The opening minutes of NBA on NBC’s return included a “mad dash to replace a microphone that had been hindered by audio issues.” It prompted host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady to “play pass the mic.” McGrady had early issues with his mic that “prevented viewers from hearing” what he was saying. Someone off-screen “handed Taylor a new mic, which was then given to McGrady.” The audio issues “weren’t over just yet, as moments later, Taylor’s mic cut out as she was attempting to steer the conversation.” McGrady: “This is the first night, so it’s not gonna be perfect, NBC family.” The issues “subsided after the first commercial break as the show avoided any further audio snafus” (N.Y. POST, 10/21).
Viewers “loved how the network leaned into the nostalgia of the 90s, the energy of the pregame show and the chemistry between commentators, as well as the player intros, which fans were particularly fired up about.” Save for the pregame audio issue, “we’re off to a pretty strong start” (SI, 10/21).