NBC is broadcasting the NBA’s conference finals for the first time in 24 years. What should have been a celebrated occasion was de-railed by technical issues.
Fans watching the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs were left aggravated with serious audio issues disrupting the viewing experience.
The issues showed up as early as the first quarter as the sound of static and beeps were heard over the broadcasting crew of Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford.
Crowd noise seemed to be the only intentional audio that could be heard, but even then it came through in crackles.
These audio issues continued throughout the first half, leading to fans reacting negatively on social media.
‘What’s up with NBC’s audio???’ wondered one fan on X.
The NBA on NBC broadcast was marred by audio issues in the Western Conference Finals
(L-R) The broadcast team of Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller couldn’t be heard
The issues were eventually fixed as Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs won Game 1
‘Is NBC having audio problems during the Spurs/Thunder game? Anyone else experiencing some bad audio,’ another fan asked.
‘Is the NBC sound messed up for everyone or is that my cable?’ FrontOfficeSports’ Ryan Glasspiegel posted.
One fan posted, ‘For a second, I thought it was me.’
NFL sideline reporter TJ Rivera said, ‘Continuing in the late 2nd period with beeps and audio going completely away for 3-4 seconds. It’s happened 3 times in 5 minutes that I’ve watched. There is SCREAMING I’m sure in their truck/NYC etc.’Â
Eventually, the broadcasting crew seemed to fix the issues as the game progressed into double overtime.
Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama put up an unbelievable 41 point, 24 rebound night to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
