Fans and media personalities were outraged when TNT cut to a commercial break just seconds after the Boston Celtics raised their newest championship banner at the TD Garden. The decision was seen as disrespectful and prevented those outside the arena from fully enjoying the celebration. Celtics Unite, a fan account, criticized TNT for the move, calling it “CRIMINAL.” Michael Hurley, from WZLX, also condemned the network for being disrespectful.
TNT, in its last year of broadcasting the NBA, lost media rights to Amazon after a $76-billion deal. As part of their coverage, TNT’s Inside the NBA team set up at City Hall Plaza for the season opener, but the banner raising was missed by viewers due to the untimely commercial break. Lucy Burdge, a sports betting host, commented that the Celtics now had to win the championship again to make up for #BannerGate.
Despite the disappointment over the missed moment, fans still enjoyed watching the Celtics’ ring and banner ceremony. Many expressed their hope that the team could repeat their success and win another title. The backlash against TNT for cutting away during the celebration added fuel to fans’ enthusiasm for the Celtics to defend their championship.
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