Knicks-Pacers Game 1 Draws NBA's Biggest Audience in Nearly a Decade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers was one for the ages.
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It was arguably the best game of the year, and it ended with the Pacers coming back in dramatic fashion, as they've done all season long. With 4:55 left in the fourth quarter, the Knicks were up by 15 points and had a 99.7 percent chance to come away with the win. What happened next, no one but Pacer fans who have seen it time and time again can explain.
The Pacers are the definition of never-say-die, and not only was the contest worth watching, but Game 1 was the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals opener since the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Boston Celtics on ABC in 2018.
The Indiana Pacers celebrate a basket against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2025 in...
The Indiana Pacers celebrate a basket against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2025 in New York City. More
Photo by"Wednesday's Pacers-Knicks NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 averaged a 3.5 rating and 6.6 million viewers across TNT and truTV, flat in ratings and up 2% in viewership from Pacers-Celtics on ESPN and ESPN2 last year (3.5, 6.4M) and the most-watched Game 1 of the ECF since Cavaliers-Celtics on ABC in 2018 (7.24M). It is also tied as the highest rated over that span," wrote Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch.
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Indiana's comeback victory, which peaked at 8.5 million viewers during the 11 PM ET quarter-hour, stands as the third most-watched conference finals opener since 2019 (out of 12 total). It trails only last year's Mavericks-Timberwolves and Lakers-Nuggets matchups, both of which aired on ESPN platforms in 2023 and drew 7.36 million viewers.
Game 1 was arguably one of the most chaotic and thrilling contests of the postseason. Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith caught fire for Indiana, knocking down six three-pointers in under five minutes.
The Knicks had a chance to seal it late, but OG Anunoby missed a critical free throw that would have pushed the lead to three. On the ensuing possession, Tyrese Haliburton came through in the clutch, drilling a game-tying two that added another chapter to his rising playoff legacy.
In overtime, the two teams traded the lead several times before Indiana ultimately came out on top, snatching Game 1 right out of New York's hands.
It felt like three games packed into one, and if there was any doubt about the intensity of this series, it just got erased. This matchup has already exceeded expectations.
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For more Knicks, Pacers, NBA news, and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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