Amazon Prime Video Cuts Off NBA Play-In Game, and Fans Were Going Crazy
The first game of the NBA play-in tournament was a back-and-forth thriller. The Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime to move on and play the loser of the Philadelphia and Orlando game that takes place tomorrow night.
The madness was almost viewed only by those in the arena, though, after Amazon Prime Video's feed cut out during the height of the action. The Hornets were leading the Heat by three points when the screen blacked out, and Prime Video put up a banner saying there were technical difficulties.
All issues were resolved in time to watch the furious finish. Tyler Herro scored six straight points to put the Heat up by one before LaMelo Ball hit the game-winning lay-up while slashing to the basket in the closing moments. The game was a great exhibition for the high quality of play in the NBA, despite fans complaining that the product isn't what it used to be.
Still, the feed cutting out needs to be addressed. Amazon can't have the NBA's broadcasts failing during the most important time of the season. It will only further the frustration with the league, especially after the beloved TNT broadcast was eliminated during the most recent media rights deal.
Overtime playoff game. No biggie @nba@NBAonPrimepic.twitter.com/vuvtVKukRT
— Jason Maples (@jjmaples55) April 15, 2026
Everyone at home seeing the Amazon Prime "technical difficulties" screen pic.twitter.com/0zdMmizcuI
— Underdog (@Underdog) April 15, 2026
Amazon has broadcast rights to the NBA until the 2035-2036 season. They have exclusive rights to the play-in tournament and will broadcast the Conference Finals six of the next 11 seasons.
The Hornets are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, when they play their next play-in game on Friday on Prime Video. The Heat's season is over after making the playoffs and losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. Miami has been one of the most successful Eastern Conference teams for the last 15 seasons. They have made the NBA Finals in 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2023.
The NBA Playoffs will begin this weekend with four games each on Saturday and Sunday. Amazon Prime will get several playoff games, including three games on Saturday: the Toronto-Cleveland game, the Minnesota-Denver game, and the Atlanta-New York game.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 8:18 PM.