Wild Knicks-Pacers Game 1 was huge ratings boon not seen in seven years
Drama between the Knicks and Pacers turned into ratings gold for TNT, which aired the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night.
The Pacers' comeback win, which broke Knicks fans' hearts and delighted their Indiana counterparts, averaged 6.6 million viewers and peaked at 8.5 million at 11 p.m., the network announced less than 24 hours after the 'instant classic.'
Advertisement
The viewership for the game was the most-watched Eastern Conference finals Game 1 in seven years, since the Cavaliers with LeBron James faced the Celtics in 2018 on ABC to an average audience of 7.24 million viewers.
3 Obi Toppin scores on a layup from behind the basket in the third quarter of the Knicks' Game 1 loss to the Pacers.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Knicks-Pacers series has seen a 2 percent increase in viewership over last year's Pacers-Celtics series, which aired on ESPN and ESPN 2 and averaged 6.4 million viewers, Sports Media Watch reported.
The spike in viewers during Wednesday's game naturally occurred right around the time of the game's exciting OT finish.
Advertisement
The NBA is likely happy to see the Pacers and Knicks meeting in the conference finals after the two ran into each other in the playoffs last season, reigniting a classic rivalry that was at its height in the 1990s.
The series between the rivals also marks the final NBA playoff set — or games for that matter — that will air on TNT.
3 Mikal Bridges cannot hold onto the ball and loses it out of bounds in the final second of the Knicks' Game 1 overtime loss to the Pacers.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Advertisement
Follow The Post's coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.
The cable channel is in its final days broadcasting the NBA before the league packs up its basketballs and heads over to NBC and Amazon's Prime Video as part of a new media rights deal that kicks in next season.
The new deal will see conference finals games rotate between NBC and the streaming service.
3 Tyrese Haliburton makes a choking gesture as he celebrates with his teammates after he hits a game-tying jump shot at the buzzer in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime.
Jason Szenes / New York Post
Advertisement
Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller and Stan Van Gundy will all be on the call for the remainder of the series as TNT ends its run of broadcasting the NBA.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fanatics' Museum of Greatness to showcase Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, LeBron James collectibles totaling more than $200M in value
A game-worn jersey from Michael Jordan will be part of the museum collection. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File) If you have ever wanted to see an amazing collection of sports cards and memorabilia, Fanatics Fest will be the place to be. Fanatics is putting together the 'Museum of Greatness,' which will feature items valued at more than $200 million. Advertisement The second Fanatics Fest takes place from June 20-22 at the Javits Center in New York City, offering opportunities for celebrity autographs, photo ops, interactive experiences and more. Fanatics is pulling out all of the stops for the comic-con-like event focused on sports. Along with the show-stopping sports card and memorabilia display, there is also Fanatics Games, which will see athletes and influencers compete against fans for a $1 million prize. 'We've tried to improve the stuff we did last year while adding tons of new stuff and I think it's going to be an unbelievable experience for fans,' Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman said in a recent interview. 'There's so much that we've added this year. The LeBron James 2004-05 Topps Chrome Superfractor PSA 10 is included in the Museum of Greatness. (Fanatics) The Museum of Greatness is believed to be the most valuable collection of cards and memorabilia ever assembled. Advertisement Some of the items that will be on display include: Shohei Ohtani's 2024 All-Star Game uniform plus three cards from his rookie year (worth $1 million) Michael Jordan's 1998 'Last Dance' NBA Finals jersey Michael Jordan 1997 Fleer Precious Metal Gems Green ($8 million) 1998 Fleer Metal Gem Masters 1/1 ($4.5 million) LeBron James 2004-05 Topps Chrome Superfractor PSA 10 2003-04 Ultimate LeBron James Rookie Logoman Over 50 MLB Debut Patches 2023-24 National Treasures Victor Wembanyama Patch Logoman PSA 10 1997-98 U.D. Game Jersey Michael Jordan Autographed Patch Card PSA 8 The 10,500-square foot display will be in the style of stadium seating, with different sections highlighting such topics as Rising Stars, GOATs, Women in Sports, Barrier Breakers and Entertainment.
San Francisco Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Pistons, Mavericks to play regular-season game in Mexico City on Nov. 1
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The NBA is going back to Mexico City next season, with the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons set to play a regular-season game there on Nov. 1. The Mavericks currently have the No. 1 pick in this month's draft and are expected to select Duke's Cooper Flagg. The Pistons made a huge improvement this season and reached the Eastern Conference playoffs. It will be the NBA's 34th game in Mexico since 1992. 'We take significant pride in the fact that the Mavericks organization and our supporters reflect the increased globalization of basketball and the NBA," Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said. 'The vibrancy of Mexico City and the passion of its fans make it the perfect place to host these Global Games.' The full NBA schedule for next season isn't likely to be released until late summer. The league typically announces some international games ahead of that. 'Playing a regular-season game in Mexico City will be a great experience for our players and coaches," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. "And we look forward to showcasing Detroit basketball to an international audience and a passionate, growing NBA fanbase.'
USA Today
38 minutes ago
- USA Today
Rockets formally reject Knicks' bid to speak with head coach Ime Udoka
Rockets formally reject Knicks' bid to speak with head coach Ime Udoka The Knicks formally asked the Rockets for permission to speak with head coach Ime Udoka and were rejected, according to SNY's Ian Begley. As expected, the Knicks formally reached out to the Houston Rockets regarding permission to speak with head coach Ime Udoka. New York has been without a coach since deciding to part ways with Tom Thibodeau after its Eastern Conference finals loss. Also as expected, the Rockets denied that request, SNY's Ian Begley reported Tuesday night. He cited people familiar with Houston's stance. Udoka remains under contract with Houston for the next two seasons. Coming off a season with the NBA's fourth-best record and a young and improving roster, the Rockets like the course they're on. Moreover, Udoka finished third in 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year voting. So, there's not much incentive for Houston — even if offered lucrative compensation — to consider letting Udoka out of his contract to speak with the Knicks. It is possible that New York's interest could be mentioned by Udoka and his representation in future negotiations with the Rockets, who are likely planning to give him a contract extension by the 2026 offseason at the latest. Clearly, the plan for both Udoka and the Rockets is for their partnership to continue beyond the current contract. More: 'You couldn't pay us enough': Stephen A. Smith relays Rockets' response to Ime Udoka rumor
