ESPN's Mike Breen forced to apologize after viewers missed part of marquee Pacers-Knicks clash in NBA playoffs

The ESPN feed on the Pacers-Knicks was fraught with difficulties to start the second quarter.

NBA fans were unable to see the start of the second quarter after ESPN experienced technical difficulties.

ESPN was forced to apologize for missing the start of the Knicks-Pacers second quarter.Credit: Getty

Fans missed Pacers scoring to open second quarterCredit: Getty

The Pacers started the game extremely hot, taking a 39-27 lead in the first quarter.

When ESPN returned to start the second, they aired a pre-recorded interview like they usually do.

However, that interview aired early in the quarter, preventing fans from seeing the action.

By the time video of the game resumed, the score was 41-27 after several seconds had elapsed.

ESPN reporter Mike Breen was forced to apologize on air for the mistake.

“We apologize for coming back late,” Breen said.

“The first bucket of the second quarter – Nesmith, as it began before marketing ended.”

Missing 30 seconds of a game is not a big deal, as the broadcast only missed one two-point shot, but the fans were tired of this mistake.

“This irritated me so much,” one fan said.

“Stop putting these games on ESPN/ABC. This and the constant in/out is ridiculous,” another fan said.

WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Says ‘Sorry Knicks Fans’ After Pacers Scream Before Crucial Game 7 of NBA Playoffs

“Bad network lost NBA rights,” said a third fan.

“Credit to Breen for recognizing it, but this is a match 7 of partner ‘A’. When exactly are they going to up their game at Bristol?” » said a fourth fan.

ESPN notably retained its NBA rights during the ongoing battle for the new media rights cycle which will begin after the 2024-25 season.

TNT faces losing its rights after NBC Sports makes a massive offer to the NBA.

The league reportedly demanded $2.8 billion from TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros., to retain its rights.

In the future of the NBA?

Inside, NBA broadcasting on TNT Sports is in doubt due to NBA broadcast deals.

The Emmy Award-winning sports show is a fan favorite thanks to Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.

But TNT’s broadcast deal with the NBA expires after next season and NBC is preparing a bid to acquire those rights.

If TNT loses its NBA package, it raises questions on the popular Inside the NBA.

One solution could be to recreate the show on another network, which would pick up the NBA rights.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons recently said he thinks TNT will lose the rights to NBC.

“One of the funniest things is we’re all pretending the TV deal wasn’t done a week and a half ago,” Simmons said on his podcast.

“I think it’s done. I think Warner (Bros. Discovery) has already lost it.

“And I don’t know why we’re waiting until the playoffs are over, maybe that’s the way they have to do it.

“But it’s over. NBC understands. I’m just telling you.”

Mike Breen delivered a message to fans after the start of the missed quarterCredit: Getty