With the Knicks needing something – anything – to spark some life into their Game 4 performance, Wu-Tang Clan took to the court at Madison Square Garden.
But ESPN viewers didn’t get to see it, with the network instead opting to let the show play out in the background of their halftime analysis.
Those watching at home on ABC could see the performance in the background behind Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Co, but were not allowed to enjoy the performance in its entirety.
At one point, the NBA analysts even started singing one of the Clan’s biggest hits – hinting that even they would have liked to take a few moments out to watch the show.
The TV feed also cut away from the in-studio team to show some of the performance, but without any audio as the basketball analysis continued instead.
On X, fans quickly made their feelings clear, with one noting: ‘I’ve been watching this boring NBA game almost entirely for the Wu Tang half time show, only to now find out we don’t actually get to view it? Is this just me?’
Wu-Tang Clan performed on the court at Madison Square Garden during halftime of Game 4
The crowd inside MSG enjoyed the show, but millions watching at home were shut out
Another added: ‘abc/espn shoulda gave us the option to watch the wu-tang halftime performance,’ while a third said: ‘OH SO WE DON’T GET TO SEE WU-TANG OKAY.’
Initial reports from fans inside the arena lauded the performance as ‘incredible’, with another posting: ‘Wu Tang Clan in MSG and the Spurs have been MONEY! dollar dollar bill y’all!’
The iconic hip-hop group, formed in New York’s Staten Island in 1992, wowed MSG with a medley of their greatest hits in a desperate bid to rouse the crowd.
News of their performance was first leaked earlier on Wednesday, with fans immediately delighted at the prospect of seeing the iconic group.
ESPN’s cameras filmed and broadcast parts of the show, but halftime analysis continued
ESPN host Ernie Johnson poses for a photo with Wu-Tang Clan ahead of the game at MSG
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Should live sports broadcasts prioritize game coverage or showcase major halftime performances?
The current line-up of Wu-Tang is comprised of RZA, GZA, Method Man, U-God, Masta Killa, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard.
They are currently on a break from their farewell tour, titled Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.
On the court, the Knicks suffered a disastrous first half against the San Antonio Spurs, heading back to the locker room with a 27-point deficit and staring down the barrel of a loss to level the series.
