BREAKING: Thunder Announcer Nancy Lieberman Suspended for Game 2 After Controversial Comment on Cason Wallace
May 21, 2025 | Oklahoma City, OK — In a stunning development just days into the NBA Western Conference Finals, Oklahoma City Thunder announcer Nancy Lieberman has been suspended for Game 2 of the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The suspension stems from a comment she made during the Thunder’s Game 1 broadcast regarding rookie guard Cason Wallace that drew immediate backlash from fans and analysts across the league.
The Thunder organization confirmed the suspension Wednesday morning in a brief statement:
“Nancy Lieberman will not be part of the Game 2 broadcast team following a review of comments made during Monday night’s game. We take matters of professionalism and respect seriously, and we are committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment both on and off the court.”
While the Thunder did not specify the exact nature of the comment in their release, multiple sources and social media clips circulated shortly after Game 1 highlight the moment in question. During the second quarter, after Wallace missed a defensive assignment that led to a Timberwolves fast break, Lieberman remarked:
“You expect a young guy like Cason to hustle back. Sometimes it looks like he’s moving at half speed—like he’s not fully engaged mentally out there.”
The comment sparked swift reaction online, with many criticizing Lieberman for what they perceived as an unfair characterization of Wallace’s effort and mental focus. Some fans and commentators argued that the phrasing, particularly the suggestion that Wallace was “not fully engaged mentally,” carried troubling connotations, especially given Wallace’s reputation as a disciplined and hard-working player.
Wallace, 20, has been one of the breakout rookies of the 2024–25 season, playing a pivotal role off the bench for the Thunder with his gritty defense and timely shooting. Drafted 10th overall out of Kentucky, he quickly earned the trust of head coach Mark Daigneault and has been praised league-wide for his poise and maturity.
Following the game, Wallace was asked during the postgame press conference whether he had heard Lieberman’s comment. He responded calmly:
“I didn’t hear it, but people told me about it. Look, I try to play hard every minute I’m on the floor. I know I’ve got things to learn, but I never take a play off. That’s not who I am.”
Lieberman, 66, is a pioneering figure in basketball. As one of the first women to play professionally and later coach in men’s professional leagues, she has long been celebrated for breaking barriers and championing gender equity in sports. She joined the Thunder broadcast team in 2023 and has been known for her candid commentary and deep knowledge of the game.
Late Tuesday night, Lieberman issued a public apology on X (formerly Twitter):
“I want to apologize to Cason Wallace, his family, and the Thunder community for my remarks during Game 1. My intent was never to question his character or commitment. I recognize that my words were poorly chosen and did not reflect the respect I have for Cason as a player and as a person.”
The NBA and the Thunder’s broadcast partner, Bally Sports Oklahoma, have not commented on whether further disciplinary action is being considered. For now, Lieberman’s suspension applies solely to Friday’s Game 2 matchup in Minneapolis, though sources indicate internal discussions are ongoing.
The situation has sparked debate across sports media. Some have argued that Lieberman’s suspension is an overreaction, pointing to the pressures of live broadcasting and the split-second nature of in-game analysis. Others contend that seasoned broadcasters must be held to a high standard, especially when commenting on young players navigating the intense scrutiny of playoff basketball.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins weighed in on First Take Wednesday morning, saying,
“Look, Nancy’s a legend, and we all respect her, but when you’re talking about a young Black athlete in this league, words matter. You’ve got to be careful not to play into tired narratives about effort or mental focus, especially when it’s not based on fact.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault declined to address the situation in detail during his media availability but reiterated his support for Wallace:
“Cason’s been an incredible pro since Day 1. He plays his heart out every night, and we’ve got his back.”
As for the Thunder, they lead the series 1-0 after a convincing 112-103 win in Game 1, with Wallace contributing 9 points and two steals in 21 minutes. Game 2, set for Friday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis, now comes with added tension—not just on the court, but in the broadcast booth as well.
It remains to be seen who will replace Lieberman for Game 2. Bally Sports has not yet named a substitute color analyst, though longtime Thunder sideline reporter Paris Lawson and former NBA player Antonio Daniels are considered likely options.
With the series already promising to be a tightly contested battle between two of the league’s youngest and most exciting teams, the off-court drama adds another layer to a matchup already brimming with narrative weight. The Thunder, riding high on their youth and depth, now face a new test—not just in defending their home-court advantage, but in navigating the cultural and media scrutiny that comes with a deep playoff run.
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