The Boston Celtics won their 64th game on April 14 to cap off the franchise's best regular season in decades. For a few hours, that seemed to hardly matter. The story wasn't on the court but on a table directly near it.
As city mayor Michelle Wu declared, it was Mike Gorman Day. Spotlighting the Dorchester native's illustrious career, the Celtics showered their longtime announcer with a day full of heartfelt tributes during his emotional goodbye. His 43 years at the helm have spanned generations, and his tandem with the legendary Tommy Heinsohn is one of the longest-tenured partnerships in American sports history.
For every emphatic "got it," there were countless stories from the 80s that were equally insightful and hysterical. His style adapted over time, but few garnered more constant praise. Gorman is a living legend in every sense of the term.
For his incredible contributions to the sport, members across the basketball world gave Gorman his flowers.
The basketball world paid their respects to the now-retired voice of the Boston Celtics, Mike Gorman
No player is as synonmous with Gorman's voice as Larry Bird.
"Mike, I want to congratulate you on your amazing career—you gave your all each and every game," Bird said. "You are an outstanding broadcaster, and you were always so easy to work with—I appreciate the opportunity to know you and wish you the very best."
The architect and former coach of the Celtics, Brad Stevens, with some warm words.
"Congratulations on an amazing career," Stevens said. "It's hard to think of the Celtics without thinking of your voice and the stories you brought to life in every living room in New England. Thank you so much for everything you've done."
The voice of the NBA Finals and the New York Knicks, Mike Breen, spoke from the heart.
"Congratulations, Mike, on what truly is one of the most remarkable careers in our industry," Breen said. "But I don't want to say congratulations; I want to say thank you. Thank you for being a role model for me and so many of us. But not just as a role model because of your skill and talent as a play-by-play broadcaster but also because of who you are as a man. One of the true blessings of my life is to tell people Mike Gorman is my friend. So with much admiration, much respect, and so much love, I say thank you."
Writer for Sports Illustrated and NBC Boston analyst, Chris Mannix, tweeted his admiration.
"Just an incredible career for Mike Gorman, Dorchester born and raised, served his country in the Navy and came home to become one of the greatest local broadcasters in sports history," Mannix said. "And as good he is on the mic, he's an even better person."
Washington Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe, a Massachusetts native, paid his respects to Gorman before his press conference.
"I grew up listening to Gorman," Keefe said. "This guy left a tremendous mark on me, and I know they're celebrating him today. I just wanted to acknowledge him and what he's meant to this community. I'm part of that community. I listened to him in my formative years of basketball."
Head coach of the Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, weighed in on his relationship with the broadcaster.
"In the back of the plane, my first couple of years, I'd walk back there, and we'd have conversations," Mazulla said. "Listening to his insight and his wisdom, his humility, and his ability to connect with different people resonated with me. And then just being the voice of the team. His voice is distinct, whether it's on telivision or in person it sounds the same. I'm honored to have gotten to know him and be a part of his last few days here."
Even the commisioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, released a statement.
"Mike Gorman is Boston Sports royalty," Silver said. "As the voice of the Celtics for 43 years, he has brought joy and lasting memories to legions of fans through his signature style. On behalf of everyone at the NBA, we congratulate Mike on his Hall of Fame broadcasting career."