ESPN analyst Doris Burke talks with The Posts Justin Terranova about a Doc Rivers disagreement, growing up a Knicks fan and calling the 76ers-Bucks on Christmas Day.

Q: You were recently called out by Doc Rivers after criticizing Kawhi Leonards load management. What did you take away from that?

A: I had reached out to the Clippers directly and said if Kawhi wants to say anything to me, let him know that I am happy to listen to whatever he might say to me. Thats our job as broadcasters. You have to be able to look that person in the eye. He chose not to do that and thats fine. The same way with Doc. He was speaking from a frustrated coaching perspective and he used me as a launching off point. If I could do it all over, I would make it less personal. I couldve used a different term than ridiculous. I am aware of the power of the words, so I use those carefully. I dont regret anything I said, though, I was frustrated from the fans perspective of missing out on a Kawhi-Giannis (Antetokounmpo) matchup.

Q: Do you mind being in the spotlight like that?

A: Its going to sound absurd, but I really dont like it. I am pretty good at keeping myself out of the news. I know that its part and parcel with the job, but the reality is I simply love calling games. I understand theres a responsibility that comes with my job that sometimes takes me out of my comfort zone, but if I could sit courtside and call the games, that would be my ideal. Thats not the nature of what we do, though.

Q: How have the Knicks struggles affected the league?

A: I wonder if this is the bias of a Knicks fan; I dont know if I could separate myself from this. It is my belief and its strongly held that the NBA feels different when the Knicks are good. And I would say the same about Chicago. I am not a ratings guru, but I do wonder if things would change if those big markets were better and getting the numbers you hope when they are televised.

Q: This regular season, you are working only an NBA analyst no college, no sideline work (until the conference finals). How have you gotten more comfortable as an analyst through the years?

A: When I was doing college basketball, both mens and womens, and NBA, Id be doing NBA games and (think), Wow, this game is moving fast. To be honest with you, It is a lot easier to be invested completely in one sport. At night I can tune in to a couple of games and really lock in and not worry about, Oh, I have UConn-Notre Dame on Friday.

Q: What do you think of Joel Embiids growth as a player?

A: I found Joel Embiids response to the challenge and critique of both Shaquille ONeal and Charles Barkley interesting. It showed a level of self-awareness and humility from Joel to accept the criticism and say, You know what? They have a point. He went out and dominated the next couple of games. But ultimately greatness in this league requires sustained effort and the pursuit of perfection when you are outside the lines and no one is looking at you.

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Doris Burke on Doc Rivers disagreement and the NBA needing the Knicks - New York Post