Doris Burke’s unexpected World War II reference during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals sparked a flurry of online reactions, ranging from amusement to outright backlash after she used the moment to dramatize a dunk by Rudy Gobert over Isaiah Hartenstein.
In a playoff game loaded with international stars, Burke attempted to inject some historical flair into the rivalry between Gobert, a Frenchman, and Hartenstein, who holds German nationality.
“And I don’t know much about history, but I know the French and German don’t like one another. And Rudy says, ‘Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein! Have a little bit of that.’”
Her partner, Mike Breen, quickly interjected, chuckling, “What are you trying to start here?”
Doris Burke: "And I don't know much about history, but I know the French and German don't like one another. And Rudy says, 'Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein!' Have a little bit of that left-handed dunk!"
Mike Breen: "What are you trying to start here?" 🏀🎙️ #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/uSVH3KzW88
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 27, 2025
The line instantly went viral, triggering a fierce debate across NBA Twitter. While some found it to be lighthearted banter and a harmless bit of color commentary, others labeled it unnecessary and tasteless, accusing Burke of forcing history into basketball discourse.
Some even called for ESPN to reconsider her position in the broadcast booth, dubbing her “the worst commentator of all time.” Others, though, appreciated the attempt to add a storytelling layer to a matchup between two of Europe’s premier big men.
Whether the joke landed or not, Burke wasn’t entirely off base. France and Germany have a centuries-old history of rivalry, most notably marked by their roles in both World Wars, where they stood on opposing sides.
Germany’s occupation of France during World War II left a lasting national scar and remains a defining chapter in both countries’ modern history. Though relations between the nations have since stabilized, that tension is often revived playfully in competitive arenas such as soccer and, increasingly, basketball.
Gobert and Hartenstein, both physical rim protectors, have clashed throughout the series, battling for rebounds and interior dominance. Burke’s line was a cheeky way to tie in the physicality and pride between two European bigs with real national stakes.
While Hartenstein was born in Oregon, he was raised in Germany, holds dual citizenship, and has represented Germany internationally, making Burke’s premise valid, at least geographically.
Still, the timing and historical reach were jarring for many viewers. The World War II reference came moments before a commercial break, seemingly pulled out of nowhere. Her tone was more comedic than serious, but for some fans, invoking such a serious topic during a tightly contested NBA game was simply off-key.
The irony? Burke’s line, meant as a throwaway, may have unintentionally ignited a mini-rivalry. Neither Gobert nor Hartenstein has addressed this, but the added layer of personal and historical pride could very well bleed into Game 5. If nothing else, it gave the series some extra narrative spice.
While her delivery divided fans, Doris Burke has never been one to shy away from adding drama to the broadcast. Love it or hate it, her “Bonjour, Mr. Hartenstein” call won’t be forgotten anytime soon, and in that sense, maybe she did exactly what a good broadcaster should.
