Julio Cortez-Pool Photo via Imagn Images
Audio By Carbonatix
The 2025 NBA Finals tipped off in Oklahoma City on Thursday night, with the Indiana Pacers pulling off the upset in Game 1 via a 4th quarter buzzer beater from Tyrere Haliburton. NBA fans, however, feel as though this year’s NBA Finals are lacking a certain “aura” and are blaming the broadcast.
During and following Game 1 of the NBA Finals, many NBA fans took to social media to rip both ESPN/ABC and the NBA for its presentation of the Finals, accusing them of stripping the NBA’s championship series of any importance.
One of the biggest complaints from fans has been the lack of on-court NBA Finals logos, which used to be a staple of the league. Now, all that can be found is an ad for YouTube TV.
“Everything about this NBA Finals presentation looks like a regular season game. Starting lineups on a quick graphic. No trophy or FINALS on the court. No patches on the jerseys. Just a tiny logo on the scorebug. It used to be better,” one popular post summarized.
“ESPN has to be the most out of touch broadcast in all sports this doesn’t feel like an NBA Finals game and it’s certainly not because of the two teams on the floor,” another added.
It’s the NBA Finals and the NBA didn’t even show the National Anthem, Pre-Game intros, no logo on court or jerseys. These are little things but they’re so important for the experience.
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) June 6, 2025
The NBA Finals once had a unique aura, with build-up, promotion, and production that made the championship monumental… pic.twitter.com/bBSq4vC2gG
— MAL (@playoffMAL) June 5, 2025
A mid-November game vs Game 1 of the NBA Finals. League has to do better. pic.twitter.com/Q68uyc6sDB
— jack (@TheCavsJack) June 6, 2025
Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off from OKC on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. EST.