Craig Sager

HOUSTON — Craig Sager never once thought about giving up as he battled cancer for more than two years.

“Man, life is too beautiful, too wonderful, there’s just too many things,” he said in late August. “It’s not just you. It’s your family and kids and all. Fight. Fight until the end. Fight as hard as you can.”

The end for the beloved TNT broadcaster came Thursday when the man known as much for his outrageous wardrobe as his relationships with the NBA’s elite succumbed to the disease he fought so hard to overcome. Turner Sports announced his death without disclosing details. He was 65 and had worked basketball games for TNT for nearly a quarter-century.

“There will never be another Craig Sager,” Turner President David Levy said. “His incredible talent, tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft took him all over the world covering sports.”

His son, Craig Jr., posted a loving video tribute to his father, tweeting: “We packed a lifetime and then some into these 28 years together.”

Sager’s passing brought out condolences from every corner of the NBA and Hall of Famer Larry Bird expressed what many were feeling.

“He was as identifiable with the NBA as any player or coach,” Bird said.