Doris Burke is known for being the first woman to analyze a Finals broadcast across America’s four major sports leagues. However, that legacy hasn’t shielded her from fan criticism. The veteran ESPN broadcaster recently drew ire for her remarks on officiating during a playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Specifically, she defended a no-call on a play involving Lakers guard Austin Reaves, which fans felt was a clear foul.
During the play, Reaves drove to the basket and was visibly hindered by Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein, who extended his arms and made contact above Reaves’ chest. Despite the lack of a whistle, Burke praised the officials, stating, “I think that’s a good no-call. I think this is becoming a much. These refs have done a really good job.” This stance marks a notable shift from her earlier criticisms of the Thunder’s style of play, which had previously upset Oklahoma City fans.
Earlier this year, Burke criticized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a “free-throw merchant,” but now she is urging the Lakers to adjust to the Thunder’s physicality. In February, she also questioned a flagrant 2 call against Lu Dort for tripping Nikola Jokic, suggesting it should have been a flagrant 1. “I thought it was a flagrant 1, to be perfectly frank with you,” she said at the time, further fueling accusations of bias toward Oklahoma City’s aggressive defense.
This pattern of commentary has not gone unnoticed. Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green also weighed in on social media, referencing a separate incident involving Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. In a reply to a fan comment, Green wrote, “She will always ignore things happening to me and only half mention the good. And take shots when they are available. Been that way for a while…” Many interpreted this as a critique of Burke’s perceived favoritism toward certain teams.
Fans have grown weary of Burke’s apparent bias. One frustrated viewer wrote, “Can someone please cut Doris Burke’s mic off 🤐🤐🤐🤫.” Others speculated that her recent demotion from the NBA Finals broadcast team may be linked to such controversial takes. Another fan commented, “‘Yea a good no call’ Doris Burke…you know basketball too well to spew that bs.” Lakers supporters even shared clips of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receiving foul calls on minimal contact, contrasting Burke’s lenient view on similar plays against their team.
