Part of the broadcasting business is often going with the flow.

Often, things can go sideways technically — and Dennis Scott dealt with the repercussions of that on Sunday evening. During ongoing technical issues, TNT’s sideline reporter for Game 1 of Heat vs. Cavaliers temporarily became the lone play-by-play announcer.

Scott took on a do-it-all role, being the only broadcaster with a working mic.

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Here’s how Scott was thrown into play-by-play announcing on TNT’s broadcast Sunday, the details of Scott’s basketball career, and top reactions from his time in the spotlight.

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Dennis Scott’s TNT play-by-play commentary

When TNT returned from a commercial break in the first quarter of Heat vs. Cavaliers, Scott did his planned story about Cleveland’s run to the playoffs. But with play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes and analyst Candace Parker’s mics not working by the time he finished, he informed the audience: “Right now, fans, we have a little technical difficulties.”

Immediately, Scott jumped into play-by-play commentating, starting out with a “moneyball” call on an Andrew Wiggins 3-pointer.

Here’s TNT sideline reporter Dennis Scott having to fill in on the fly for Spero Dedes on play-by-play with Dedes’ and Candace Parker’s mics experiencing technical issues. https://t.co/ABYIlRdoAL pic.twitter.com/GqlZYZbW5z

— Sports TV News & Updates (@TVSportsUpdates) April 20, 2025

Scott remained on the mic, alone, for a few minutes. Play-by-play is a talent most broadcasters aren’t adjusted to, so there were some funny-sounding calls from Scott and a lot of empty space. But all things considered, as he was thrown into the fire, Scott held it down for TNT.

“Wiggins on the wing, nice bounce pass to Bam, two big ones,” Scott said as Bam Adebayo made a floater.

Dennis Scott commentating😂😂 pic.twitter.com/5cpgEMn55b

— Heat Clips 🎬 (@Demar305) April 20, 2025

Scott sent TNT to a break after a timeout, and when the broadcast returned, Dedes and Parkers’ mics were working once again.  

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Dennis Scott basketball career

Scott was a standout player at Georgia Tech from 1987-90. In 1989-90, he was named the ACC Player of the Year, leading his squad to the Final Four.

He was then drafted fourth overall by the Magic in the 1990 NBA Draft. Scott would earn the nickname “3D” for his long-range shooting, becoming one of the best shooters in the league in the early 1990s. In 1995-96, he set then-NBA records with 267 total 3-pointers in a season and 11 in a single game.

The bulk of Scott’s NBA career was with Orlando, with his best season coming in 1991-92 when he averaged 19.9 points per game. Scott averaged double-digit points in each of his first eight seasons.

After departing from the Magic, Scott also played for the Mavericks, Suns, Knicks, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies.

Dennis Scott’s play-by-play reactions

Of course, social media had some fun as Scott took on play-by-play duties in Miami vs. Cleveland. Here are some of the best reactions:

When the TNT sideline reporter is stuck doing play by play pic.twitter.com/vvfJTmIUiL

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 20, 2025

Dennis Scott currently doing play by play, analysis and sideline reporting simultaneously. Give that man a 300% raise.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 20, 2025

Keep Dennis Scott commentating. Heat are cooking with him lmao

— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) April 20, 2025

8-0 Heat run since the technical difficulties snapped by the DG floater.

Lot of respect to Dennis Scott for calling this game through this. Not easy at all on the spot.

— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) April 20, 2025

Analyst Dennis Scott is doing an incredible job holding down the play-by-play duties as the TNT broadcast is going through some technical difficulties 😂

— Isaac Edelman (@IsaacEdelman) April 20, 2025