A courtside or sideline reporter’s job typically doesn’t encompass play-by-play duties. However, due to being on a different audio feed than the main commentary, they occasionally step in during technical difficulties that disrupt the main booth’s broadcast. This was recently exemplified during an NBA playoff game on Sunday, when NBA on TNT sideline reporter Dennis Scott temporarily took over for Spero Dedes and Candace Parker during a Miami Heat-Cleveland Cavaliers matchup:
TNT sideline reporter Dennis Scott takes over the play-by-play duties for Spero Dedes during technical difficulties on the Heat-Cavs Game 1 broadcast. 🏀🎙️#NBA pic.twitter.com/ja5VK6vt2B
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 20, 2025
Scott did an impressive job filling a role he didn’t expect to assume, especially since he was on his own. When the main booth returned after a commercial break, Dedes commended his performance:
Spero Dedes and Candace Parker return, with Dedes apologizing for the TNT technical difficulties after Dennis Scott fills in for play-by-play. “I hear Dennis Scott’s play-by-play, Candace, was tremendous.”🏀🎙️ #NBA pic.twitter.com/ru8r3J4EGB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 20, 2025
This situation is less than ideal for any broadcast, particularly during playoffs and high-viewership days like Easter Sunday, despite Phil Jackson’s known aversion to games on that day. Nevertheless, Scott and the entire TNT team handled the situation admirably, providing apologies and clarifications to the viewers during and after the technical issues. Scott’s quick adaptation is in line with the storied legacy of sideline and courtside reporters who have stepped up to serve as emergency play-by-play announcers, a tradition upheld by notable figures like Holly Rowe and Jamie Erdahl.