on national TV,” @kukblue1 wrote.
@TommyUndersSGS said, "I'm so glad they decided to air the Sixers game tonight on NBC. Keeping it nice and close.. only under 40."
"NBC launched some old school NBA on NBC talent like Bob Costas, Mike Fratello, Doug Collins and Jim Gray for a Throwback Tuesday experience for the Spurs and Sixers to totally suck the game out. Thanks for coming to work today Philly ???," @kensgotbs continued.
