ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 27: Ben Williamson #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single during Game Four of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After an extra innings thriller won by the Rays Tuesday night, it’s game 5 of the World Series as the Brewers will try again to lock down a championship with Jacob Misiorowski on the mound. Rays starter will be Drew Rasmussen. First pitch set for 7pm central time and the game broadcast will be handled by Fox.
Ernie Johnson interviews the New York Knicks' Josh Hart, left, and Mikal Bridges after Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Johnson announced Wednesday that he was leaving "Inside the NBA" after decades as the iconic show's host. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Ernie Johnson, the bow-tie-wearing, peace-keeping host of “Inside the NBA,” is leaving the show after 37 years.
“It’s just time,” the 70-year-old broadcaster said in a video posted Wednesday on social media.
“So why now? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job, but I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now, after 37 seasons, it’s time.”
“Inside the NBA” started on TNT in 1989, and Johnson became host the following season. Over the years, he was joined by analysts Kenny Smith (1998), Charles Barkley (2000) and Shaquille O’Neal (2011) in a lineup that has become beloved to generations of basketball fans — so much so that the show switched over to ESPN when TNT lost its NBA rights.
“Few people have shaped the way fans experience the NBA as profoundly as Ernie Johnson,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “His brilliance as a broadcaster is matched by his character, compassion and generosity, which have been evident throughout his 37 years as host of ‘Inside the NBA.’ We are grateful for Ernie’s extraordinary impact on our league and look forward to celebrating him during his final season.”
Johnson repeated his announcement to open the crew’s appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-Off” on Wednesday, then asked a clearly emotional Barkley how he was doing.
Take a listen to Ernie Johnson speaking on stepping away from Inside the NBA after 37 years ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JTKIBHNRkm
“That was tough,” Barkley said. “We knew the day was coming — still tough. Been here for 26, 27 years, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you all this time, and Kenny and Shaq and the amazing people behind the scenes. ...
“It’s been an amazing journey. You’ve been our leader. Our unquestionable leader. The question I’m asked the most … is, is Ernie Johnson as good a person as he seems? And I say, man, he’s better than that. So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being our leader for all these years. … All I can say, Ernie, is thank you.”
Smith gave Johnson a standing ovation, and O’Neal said Johnson was the reason he joined the crew.
The Inside The NBA crew reacts to Ernie Johnson announcing this will be his last season on the show ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kLF2foSLgl
“You are the controller of this thing people call the circus — the best circus in town, but without you, it’s going to be very, very difficult,” O’Neal said. “Chuck made a great point. All we can say is thank you, and we appreciate you. We’re gonna miss you, and we will see you around, but thanks for the great run.”
In a video posted on X, Golden State Warriors forward and frequent “Inside the NBA” guest Draymond Green perfectly summed up Johnson’s role on the show.
“He is the best point guard I’ve ever played with — that’s no disrespect to the great Steph Curry,” Green said in a video posted Wednesday on X. “Ernie Johnson on a set is as incredible as they come. He sees everything. He’s like, ‘Man, this guy hasn’t spoke for a while. Let me toss it to him. Man, this conversation is going off the rails a little bit’ — as it can on that show — ‘let me rein it back in.’ ... This guy is amazing.”
Johnson also shared that he’s been dealing with “heart issues” for almost two years, including undergoing bypass surgery two months ago, and that it was a “contributing factor” in his decision.
“Still trying to get this thing to beat exactly the way it should, and we’re getting it,” Johnson said. “I mean, I feel great. So this isn’t a case where my doctor said you need to stop working. It’s nothing like that. But here’s the deal: Going through that has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann, and being Poppy to our five grandchildren. So I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that.
“Just to be clear, I’m not retiring; just cutting back. I’ll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and I’ve just started a new production company called 32 Bowties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So this is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page.”
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 23: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers walks back to the dugout in the middle of the third inning during Game One of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Friday, October 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Rays avoided a sweep last night with an extra-inning, comeback win over the Brewers in Game 4. They were just the fifth team ever to win a Game 4 among the 25 teams that were down 3-0 in the World Series. Not a single one of those teams won Game 5. Either they will make history tonight, or the Brewers will make history by winning their first ever title!
The Brewers start ace Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA) of Grain Valley, the likely National League Cy Young winner this year.
The Rays will go with former Brewers pitcher Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA), who will pitch on short rest for the first time in his career. Richie Palacios goes to the bench in favor of Ben Williamson.
