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Raptors make NBA history with all-female broadcast crew

It was a historic night on Wednesday, as the game between the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors featured the first ever all-female NBA broadcast.

Amy Audibert (host), Kate Beirness (host), Kayla Grey (sideline reporter), Meghan McPeak (play-by-play) and Kia Nurse (analyst) were the on-air talent for the monumental broadcast.

Kicking the night off was Beirness, who welcomed viewers with a touching and inspirational opening.

“To all the young girls who are currently watching this broadcast we welcome you especially,” Beirness said. “I’m not calling us old, Amy [Audibert], but we’re a little bit old. And when we were die-hard basketball fans as kids we never saw this, we never saw an all-female broadcast of women that are more than capable to do their jobs in all the roles. So we welcome in everyone, but especially those young girls, and please, dream big.”

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Moments later, Nurse and McPeak got the game started, calling the opening tip-off.

During the contest, when Toronto’s OG Anunoby impressively blocked Will Barton’s shot attempt, Nurse offered an ode to Raptors broadcast legend Jack Armstrong by using one of his catchphrases to break down the play.

The magnitude of the broadcast was felt by viewers as many took to Twitter to express their enjoyment.

Raptors star Kyle Lowry also commented on the historic moment during his post-game press conference.

“Let me start off by shouting out the women that did the game tonight,” Lowry said. “I heard it was unbelievable. Kayla, Kate, Amy, Meghan and Kia, I heard you guys did great, I want to shout those beautiful ladies out. That’s a huge step in our league, our organization, that’s awesome for tonight and maybe they brought us the good luck that we needed.”

Making the night even better was Toronto’s impressive 135-111 victory over Denver, snapping the team’s nine-game losing streak. Wednesday’s game wasn’t about the win on the court, however, it was about the massive victory in the broadcast booth and studio.

TAMPA, FL- MARCH 24: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 24, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Scott Audette/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wednesday night was a big win all around for the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Scott Audette/NBAE via Getty Images) (NBAE via Getty Images)

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