Few sporting events are as dramatic as a close NBA game, but the Spurs-Lakers game on April 4, had even higher stakes as San Antonio sits amid a pack of teams all jockeying for position heading into the playoffs. So with the contest tied up, 108-108 with four seconds left, all eyes were on the nationally televised game.
As the Spurs’ Josh Hart drove into the lane to give his team the lead, fans bore witness to a very poorly-timed commercial break by ESPN.
The commercial actor did nothing wrong but was quickly made the target of anger from fans wondering just how that play ended. Fortunately, the feed returned after about two seconds, revealing that Hart had missed the shot, sending the game to overtime.
Of course, the cameras still caught the action, even if the fans didn’t. The NBA posted the complete play on Twitter in short order, “crediting” ESPN as the broadcaster.
Fans and media outlets on Twitter were quick to jump on ESPN’s case about the poorly-timed gaffe. One complained about the game cutting to a “random dude,” which is a hilariously bizarre characterization of an actor in a commercial.
ESPN has maintained a silence on the matter, perhaps hoping coverage of their mistake will just blow over, as it probably will.
While the interrupted play didn’t signify the end of the action, it did serve as a crucial component, as the Lakers took control in overtime following the missed shot. Los Angeles won 122-112, causing the Spurs to slide one spot in the playoff rankings with just a few games remaining.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.