Oct 27, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Ben Williamson (15) reacts to having gatorade poured over him after a walk-off single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the twelfth inning in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Last night was my personal World Series, with former Mariner Ben Williamson providing the unlikely walk-off hit to keep the series going. I’ve been such a fan of Ben’s since his time as a Mariner – always so polite, humble, and helpful, a great interview – so seeing him have that moment was awesome.
Ben Williamson featured on MLB dot com, what a world.
That being said, it really feels like the Brewers are inevitable, doesn’t it? The Rays try to find a little more magic tonight to keep the season alive, but it’s a tall task. Obviously I’m rooting for more baseball, but also I think it’s more fun when home teams win, so I’m pulling for the series to go back to Milwaukee.
It’s going to be a battle of the aces tonight, with the Brewers throwing Jacob Misierowski (and with that, I shall retire the reminder of how to spell his name until next season) and the Rays countering with former OSU Beaver, the Pride of Puyallup, Mt. Spokane alum (Go Wildcats), Drew Rasmussen. Go Drew.
Charles Barkley, left, and Ernie Johnson Jr. attend the 2018 NBA Awards at Barker Hangar on Monday, June 25, 2018, in Santa Monica, Calif.
Ernie Johnson’s time as the host of the beloved “Inside the NBA” is coming to an end. But now all eyes are on the rest of the panel — and what Johnson’s departure means for the future of the show.
Johnson, 70, announced Wednesday that he’ll be leaving the show following this season, 37 years after joining the program in 1990. His exit will create a void on the panel of the long-running show that has aired on both TNT and ESPN. Whether the show lives on in the same shape or form remains to be seen, but, unless something changes, at least one talking head — Charles Barkley — will be leaving with Johnson after this season.
Barkley previously announced that the 2024-25 season would be his last on the NBA show, but has continued on as it shifted to the Worldwide Leader last year.
Charles Barkley, left, and Ernie Johnson Jr. attend the 2018 NBA Awards at Barker Hangar on Monday, June 25, 2018, in Santa Monica, Calif. Getty Images for Turner Sports
But during an appearance on The Ringer’s “The Bill Simmons Podcast” at the end of the summer, Barkley indicated that he’d not only be done as a panelist but that he and Johnson were a “package deal.”
“Me and Ernie are a package deal,” Barkley told Simmons. “So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent.”
Barkley then recalled in his conversation with Simmons that the folks at TNT asked him to stay two more years — before the network would lose the rights to the NBA. ESPN has broadcast it now for the last two years, keeping Johnson, Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith together.
Charles Barkley gets emotional addressing Ernie Johnson:
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time.”
Johnson announced today that he will be leaving Inside the NBA after this season. pic.twitter.com/jpaBbNpVMy
“The only reason I stayed is so everybody could keep their job behind the scenes,” Barkley explained.
Barkley got emotional addressing Johnson during the show on Wednesday night, thanking him for being their “unquestionable leader” and noting how tough the day was, even when they knew it was coming.
Charles Barkley looks on before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“It’s been an honor to work with Ernie, Kenny and Shaq,” Barkley said. “We’ve got the best crew in the business. We’re all waiting on Ernie to make a decision — he’s the godfather. I’ll have nothing but love and admiration and respect for that guy.”
What the show will look like in the future beyond this season remains unclear. What is clear is that “Inside the NBA” is slated to air for Wednesday’s slate of games and will continue through the playoffs.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: Chandler Simpson #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates after hitting a Single during the twelfth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 27, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took until the early hours of Wednesday morning on the east coast for the Tampa Bay Rays to finally stave off the Milwaukee Brewers, but the home squad managed to do so and keep their chances at the most improbable of comebacks alive.
Despite a huge homer (at the time) by Milwaukee shortstop Cooper Pratt in the Top of the 12th inning that looked the part of a game-winner, Tampa rallied hard in the Bottom of the 12th and eventually walked it off after a slap-hittin’ 2-run rally gave them a 4-3 lead and left Milwaukee ahead just 3-1 in a series they surely thought they’d just about swept.
Game 5 will commence on Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM ET and will feature Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski on the mound for Tampa to fend off to send the series back to Milwaukee. Tampa will counter with righty Drew Rasmussen, who has actually been more dominant that the Miz so far this postseason, though he’s on short rest (3 days) and may be on a roughly 60-pitch limit as Tampa keeps as many hands as possible on deck to relieve him.
FOX has the broadcast once again, so track this one down over there.
Here’s how both clubs will line up in what could end up the final Major League Baseball game before a long, dark lockout this winter:
Kevon Looney’s playing time has already diminished. NBAE via Getty Images
The veteran big man entered Wednesday with the worst individual plus/minus among players who’ve appeared in at least three games.
