5 best moments in Craig Sager’s career
By John Buhler
Beloved NBA on TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager passed away at the age of 65 on December 15th from leukemia. Here are the best moments of his career.
The NBA lost one of its most beloved people on Thursday, Dec. 15. Longtime NBA on TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager sadly passed away from his long battle with leukemia at the age of 65.
Sager was known for his ability to get the biggest stars to answer the tough questions, for his outstanding professionalism, and of course, the suits. There will never be another sideline reporter quite like Sager. He will be dearly missed. Here are the five best moments from Sager’s broadcasting career.
5. Craig Sager Jr. interviews Gregg Popovich
Sager had probably the most interesting relationship with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich from his time doing sideline reporting for TNT. The Spurs were a model of excellence in the Western Conference under Popovich, winning over 50 games annually and five NBA Finals since he took over in 1996.
With unbelievable success as a head coach, Popovich would grow increasingly reluctant to speak with the media in-between quarters. He would often give one-word answers to questions he hated. Sager had to deal with Popovich many times, but was able to build a great working relationship with him over the years.
When Sager was first diagnosed with leukemia, his son Craig Sager Jr. got to interview Popovich between the third and fourth quarters of the Spurs’ first round 2014 Western Conference Playoffs series with the rival Dallas Mavericks.
Popovich would answer all of the younger Sager’s questions and then gave the elder Sager a fantastic ‘Get well soon” message for everybody watching the playoff game on TNT. It was the first of many moments that showed how much Sager meant to everybody who loves the NBA.