Denver Basketball Team, Nuggets, Faces Off Against Opponents
TNT's on-air talent was left scratching their heads over the NBA's playoff schedule on Thursday, with the network airing Game 3 between the Thunder and Grizzlies instead of the highly anticipated Nuggets vs. Clippers matchup. Despite the intense competition and close scoreline in the Nuggets-Clippers series, an overlapping Game 3 was shown on NBA TV.
Baffled by the unexpected decision, analyst Charles Barkley took to the airwaves to express his disapproval. "Are y'all serious right now? Y'all got the Clippers, the best series going, on NBA TV instead of here? Come on, Kenny." Other analysts joined in the criticism, with Shaquille O'Neal suggesting a trade between games to ensure a more entertaining broadcast.
While the Nuggets take on the Clippers at 8 p.m. MT in Los Angeles, fans in the Denver area can watch the game on Altitude Sports, the team-owned regional sports network. Determined to make it accessible for all, Altitude Sports is offering a free three-day trial for its streaming service, Altitude Plus, using the promo code "alt3free."
Kevin Demoff, the executive who oversees Altitude, took to social media to empathize with frustrated fans. "We understand Nuggets fans' frustrations that tonight's game is not being televised on TNT," he posted. "What we do control is making the game free on Altitude+ so all fans can watch."
In a twist of fate, TNT and the NBA found themselves in a contract dispute with Altitude and Comcast back in September 2019. This dispute led to local blackouts of Nuggets and Avalanche games, a situation that was mitigated by the introduction of Altitude+. With a monthly subscription cost of $19.95, Altitude+ provides an alternative means to access Altitude's coverage[1].
In a historic move, the NBA allowed KSE to lift the standard NBA TV local blackouts for the Nuggets' 2023 first-round series against Minnesota due to the carriage dispute[1]. Future games, such as Game 4 on Saturday, April 27, and Game 5 (if needed), will have broader availability, with Game 4 airing on TNT.
Keep updated with all the latest Nuggets news by signing up for Breaking Nuggets News email alerts[2]. Join the Nuggets Insider for comprehensive NBA analysis[3].
[1] Enrichment Data
Why Game 3 Was Not Shown on TNT:
The decision to prioritize the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies series was made by the league, as the Thunder had a record-breaking 68 wins in the regular season and the NBA wanted to increase national exposure ahead of a potential deep playoff run[1].
How Nuggets Fans Can Watch the Game Locally:
Game 3 of the Nuggets-Clippers series was blacked out and only available to Altitude Sports subscribers[1].
Next Game Availability:
Future games, such as Game 4 on Saturday, April 27, and Game 5 (if needed), will have broader availability, with Game 4 airing on TNT[1]. Additionally, once the series progresses past the first round, local blackouts are no longer a concern, as games are broadcast nationally[1].
[2] Website disclaimer and subscription details
[3] Website subscription link for the Nuggets Insider
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed herein may not reflect the actual decision-making process related to NBA scheduling or broadcasting choices. Always check your local listings for accurate broadcast information.
- The Nuggets-Clippers matchup, considered the best series in the NBA, was expected to be aired on TNT, but it was placed on NBA TV instead, causing confusion among analysts.
- Frustrated fans in the Denver area can watch the Nuggets game on Altitude Sports, the team-owned regional sports network, with a free three-day trial for the streaming service, Altitude Plus, using the promo code "alt3free."
- Kevin Demoff, who oversees Altitude, empathized with frustrated fans on social media, stating that while the game was not being televised on TNT, it was being made free on Altitude+ so all fans could watch.
- The decision to prioritize the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies series on TNT was made by the league, with the Thunder having a record-breaking 68 wins in the regular season, aiming to increase national exposure ahead of a potential deep playoff run.
- In a historic move, the NBA allowed KSE to lift the standard NBA TV local blackouts for the Nuggets' 2023 first-round series against Minnesota due to a carriage dispute.
- Future games, such as Game 4 on Saturday, April 27, and Game 5 (if needed), will have broader availability, with Game 4 airing on TNT, and local blackouts will no longer be a concern once the series progresses past the first round, as games are broadcast nationally.