The Lakers entered Wednesday having lost Loney’s 30 minutes played by 29 points.
They’ve used small-ball lineups when Kessler and Looney haven’t been on the floor, mostly including Sandro Mamukelashvili at the center spot.
The signing of Lovering wasn’t official as of Wednesday afternoon.
The Lakers will continue to pursue ways to address their big man depth. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Lovering spent 2025-26 with the Grizzlies, playing for the organization’s G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, and NBA team.
He averaged 7.7 points (59.2% shooting), 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocked shots in the G League last season.
Lovering played in two NBA games for the Grizzlies last season.
He went undrafted in 2025 after spending his collegiate career at Colorado (2021–2023) and Utah (2023–2025).
A front office member of another NBA team described Lovering to the California Post as a center with good size, a really good screener, an underrated passer and a player who knows their role.
“To me,” the front office member said, “he’s one of the better G League bigs that’s two-way eligible.”
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 27: Ben Williamson #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single during Game Four of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Game four was an excellent baseball game. Tons of fun. And, with the Rays winning it, we get another game. I don’t care who wins the series but I’m happy to get more baseball.
Tonight’s lineups: Drew Rasmussen is starting on three days rest. Jacob Misiorowski (must be some sort of MLB record for number of vowels in a name) starts for the Brewers.
My wife and I are leaving for a week in Huatulco Mexico Friday morning. A week of heat and over eating and drinking. I burn very easy. I need the type of sunscreen that you squeeze the bottle and a sweater comes out, but it will be a nice break from the world. My wife tells me there is tennis there, so we might hit a ball a bit.
If there is a game six and seven, I’ll have to find somewhere there to watch.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on October 23, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While Golden State Warriors rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg was listed as questionable on the injury report for Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with left foot inflammation/soreness, Lendeborg will suit up for the Dubs. The team announced about an hour prior to scheduled tip-off in Minnesota that Lendeborg will play.
Lendeborg has been a revelation for Golden State through his first four games, including a signature 31-point performance in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Following that game, however, Lendeborg was visibly limping and said he had landed awkwardly on his foot during the contest. Nevertheless, despite any potential discomfort, Yaxel will be giving it a go.
Through four games, Lendeborg is averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 45.0%/34.6%/77.4% shooting in 33.3 minutes per game. While he is an older rookie (24), Lendeborg has already joined some impressive lists of quickest players to reach several early statistical thresholds. He’ll look to continue building on that trajectory tonight when the Dubs aim to get their second win of the season.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 23: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on October 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This is it, people (or could be)! Last night, three outs from a win, the Brewers blinked. Up 3-2 in the 12th inning after Tampa Bay’s Ian Seymour surrendered a solo swat to rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt, the Brewers could not close it out, as reliever Shane Drohan had a particularly worthless night, allowing two runs on a “singles party”—heh. I was pleased to see Cedric Mullins, pinch-running, score the tying run for Tampa Bay.
But that was last night, and the Brewers remain in possession of an enviable 3-1 lead in the World Series, and they have just the presumptive Cy Young frontrunner on the mound to close things out. Yes, a fully rested Jacob Misiorowski is ready for Game 5, making it not a crazy thought that they’ll clinch the series tonight without ever heading back to Milwaukee.
Starting for the Rays tonight is Drew Rasmussen, on just three days of rest. The Rays have used all five of their regular starters within the past four nights: Rasmussen in Game 2 on Saturday, Freddy Peralta in Game 3 on Monday, and in Game 4 on Tuesday night Griffin Jax (as an opener), Martinez (for two innings in relief) and Ian Seymour (one inning in relief). That means the Rays don’t have a fully rested starter ready to handle Game 5, so Rasmussen will be doing what he never did this season. It’s go-time, of course. Said Rays manager Kevin Cash, “I’m going to guess most guys are going to say they’re capable of an inning or more, given it’s Game 5 of the World Series.”
It sure is! Should be exciting. Especially if you’re rooting for the Brewers. Keep in mind that no MLB team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a World Series. The Brewers haven’t been in the World Series since 1982, when they led 3-2 over the Cardinals before squandering the series in seven. They’ve waited 44 years to get back to the Fall Classic (tell us about it), and could finally be champions for the first time in the 58-year history of the franchise.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: David Hamilton #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a Home Run during the fifth inning against Griffin Jax #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 27, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Brewers came agonizingly close to completing a four-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays to secure their first World Series title last night. However, the Rays rallied in the bottom of the 12th to stay alive and now have one more game at home in Game 5.
