NBA Finals making cool change for Game 5

The NBA Finals are making a cool change ahead of Monday’s Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

ABC is planning to air the pregame introductions for each team’s starting lineup. This reportedly will be the first time that is done since 2013.

What’s the big deal with this matter? There were widespread complaints that the NBA Finals lacked any sort of special feeling that should reflect the importance of the series. Fans noted there were no representations of the Larry O’Brien Trophy on the court or on the jerseys of players. They mentioned the lack of pregame introductions that could help build up excitement. All in all, the NBA Finals did not seem distinguished from any other game.

The NBA listened to the complaints and added a small Larry O’Brien Trophy sticker to the court for Game 2, but that effort was mocked. Now ABC is planning to air the pregame starter introductions.

The good news is the NBA is listening to feedback from its fans and trying to adjust for the better. They were probably motivated to make the changes after the TV viewership ratings for Game 1 of the series were low.

The Finals are tied 2-2, and the teams have alternated wins. If that trend keeps, that would mean it’s the Pacers’ turn to get a victory. This game is particularly critical. When a series is tied at two, the winner of Game 5 goes on to win the series 74 percent of the time.