A busy sports weekend was reflected in how the network morning shows laid out their programs on Monday.
“CBS Mornings” aired a recap of the UFC Freedom 250 event from the White House as its second story, behind just the potential U.S.-Iran peace deal, with highlights of both the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup Final win and the Knicks’ NBA Finals’ victory also coming in the first quarter-hour. CBS’ Lilia Luciano, standing outside MSG, said, “Everyone I’m seeing around New York City still sporting the orange and blue -- and that smirk that’s been more than five decades in the making.” CBS’ Nate Burleson, who was wearing a blue suit with an orange tie, appeared on air after a report donning a Knicks cap and said, “When the Knicks are winning, the NBA is better.” A second-hour segment focused on Brunson and Burleson asked, “Is Jalen Brunson the greatest Knick ever?” (“CBS Mornings,” 6/15).
NBC’s “Today” show also showed a thorough recap of the UFC event directly following a report on the potential peace deal, with a piece on the Knicks’ title win shortly thereafter. NBC’s Craig Melvin, who was at Game 5 in San Antonio said, “It was pretty remarkable, in San Antonio, seeing the celebrations back here in New York.” NBC’s Savannah Guthrie: “The city was so loud I feel that it could have registered on the Richter scale.” Later in the show, the Knicks’ starting five -- Brunson, O.G. Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns -- appeared live in the 30 Rock plaza as all of the show’s hosts donned Knicks gear. Meanwhile, NBC’s Stephanie Gosk recapped the first weekend of the FIFA World Cup to kick off the bottom half of the first hour (“Today,” NBC, 6/15).
ABC’s “GMA” followed the same pattern of recapping the UFC card after a report on the peace talks. However, the show focused more on the property destruction that occurred as part of the Knicks’ postgame celebrations than the game itself, with footage of the unruliness accompanied by the headline, “Dozens Arrested During Knicks Celebrations.” ABC’s Aaron Katersky later did note that 1 million fans are expected to turn out to the victory parade on Thursday morning. “GMA” began the 7:30am block with the Knicks’ starting five in studio for approximately 12 minutes. Meanwhile, ABC’s Trevor Ault reported live from the ice at T-Mobile Arena at the top of the second hour to break down the Hurricanes’ win over the Golden Knights (“GMA,” ABC, 6/15).