The Rays will now try to become the first team to force a World Series Game 6 after trailing 3-0. Can they keep the dream alive, or will the Brewers finally punch their ticket to hoist the commissioner’s trophy? Hopefully it’s another entertaining game (maybe in regulation innings through)
Milwaukee Brewers (3-1) at Tampa Bay Rays (1-3) – 6 p.m. MDT
Pitching match-up: Jacob Misiorowski (1-0, 2.70 postseason ERA) vs. Drew Rasmussen (2-0, 2.19 ERA)
Jerseys for Jackson Chourio and Jacob Misiorowski hang in the Milwaukee Brewers team store. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
Sometimes classic games are incredibly well played, and other times both teams just can’t get out of their own way. Last night’s extra innings Game 4 was more the latter, but it was still an exciting walkoff victory for the Rays to keep their hopes alive.
The road will continue to be very difficult, of course. The Brewers have Jacob Misiorowski starting in tonight’s Game 5. On the other hand, the Miz is not the Miz right now. His slider has been missing in action most of the postseason, and his fastball command hasn’t been good enough to rely on the triple digit gas alone. The big advantage he has tonight is rest, as he hasn’t pitched since Game 1 back on Friday.
Drew Rasmussen won’t have that going for him, as the Rays debated whether to throw their ace in Game 5 or not, and ultimately decided to send him out there on four days rest. After struggling a bit in Game 2, and with a lengthy injury history behind him, we’ll see how much he can give the Rays in this one. They’ll need a lot, as both bullpens have been heavily worked. Maybe Rasmussen has one more gem in him, even if he can’t go too deep into the game.
Time/Place: 8:00 p.m. ET, Tropicana Field, Tampa, FL
Broadcast: FOX
SB Nation Sites: DRaysBay/Brew Crew Ball
Pitching Matchup: RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Jacob Misiorowski
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 22: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks drives past Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (1-3) travel to Chicago to face the Bulls (1-3) and maybe cast early votes in the local elections. New York will play the second of a back-to-back, after beating the Pistons at home last night. The Bulls are coming off a blowout loss to the Celtics on Monday. Rookie Caleb Wilson is their offensive leader, averaging 21 points, 7.3 boards, and 1.5 blocks per game. Josh Giddey dishes the ball; veteran Norm Powell provides secondary scoring and defense (2.5 steals per game); and Jalen Smith holds down the paint with 7.5 boards per night. Three-balls are not their speciality, so New York would do well to wall them out of the lane and middle distance.
One team will leave 2-3. Tip-off is 8 pm EST on MSG and NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Blog a Bull. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind yo’ manners. Go Knicks!
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 28: A general view of the Tropicana Field prior to Game Five of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Here we go. We’re just a few moments away from the start of Game 5 of the World Series. The Milwaukee Brewers were three outs away from ending it last night but thanks to some extra-inning magic, the Tampa Bay Rays were able to stave off elimination and push this series to another day. They’ll need to do it again tonight or else the season is over and the offseason begins.
Rays at Brewers (5:00 PST)
It’ll be Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA) on the mound for this must-win game. If I’m the Rays I wouldn’t want any other pitcher out there tonight for what is, one way or another, the final game of the year at The Trop. Rasmussen did not look like the dominant guy that made 30 starts during the regular season in his lone World Series start. In Game 2 the Brewers were able to knock him out in the fourth thanks to six hits and a pair of walks which came out to three earned runs. The Rays need vintage Rasmussen tonight or their season might end in front of their home fans.
Here’s Tampa’s lineup for this win-or-go-home contest:
The Brewers meanwhile will counter Tampa’s ace with the top pitcher in the league in Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA). The likely NL Cy Young award winner could have been an option for the Brewers in the final frame of last night’s contest but now they’ll have him for a whole start tonight. The right-hander hasn’t been quite as unhittable as he was during the regular season but he’s still been more than dominant, allowing just four runs in three starts.
Is tonight the night for the Brewers to finally hoist the trophy? Or is it just the continuation of the greatest comeback in World Series history? Stakes can’t get much higher than this!
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: David Hamilton #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers attempts to tag Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 27, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’m really upset the Rays didn’t get swept, as they’d lost in 5 and 6 games previous, as they’d have had 3/4 of the potential WS losses after 3 appearances rather than having to wait however many decades to fill out the whole set. Sad. Now they try to hold on against the Brewers in Game 5. Which is fine and all, but the real issue would be if the Rays made Game 7. People forget this, but the Red Sox are the only team to ever force. Game 7 after being down 3-0 in a playoff series, and I’d like to keep it that way. So sorry Drew Rasmussen, it’s Milwaukee’s time to shine. We hope. We pray.
