The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in franchise history on Monday night, beating the Miami Heat 94-89 in a gritty, sloppy but thrilling Game 5.
It was the crowning moment for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and company, who shrugged off questions about their playoff viability in a thoroughly dominant playoff run that saw them lose just four games en route to a championship. It was also the third championship win in two years for franchise owner Stan Kroenke, as he also owns the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Rams. As such, you’d think Kroenke would know how the trophy presentation interview works.
You’d be wrong, because Kroenke, for reasons unknown to anyone, did the entire interview speaking directly into Lisa Salters’ ear as she tried her best to hold the microphone in front of him.
It was really weird! So odd, in fact, that ABC cut Kroenke speaking entirely to show Nikola Jokic and other Nuggets members celebrating behind him as he continued to speak directly into Salters’ ear – who should be commended for handling a very delicate situation like a pro. The only thing I can think of is that it was very loud and Kroenke for some reason thought Salters must be the one hearing him speak, not the people in the arena or on TV, but even so, it was very uncomfortable.
You can also rest assured that the screenshot of this moment will immediately become another mansplaining meme, as Salters did his best to keep his composure as he spoke directly into his ear.