TNT Faces Backlash Over Broadcast Issues During NBA Playoffs

CLEVELAND, Ohio — TNT experienced significant technical difficulties during its NBA playoff broadcasts on Sunday, frustrating fans eager to watch high-stakes games. As the network concluded its final season as an NBA rights holder, these issues marred an otherwise exciting evening of basketball.

The doubleheader began at 6 p.m. ET with the Indiana Pacers facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The evening’s feature game, a pivotal Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, followed at 8:30 p.m. ET.

While the Pacers secured a 121-112 victory over the Cavaliers, the focus shifted to the audio problems that plagued TNT’s broadcast. Fans quickly noted that color analyst Greg Anthony‘s microphone sounded muffled and unclear, prompting confusion among viewers.

One viewer tweeted, ‘Someone on TNT needs to fix the microphones,’ while another said, ‘TNT is so garbage for letting one of their mics sound like this for a playoff game.’ Complaints about the sound quality flooded social media as the first game unfolded.

Despite the audio mishap, the game itself featured standout performances, with Pacers player Andrew Nembhard scoring 23 points and Tyrese Haliburton contributing 22 points and 13 assists. The Pacers’ success was highlighted by their impressive three-point shooting at 53 percent, in stark contrast to the Cavaliers’ struggle at 24 percent from beyond the arc.

As viewers prepared for the Warriors and Rockets matchup, the technical problems seemed to persist. By the second game, while some sound issues appeared resolved, viewers remained dissatisfied with the overall broadcast quality. A notable graphics error also displayed a nonsensical score of Cleveland 245, Indiana 50, which quickly gained attention online.

Fans expressed disappointment over the ongoing technical issues throughout the playoffs, speculating whether cost-cutting measures had compromised broadcast quality. TNT has yet to release a statement addressing these concerns, fueling further frustration among viewers.

As the NBA playoffs continue, fans hope TNT will address its production challenges to ensure a more enjoyable viewing experience in the crucial postseason.