Latest news with #AdamZagoria
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Knicks-Pacers Game 5 Draws Largest Audience in Almost 10 Years
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. The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks have a historic rivalry. It's one that got renewed this year by having these two teams face off in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York hasn't been to the NBA Finals since 1999, when they beat the Pacers to get there. Indiana hasn't been to the Finals since 2000, when they beat the Knicks to advance. After Game 5, the Pacers still lead the series 3-2. The Knicks were able to stave off elimination and elongate the series. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Photo byNew York won that must-win Game 5 in front of a fired-up home crowd at Madison Square Garden. The fans in the arena weren't the only fans who were fired up to watch the game, though. NBA fans all over were excited to watch the Knicks take down the Pacers. In fact, the ratings were through the roof for an Eastern Conference game. It was the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 since 2018, which is quite a feat. Thursday night's Pacers/Knicks game averaged 6.7 million viewers, the most watched ECF, Game 5 since 2018. Viewership peaked with 7.9 million viewers at 9:45 Per @TNTSportsUS — Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 30, 2025 The fact that the Knicks are in the game certainly helps the national appeal. They are one of the biggest markets in the NBA, so casual fans are going to watch them play. Indiana is one of the most fun teams to watch in the league, as well. This is also a historic rivalry, so that's why so many people are tuning in. Read more: Bucks Hit With Troubling Brook Lopez Update Surprisingly, the series hasn't gotten as chippy as some NBA pundits thought it might get. Both teams have been able to keep their cool thus far. Tyrese Haliburton has had some incredible moments in this series for the Pacers. He is the engine that drives their offense, and he helped cap an insane comeback in Game 1. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been instrumental in the success the Knicks have had. Both players continue to play well, no matter what Indiana throws at them. If Indiana makes the NBA Finals, it will be just the second time in franchise history that they will have accomplished that feat. The Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973, so if they make it, they will be looking to do something they haven't done in over 50 years. Meanwhile, the Pacers have never won an NBA championship. A lot is at stake for both franchises as the series winds down to a close. More NBA on Newsweek: Suns' Kevin Durant Receives Eye-Opening Future Prediction Mavericks Trade Proposal Lands 2-Time All-Star For Daniel Gafford
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fans Stunned by Eye-Popping Knicks vs. Celtics Ticket Price
The NBA Playoffs have been both exciting and somewhat surprising so far. In the second round, three of the higher-seeded teams are trailing in their series. The only higher seed that is not trailing is the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are tied 1-1 against the No. 7 seed, the Golden State Warriors. One of the bigger surprises involves the defending champions, the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics, who find themselves trailing the No. 3-seeded New York Knicks 2-0. This is surprising because the Celtics led both games by 20 points but ultimately lost both at home. Advertisement Now, the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, and the most expensive ticket for the critical Game 3 has been announced. Basketball insider Adam Zagoria revealed on X that the ticket will cost an astonishing $98,791. Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) sets the play while being defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.© John Jones-Imagn Images This elicited a strong reaction from NBA fans. Some fans stated that if they are paying that price, they will expect additional perks beyond just watching the game. Another fan tweeted that if they are paying that price, then some all-time great players such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry better be playing. Other fans tweeted their surprise about that high price. It is unclear whether the price mentioned is simply an asking price or if a fan actually paid that amount to watch Game 3. Regardless, this moment is significant in the Knicks' history. The Knicks have not reached the conference finals since 2000, when they lost to the Indiana Pacers 4-2. A win in Game 3 would put the Knicks ahead 3-0, a deficit that no team has ever overcome. Winning the series would also not only be a major victory over a conference rival but also prevent them from repeating as champions. Advertisement This series has been entertaining so far. The Celtics have dominated the first three quarters of both games, boasting a +21 point differential across those six quarters. However, the New York Knicks have excelled in the fourth quarter and overtime, outscoring Boston by 25 points during those critical periods. The Knicks and Celtics will face off on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Related: Kevin Durant Makes Strong NBA Career Statement Without Hesitation
