I think you have to hit a lot of elements in the game. You have to convey the intensity on the court. There's a misconception in the NBA that nobody plays defense. That's not true. Another important aspect to calling a good game is rhythm.
Basketball is fast-paced, but there are ebbs and flows.
It does the listener no good to have a broadcaster who spends two to three hours per game screaming. Davis said the key is to build to a crescendo during an exciting play, but then be able to bring it back down while still keeping the listener on the edge of their seat, waiting for the next exciting play, sort of the way a preacher might have peaks and valleys throughout a sermon. These various elements make working in basketball much more challenging baseball and football which move at a much more leisurely pace. You have to be briefer and you can't get behind the action. This year in particular, teams are playing faster.