As the highly anticipated Game 7 of the NBA Finals approaches, sports media experts Richard Deitsch and Dan Shanoff discuss the pressure on the NBA and ESPN to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans.

Shanoff believes that 'Game 7' are the two most thrilling words in sports. The question arises whether the NBA and ESPN can live up to the inherent excitement of this moment or if it's impossible to mess up such a dramatic event.

Deitsch recalls a famous monologue by Al Michaels before the Miracle On Ice game, emphasizing that certain sporting events require no hype. The interest in Game 7s is natural, and the broadcaster's duty is to highlight the significance of the game and its historical context.

He advises ESPN to focus on the game itself rather than personalities, ensuring that the broadcast captures the essence of the event. The pressure is on announcers like Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson to deliver memorable moments, especially since they were part of the last Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Success for ESPN lies in creating a broadcast that leaves viewers talking about the game, not the presentation. The NBA's responsiveness to feedback, such as adding digitized logos and televised player introductions, aims to enhance the viewer experience and make the game feel more significant.

With Game 7 being a major event, the league hopes to attract a larger audience, although predictions suggest a smaller lift in viewership compared to previous years. Despite this, the NBA and ESPN benefit from the excitement surrounding Game 7 and the overall series viewership.