Fans React to Bizarre Pacers-Thunder Broadcast Glitch Featuring Spooky Graphic

ESPN's broadcast of Game 4 suffered an odd broadcasting error in the first quarter that led to a 'Friday the 13th' graphic being shown.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals glitched out for a second, giving many fans a jumpscare | ABC

The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder combined to put on a great show in the first quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, with both sides exchanging haymakers in the early goings of a pivotal contest. It was a treat for fans— until a bizarre broadcasting glitch interrupted the viewing experience.

Just past the halfway point of the first quarter, Thunder guard Lu Dort lined up for a three-point shot that would tie the score at 24. As he was taking it, the ESPN/ABC broadcast went black for over five seconds. Then it returned. Then, for some reason, it cut to a local news station that had a spooky Friday The 13th graphic in the background.

It was very odd and maybe a bit of a jumpscare for viewers. Or those who are not fond of scary movies.

espn wtf happened here pic.twitter.com/s1VABvFueF

— FN (@fndxerbackup) June 14, 2025

Fans reacted in all kinds of ways to the unexpected interruption.

the pacers devil magic is interfering with the broadcasts

— ALMIGHTEE. (@realalmightee) June 14, 2025

pic.twitter.com/TITGqRfH4u

— DDOT. (@DDotOmen) June 14, 2025

I was so confused, and it happened right as Lu shot lol

— Smooth Operator (@2093_life) June 14, 2025

What was this ESPN Friday the 13th glitch? 💀 pic.twitter.com/pPKsvBfHoT

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 14, 2025

PACERS WINNING ON FRIDAY THE 13TH LMAO

— Curry Flurry 😈 (@babyfacedubs) June 14, 2025

Umm, did Friday the 13th just flash on your screen during the NBA Finals?

— Vaughn Fry (@VaughnFry) June 14, 2025

Everything resumed as normal afterwards and the Pacers would finish the quarter one point ahead of OKC.

Happy Friday the 13th, everybody!

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