Bucks

Paschke, Davis Remain Ever-Cemented in Bucks Broadcasting

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Right now there’s a very abnormal feeling amongst Milwaukee Bucks fans.

For those who attended Tuesday night’s home opener, it was the first time for many that their beloved Bucks opened as NBA champions.

Obviously, there’s nothing to be upset about with that. The unusual, and perhaps unsettling truth, will be the fact that Jim Paschke will no longer be courtside for the Bucks anymore.

Although the organization is proud with the hiring of Lisa Byington, the Bucks family is sad to see Paschke retire. As sudden as it was, this perceptive decision by Paschke was made at possibly the perfect time in his career.

The absence of Paschke’s voice will absolutely take some getting used to. But hey, at least we still have the delightful Ted Davis calling games on the radio, right?

Oh, yeah, that’s right. Another fragment of commentary nostalgia has concluded for Bucks fans. Those who grew up without the luxury of watching every game on TV were blessed with the wistful calls of Ted Davis.

Like any great radio broadcaster, Davis had the ability to vividly portray games to listeners. He constructed his craft in a way that kept fans focused on the game. The best radio commentators make fans feel like they’re in attendance. And for 24 years in Milwaukee, Davis mastered that talent.

CLASSIC DEER CALLS

Paschke and Davis have a combined 35 years worth of games called for the Bucks. It’d be hallucinatory to imagine this era of Bucks history voiced through anybody else. Surely, Jim and Ted have been assisted over the years by other Wisconsin sports notables like Jon McGlocklin, Marques Johnson and Dennis Krause. Without a doubt, these guys deserve the accolades they have and should be remembered for their impact on games as well.

But Jim Paschke and Ted Davis will be evoked as the predominant callers of some of the Bucks’ greatest moments. Let’s take a look.

“HOLIDAY RIPS IT AWAY!”

Perhaps the most thrilling call to revisit as a Bucks fan. This is one of those games that you remember EXACTLY where you when it happened. Watching this play on mute is enough to send chills down the spines of Milwaukeeans, but having the magnificently passionate Ted Davis call one of the greatest moments in the history of the franchise is picture-perfect to say the least.

ANDREW BOGUT’S GAME-SAVING BLOCK VS. MAVERICKS

Although this game is historically meaningless, the raw emotion of Paschke on this call is a prime example of why he’s so admirable. Paschke, alongside an agitated McGlocklin (who broke his headset moments earlier) delivers this hidden gem.

BRANDON JENNINGS’ 55-POINT RECORD NIGHT VS. WARRIORS

This game didn’t have any buzzer-beaters, but it left Bucks fans enthusiastic over rookie sensation (and Bucks in Six architect) Brandon Jennings. A historic night in Bucks history was presented to fans watching at home by the legendary Paschke himself. Enjoy.

BEST OF GIANNIS CALLED BY TED DAVIS

Up until this 2021-22 season, just about every spectacular play by Giannis has been called by Ted Davis on the radio. This compilation is an automatic trip down memory lane, and it’s especially encouraging to see the growth of The Greek Freak. It’s even more of compliment having Davis deliver the enthusiasm for those listening at home or on the road.

JUAN NIEVES’ NO HITTER VS. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Okay Bucks fans, let’s switch gears (and beers) real quick. Remember when Paschke used to call games for the Milwaukee Brewers? Well, an extensive amount of Deer fans weren’t even born yet, but here’s a friendly reminder.

He undeniably voiced one of the greatest games in Brewers history.

RAY ALLEN VS. MICHAEL JORDAN, BRADLEY CENTER 01.16.1998

Again, no historical significance to this game for either franchises. Nonetheless, it’s still a trip down memory lane for the old heads. As for the younger crowds, it’s thrilling to watch and listen to games from previous eras. This era leading up to the 2000-01 season was one of Paschke’s favorite stretches during his career with he Bucks.

MO WILLIAMS’ GAME WINNING SHOT VS. PACERS

This absolute treasure by Paschke is arguably his most famous call as a Bucks broadcaster. Once again, it’s the raw emotion and passion behind the voice of Paschke that resonates with Bucks fans. Fans will remember this call just as much as they’ll remember the game-winning shot that sparked it.

A ROOM AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

More than 60,000 Bucks fans did not hear this call by Ted Davis when it happened. They were, in fact, jam-packed at the lively Deer District outside the Fiserv Forum. As fans participated in one of Milwaukee’s most magical nights, Davis unknowingly (at least to us) called his last NBA basketball game.

And it did, indeed, end in unique fashion as the Milwaukee Bucks began celebrating their latest NBA championship.

END OF AN ERA

Sadly, fans across Wisconsin will no longer be gifted with the commentary aptitudes of Jim Paschke and Ted Davis. Their personal fandom for the Bucks that grew on them so naturally has been greatly appreciated by fans for decades. They both delivered a level of passion that was not only necessary, but complimentary.

As we’ve seen appearances from Jim Paschke already this season, Bucks fans ought to remain hopeful about a Ted Davis visit to Fiserv Forum. Although there hasn’t been any announcements, there’s no way Ted could stay away forever! Fans can still listen to Davis on FM 97.3 The Game Milwaukee from 12 to 3pm Monday through Friday.

Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to have a Paschke or a Davis bobblehead giveaway in the future (attention Bucks promo team)! No chance they’d skip out on getting their own bobbleheads, right?

Regardless, a special thanks is owed to Jim Paschke and Ted Davis on both having incredible tenures with the Bucks. Cheers, fellas!

Follow us on Twitter @BucksLead for the latest Bucks news and insight.

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