Fans Nostalgic for NBC's Throwback Broadcast of Spurs vs. 76ers

The network used vintage graphics, announcers, and theme music to recreate the feel of classic NBA on NBC telecasts.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NBA decided to go old-school for the broadcast of Tuesday night's game between the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers, with NBC using the aesthetic and sound of their vintage NBA broadcasts. Veteran commentators Bob Costas, Doug Collins, and Mike Fratello called the game, which delighted fans who tuned in for the nostalgic experience. However, the game itself was not very competitive, with the Spurs blowing out the short-handed 76ers.

Why it matters

The throwback broadcast tapped into fans' nostalgia for the classic NBA on NBC telecasts of the 1990s and early 2000s, which many consider to be the golden era of NBA television coverage. The use of retro graphics, theme music, and legendary announcers like Costas, Collins, and Fratello created a sense of timelessness that resonated with viewers.

The details

NBC used vintage graphics, score bugs, and other visual elements to recreate the look and feel of their old NBA broadcasts. The network also brought in veteran commentators Bob Costas, Doug Collins, and Mike Fratello to call the game, further enhancing the nostalgic experience for fans. While the game itself was a blowout, with the Spurs dominating the short-handed 76ers, the throwback broadcast provided a welcome dose of NBA nostalgia for viewers.

  • The throwback broadcast aired on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Bob Costas

A legendary play-by-play announcer who was the face of NBC's NBA coverage for many years.

Doug Collins

A former NBA head coach who served as an analyst for NBC's NBA broadcasts.

Mike Fratello

A former NBA head coach who was known for his insightful analysis as an NBC NBA analyst.

San Antonio Spurs

An NBA team based in San Antonio, Texas that was featured in the throwback broadcast.

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was featured in the throwback broadcast.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Loved the old school NBA graphics on NBC tonight. Also, Mike Fratello might be the most under appreciated analyst of my time. Dude has always been hilarious.”

— X user @JimmyTraina (Twitter)

“The throwback NBC score bug is so beautiful. Memo to every network, every sport: this is all we need.”

— @21stCenturyTim (Twitter)

“NBC absolutely nailed the graphics package from the original NBA on NBC. This throwback telecast is artistry.”

— @GershOnline (Twitter)

The takeaway

The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to the throwback NBC broadcast of the Spurs-76ers game highlights the enduring appeal of classic NBA television coverage. The use of retro graphics, theme music, and legendary announcers tapped into a sense of nostalgia that resonated with viewers, providing a welcome respite from the slick, modern production values that dominate sports broadcasts today.