Actually, for a while there, it sounded like somebody spilled water on the microphones.
Videos by FanBuzz
Fans watching Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder were greeted by a steady stream of static, muffled commentary and random audio glitches that quickly became the story of the broadcast.
At times, viewers could barely hear play-by-play man Mike Tirico or analysts Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford. Social media immediately lit up with complaints, confusion and, naturally, jokes.
One fan wrote that the broadcast sounded "ridiculous," while another joked NBC needed "new dilithium crystals." Others wondered if their TVs or soundbars were broken before realizing it was the actual telecast.
And honestly? It couldn't have happened during a worse showcase.
NBC audio issues during Spurs-Thunder Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. 🏀📺🎙️🔊😵💫 #NBA pic.twitter.com/Tn3FQGu75b
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 19, 2026
This was supposed to be a big moment for NBC, which returned to NBA coverage this season after a 23-year absence. Instead, portions of Game 1 felt more like a bad radio signal from 1987 than a conference finals broadcast in 2026.
To make matters worse, some fans also complained about blurry visuals and awkward camera angles during the Peacock stream.
The good news for NBC? The actual game delivered.
Victor Wembanyama went off for 41 points and 24 rebounds as the Spurs stunned the Thunder, 122-115, in a double-overtime thriller to take a 1-0 series lead.
Still, plenty of viewers may remember the static almost as much as the basketball.
