Why is there a drone flying during Celtics vs. 76ers? NBA on TNT camera angle draws criticism from fans

Sam Jarden

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Why is there a drone flying during Celtics vs. 76ers? NBA on TNT camera angle draws criticism from fans image

Fans tuned into Game 2 of Sixers vs. Celtics on Wednesday night may have noticed an unusual camera shot during the broadcast.

For the first time, TNT broke out a drone camera to provide a new angle of the action on the court. It could be seen on the main broadcast camera flying around inside TD Garden. 

You can catch a glimpse of it in this clip flying into view from the right side of the screen:

This is what it looked like from inside the arena:

It's a neat idea and it does provide a unique view of the game. However, when they cut to the actual footage from the drone, there were some issues. 

Here's a look at what the drone footage looked like on the broadcast:

The resolution was noticeably worse than a typical broadcast camera and the cut to the shot was a bit jarring. Viewers were quick to voice their displeasure, taking to social media to complain about the drone. 

Their comments seem to have gotten through to the broadcast crew. After making a couple of appearances in the first few minutes of the game, the drone wasn't seen again for the rest of the first quarter. However, it did take flight again midway through the second quarter.

Based on their Twitter reactions, it sounds like fans are hoping TNT's drone experiment is short-lived. 

Sam Jarden

Sam Jarden Photo

Sam Jarden joined Sporting News as an intern in 2020 and returned as a content producer in 2022. In between, he spent a year and a half at Turner Sports, managing the social media accounts for Bleacher Report, NBA on TNT, NBA TV and others. A proud UNC alumnus, he spends his free time following the Tar Heels, Buffalo Bills and Newcastle United FC, and has been known to occasionally hit the links.