The 2025 NBA Finals are getting a lot of criticism, and much of that is just because of ESPN’s awful halftime show.
While top league players are putting out their best games throughout the series, the broadcast has made many fans unhappy.
Recently, a 19-second clip went viral showing commentators like Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins yelling at each other.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, making it clear that they yearn for something better from ESPN during the game breaks.
The ESPN NBA Finals halftime show can be tough on the ears. 🏀🎙️🗣️ #NBA #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/wQ8IrTvB8Y
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2025
Ever since the league has decided to shuffle the broadcasting and a couple of other changes, it has been getting criticized more and more.
NBA Fans Notice Same Thing About ESPN’s Awful Halftime Show
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As the Indiana Pacers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the halftime commentary is a letdown for many viewers.
The agitated fans took to social media to voice their frustration and highlight the unbearable shouting during halftime.
“Why is viewership down?” a fan questioned.
Why is viewership down?
— Item Select (@ItemSelect_) June 9, 2025
“ESPN – Every Sports Panelist Nattering,” another one commented.
ESPN – Every Sports Panelist Nattering
— Kent Sterling (@KentSterling) June 9, 2025
“I got mad love for Bob Myers but ESPN NBA broadcast team is at an all-time low. Better hope the Inside the NBA guys save them next season,” a third one said.
I got mad love for Bob Myers but ESPN NBA broadcast team is at an all-time low.
— Frank Leonard 🇵🇭🇺🇸 とらえどころ (@DJ_ILLusive45) June 9, 2025
Better hope the Inside the NBA guys save them next season.
“Didn’t watch one single second. I like keeping my brain cells,” a fourth one added.
Didn’t watch one single second. I like keeping my brain cells.
— Erik Williams (@Photosbyerik) June 9, 2025
“Fire all of them and just bring in the inside the NBA crew,” another fan wrote.
Fire all of them and just bring in the inside the NBA crew
— Stevo (@St3v0_24) June 9, 2025
“The crew spoke for approximately 2.5 minutes, and the rest was all commercials,…approximately 11 minutes,” a curious fan took notes.
The crew spoke for approximately 2.5 minutes, and the rest was all commercials,…approximately 11 minutes.
— Jeff Sherbekow (@JeffSherbekow) June 9, 2025
“It’s absolutely worse than that…unwatchable and downright painful on the ears,” another comment read.
It’s absolutely worse than that…unwatchable and downright painful on the ears
— K.A. (@CzarOfAll) June 9, 2025
Thankfully, there’s a silver lining. From next season, ESPN will be adding ‘Inside the NBA’ from TNT Sports to its lineup. This iconic show features legends like Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Fans hope it will bring the much-needed freshness and entertainment to the post-game analysis.
Also Read: Surprising Details Reportedly Emerge On Doris Burke’s Future At ESPN
