ESPN places digital trophy on court on during Game 2 of NBA Finals
NBA fans missed the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy logo on the court during Game 1 of the 2025 Finals.
The backlash surged during Game 1 of the Oklahoma City Thunder versus Indiana Pacers series, with fans criticizing the NBA for stripping its premier showcase of its signature style.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JUNE 8: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 8, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Decal (Getty Images)
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The NBA responded, reinstating the Larry O’Brien logo for Game 2, though the execution drew mixed reactions.
READ: Removing The Larry O’Brien Trophy From Center Court Is A Modern Day Atrocity
Instead of the traditional physical court decal, the league opted for a digital Larry O’Brien trophy logo in Game 2.
Fans were underwhelmed by the digital rendition, expressing disappointment with the result.
Once again, the NBA seems to find new ways to frustrate its fanbase.
“They’ve now superimposed a dinky little Larry O’Brien trophy on the telecast,” one fan posted on X.
Expectations for this Finals matchup were already low, and Game 1’s viewership confirmed the skeptics’ predictions.
The game averaged 8.91 million viewers on ABC, marking the lowest-viewed Finals Game 1 in Nielsen’s ratings history (since 1988), excluding the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.
In contrast, the 2024 NBA Finals Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks drew 11.04 million viewers.
Even when fans tune in, the production value and overall product often fall short of the hype.
OKC tied up the series in Game 2, winning 123-107.
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