BAD news for NBA fans, specifically those relying on free television to watch the Finals.
Just like Game Two, the fifth game of the best-of-seven championship series between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs will be shown on a delayed basis by ABS-CBN on Monday.
ABS-CBN Sports announced on its social media accounts that the broadcast of Game Five, to be played on a Sunday in San Antonio (Monday morning, Manila time), will start at 9 a.m. on Channel 2.
The airing, however, will come an hour after tip-off since KrisTV, a daily program of actress-host Kris Aquino, owns the 8 a.m. timeslot in the giant broadcasting network.
Apparently, the Lopez-owned network has no plans to shake up its morning programming to give way to the live airing of Game Five.
ABS-CBN found itself in the same predicament in Game Two, which had an earlier-than-usual Sunday start in Miami and was therefore shown on a delayed basis, earning the ire of NBA fans.
But with the Heat winning Game Four, 109-93, on Friday, Filipino fans are assured that Games Six and, if necessary, Seven will be aired live on free television beginning at 9 a.m.
Cable channels Basketball TV and NBA Premium will continue to air the NBA Finals live.