League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Broadcast mishap interrupts NBA Finals coverage in Minnesota

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 8:00 PM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Broadcast mishap interrupts NBA Finals coverage in Minnesota

Summary

During Game 3 of the NBA Finals, a broadcast error occurred on KSTP, ABC's Minnesota affiliate, leading to a dark screen and audio of a conversation about fake flowers. This interruption took place with under eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Viewers missed a key moment when plays involving Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Spurs' Victor Wembanyama were underway. The incident is believed to have been caused by an automation system activating at 10 p.m. CT, coinciding with the channel's news schedule. KSTP's Chris Long clarified he was not in the studio during the mishap.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Game 3 of NBA Finals features Knicks vs. Spurs
•Broadcast went dark with under 8 minutes left
•Viewers heard off-air conversation about flowers
•Incident linked to automation system timing
•KSTP staff member Chris Long commented on mishap

Latest Updates

8:00 PMYahoo Sports — NBA Finals broadcast cut to hot mics from Minnesota newsdesk

What they're saying

"
NBA fans in Minnesota witnessed a bizarre moment during Game 3 of the Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs when the broadcast briefly went dark. As the game returned from commercial with less than eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, fans watching on ABC’s Minnesota affiliate, KSTP, saw a replay…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball