Ryan Ruocco has been a prominent voice during many unforgettable sports moments in recent years. From calling Domingo Germán’s perfect game for YES in 2023 to notable highlights for ESPN/ABC during the 2024 WNBA Finals and the women’s college basketball title game, he has witnessed a plethora of thrilling finishes. Although the stakes of a regular-season NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets on Tuesday weren’t as high, the finish was just as electrifying, showcasing Ruocco’s exceptional talent:
“Inbound, STOLEN AWAY! RUSSELL! YOU BET! HE GOT IT!” @RyanRuocco had the YES call of the Nets’ remarkable comeback against the Rockets, which saw them hit two three-pointers within four seconds of each other. pic.twitter.com/EzXjOjupZO
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 5, 2025
Indeed, that was a thrilling finish! It began with Cameron Johnson sinking a long three-pointer with just 6.9 seconds remaining, bringing Brooklyn within one point. Ruocco captured that moment with palpable excitement, declaring, “It’s GOOOOD! It’s a one-point game!” His enthusiasm skyrocketed when Amen Thompson’s inbounds pass went astray, failing to reach Dillon Brooks. As the pass went off course, the Nets’ Tosan Evbuomwan tipped it to Russell, who then drained a three-pointer, giving Brooklyn a two-point lead with only 3.4 seconds left. Ruocco’s excited call, “RUSSELL! YOU BET! HE GOT IT!” fit perfectly with the intensity of the moment. The Nets’ 99-97 lead would stand, as Jalen Green’s long three at the buzzer failed to find the basket.
This game may not have had the significance of some of Ruocco’s other calls, but the finish was undoubtedly epic, and he did an outstanding job conveying that excitement.
