Prime Video would probably take a redo of Tuesday’s NBA play-in tournament broadcast between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.
The Heat and Hornets kicked off the postseason with an absolute thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats inside Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. Unfortunately for fans watching from home, the Prime broadcast conked out during a key stretch in overtime.
The Hornets led the Heat 123-120 with 48 seconds remaining in the extra period. The broadcast suddenly went black just as the Hornets were set to inbound coming off a Charlotte timeout. Instead of seeing which ATO play Hornets head coach Charles had drawn up, fans had to stare at a “Technical Difficulties” screen for nearly two minutes.
Prime Video's broadcast cut out during OT of the Heat-Hornets play-in game 😬pic.twitter.com/wbw5OpqLpj
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 15, 2026
When play resumed, the Hornets were already leading 125-120 after a Ball layup extended Charlotte’s lead.
Fans everywhere, including LeBron James, were upset about the gap in footage.
Tell me the game didn’t just cut off?!!? Am I trippin?? WTH 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 15, 2026
The Prime Video broadcast was at least stable as Ball sank the game-winning floater to keep the Hornets’ playoff hopes alive. North Carolinian sports fans would have probably revolted against Amazon had they messed up during the final sequence.
LAMELO BALL IN THE CLUTCH TO WIN IT FOR CHARLOTTE 🔥🔥🔥
— ESPN (@espn) April 15, 2026
THE HORNETS END MIAMI'S SEASON IN A THRILLER! pic.twitter.com/cKmDqnVIML
Prime Video’s maiden season as an NBA broadcaster has been met with mostly rave reviews. But just like Kon Knueppel during Tuesday’s game, the lights proved to be too bright for the newest NBA partner during its first taste of postseason action.
