Nets Announcer Sarah Kustok Wows Fans with One-Handed Catch During Game

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Brooklyn Nets fans found a rare moment of excitement during their team’s 113-98 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, thanks to an unexpected highlight from the broadcast booth. Sarah Kustok, the Nets’ lead game analyst, made a one-handed catch of a loose ball that flew out of bounds, earning praise from fans and colleagues alike.

The moment occurred during the second quarter when Pistons guard Cade Cunningham chased a loose ball near the sideline. The ball ricocheted toward the broadcast table, where Kustok, seated next to longtime commentator Ian Eagle, snagged it with one hand before it could land in the stands. The 43-year-old broadcaster, a former captain of the DePaul Blue Demons women’s basketball team, showcased her athletic reflexes, drawing cheers from fans watching at home.

Social media quickly lit up with reactions to Kustok’s catch. One fan quipped, ‘She’s got better hands than [Rudy] Gobert,’ referencing the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star center. Another added, ‘Jokic hands,’ comparing her to the Denver Nuggets’ two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Lucas Kaplan, Kustok’s co-host on ‘The Backcourt Podcast,’ also chimed in, calling it a ‘clutch play from my podcast partner.’

Kustok’s basketball background likely contributed to her quick reflexes. During her college career at DePaul, she was known for her sharp shooting and leadership on the court. Her transition to broadcasting has made her a fan favorite, and moments like this only solidify her reputation.

The Nets, however, have struggled to give fans much else to cheer about this season. With a 13-24 record, the team sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, far from playoff contention. Speculation is growing that the organization may consider a rebuild ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, potentially targeting top prospects like Cooper Flagg in the upcoming draft.

For now, though, Kustok’s catch provided a brief but memorable distraction from the team’s on-court struggles. As one fan put it, ‘She’s ready to ballin.’