Indiana ABC Affiliate Cuts Away During Pacers NBA Finals Comeback

During Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pacers staged a remarkable comeback, winning the game with a last-second jumper by Tyrese Haliburton. However, viewers in Indiana's Fort Wayne area missed a critical portion of the final minutes because WPTA, the local ABC affiliate, cut away from the live game coverage to air teasers for the 11 p.m. news broadcast. This break occurred with just over a minute remaining, during a crucial moment when the Pacers were trailing and mounting their comeback. Ironically, one of the teased news segments was about a watch party for the game itself, which added to the frustration for fans. Fortunately, the broadcast returned in time for Haliburton's game-winning shot, allowing viewers to see the decisive moment. The Pacers' resilience was highlighted by their repeated ability to come back from significant deficits throughout the postseason.