Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Prime Video Blackout Interrupts Overtime of HornetsHeat Play-In Game

The outage during Amazon's first NBA postseason stream tests confidence in the league's new shift to streaming partners.

Overview

  • Prime Video’s NBA play-in stream of HeatHornets went dark Tuesday in the final minute of overtime and showed a “technical difficulties” screen.
  • The feed cut out with 48.1 seconds left and stayed down for roughly 90 seconds to 1:47, which caused viewers to miss about 22 seconds of live play.
  • When the broadcast returned, Charlotte had extended its lead to 125-120 on a LaMelo Ball layup, and the Hornets later won 127-126.
  • Fans and players blasted the failure on social media, with LeBron James asking if the game had just cut off, and viewers also flagged audio running ahead of video earlier in the night.
  • Amazon has exclusive rights to all six play-in games under the NBA’s new 11-year media deal and had not explained the outage, increasing pressure before its next playoff broadcasts.