TNT to air H-O-R-S-E game featuring NBA players

Three NBA Players to Play H-O-R-S-E at NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard with NBA on TNT Rig Serving as Host Set During Special 2-hour Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai (5-7 p.m. ET)

TNT today announced the addition of the popular basketball shot-making game H-O-R-S-E to its programming lineup during its four days of NBA All-Star 2009 coverage from February 12-15, in Phoenix, Arizona. The H-O-R-S-E game will air live during TNT's two-hour Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai (5 - 7 p.m. ET) on Saturday, February 14. Participants for the event will be announced at a later date.

The game will take place on a 45' X 50' court alongside the network's new NBA on TNT Rig (photo attached) at the NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard, the NBA's new outdoor All-Star event. The NBA on TNT Rig will also serve as the host set for other studio shows on TNT and NBA TV throughout the weekend. The rig can rise up to 14 feet off the ground and rotate to show views of the arena, downtown area and NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard, can seat up to 117 guests and will be open to the public on select days. Calling the action from the rig will be Ernie Johnson, along with analysts Kenny Smith and Chris Webber.

The game will use a traditional format in which three players will establish the playing order. Once a shot is made, the next player in the predetermined order will attempt the same shot. If that player misses, he is assigned a letter (ex. H for the first miss, O for the second, etc.). The player following the miss can pick a new shot with which to challenge his competitors. There is no dunking allowed and players will have 24 seconds each to create and mimic shots. Players remain in the game until they have missed five shots following made baskets, thus spelling the word H-O-R-S-E. An NBA referee will be assigned to authenticate the new shots (that the player executed what he announced) and any mimic shot.

TNT tips off its programming schedule with NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com live from Phoenix hosted by Johnson, along with Smith (analyst) and Webber (analyst) live from Phoenix on Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. (ET) followed by an exclusive TNT NBA Thursday doubleheader. The first game features All-Star starter Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat visiting the Windy City to battle Ben Gordon and the Chicago Bulls at 7:15 p.m. (ET). Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter) will be courtside. The second game will feature All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks hosting All-Star starter Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Calling the action will be Marv Albert (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Cheryl Miller reporting. The night will conclude with the Emmy® award-winning studio show Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai with Johnson, Smith and Webber.

TNT's coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend festivities tips off Friday, February 13 at 9 p.m. (ET) with the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. Kevin Harlan, Kenny Smith and All-Star starter LeBron James will be courtside to call the action with Craig Sager reporting from the sidelines. Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai will follow with Johnson and Smith. The evening will be capped off by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2009 presented on TNT by Jim Beam at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The excitement continues on Saturday, February 14, when Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai tips off an exciting night at 5 p.m. (ET). NBA Insider David Aldridge will join Ernie Johnson, Smith and Webber live from the NBA on TNT rig, which will include the debut of the live H-O-R-S-E game. Doug Collins will also join the crew for a segment on the 2008 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball team, which earned the moniker Redeem Team. Over the years, the slam dunk contest has become theater with the players acting as performers. At 7 p.m. (ET), TNT will present NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Theater which will track the evolution of the Slam Dunk Contest and examine how key factors, such as showmanship, creativity and even props, have become just as important as the dunk itself.

Beginning at 8 p.m. (ET), TNT will televise exclusive live coverage of NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, which includes the Haier Shooting Stars competition, the PlayStation Skills Challenge, the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, and the Sprite Slam Dunk. TNT's announcers for the competitions will include Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, Kenny Smith and Cheryl Miller.

TNT's All-Star coverage takes center stage on Sunday, February 15 at 8 p.m. (ET) with the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. Play-by-play announcer Marv Albert and analysts Doug Collins and Reggie Miller will be courtside with Craig Sager and David Aldridge reporting from the sidelines.