Thunder Ditch TNT Postgame Interview for Local Broadcast After Win vs. Pelicans

Things got a bit awkward on the national broadcast.

Thunder teammates join Josh Giddey for a postgame interview on Bally Sports Oklahoma. / Screengrab via Bally Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder second-year forward Jalen Williams was set to join reporter Allie LaForce on the TNT broadcast following the 106–85 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.

Until he wasn't.

To TNT's surprise, Williams walked away just as the live interview was about to begin, leaving LaForce by herself with a microphone. It was an awkward moment on the broadcast, although LaForce handled it like a pro.

Play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan chimed in as the TNT cameras pivoted to a shot of the team interview with Bally Sports Oklahoma's Nick Gallo.

Thunder dipping out of the national TNT postgame interview to join Nick Gallo and the local OKC broadcast postgame: https://t.co/25Koir7g7r

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) April 27, 2024

It was a much different interview experience on Bally Sports Oklahoma.

Gallo chatted with guard Josh Giddey as his Thunder teammates—including Williams—listened in, just as they have many times throughout the regular season.

"We got a versatile team, we've seen a lot of different things."

Josh Giddey on OKC's Game 3 win in New Orleans.#ThunderUp | @okcthunder | @BallySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/0nBRwQP2V8

— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) April 27, 2024

The Thunder took a 3–0 series lead over the Pelicans and are one win away from advancing to the second round to face either the Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Clippers.

If they finish off the sweep Monday at Smoothie King Center, it'll mark the final local broadcast of the season on Bally Sports Oklahoma. TNT, ESPN and ABC are scheduled to televise every game for the rest of the playoff bracket.