Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals 2025 opener draws worst TV ratings in over 3 decades despite red hot playoffs action: Report

NBA Central @TheDunkCentral

Game 1 of the Pacers–Thunder NBA Finals averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC, making it the lowest-rated and least-watched Finals opener since Nielsen tracking began in 1988—excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 and 2021 series, per

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Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 2020 between the Miami Heat and LA Lakers rated 4.1 and topped at 7.69M. The Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 1 tussle against the Phoenix Suns in 2021 resulted in a 4.5 rating and 8.70M, per the same report.

Lewis also noted the drop in TV ratings between Thursday’s Pacers-Thunder showdown and the Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 clash in 2024. Headlined by Boston superstar Jayson Tatum and then Dallas MVP contender Luka Doncic, the series opener rated 5.7 and peaked at 10.9M.

Still, there is some hope for the NBA Finals TV ratings to improve. Jon Lewis wrote in his report:

“The Thunder looked well on their way to a comfortable Game 1 win until Indiana pulled off yet another fourth-quarter comeback, culminating in Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot. If this series is to bounce back in the ratings, the momentum from that shot will have to carry into Sunday’s Game 2.”

Adam Silver unconcerned about TV ratings and attendance featuring two small market teams in the NBA Finals

Adam Silver appeared on the Breakfast Ball on Wednesday before Game 1 of the NBA Finals the following day. Silver pushed back amid potential low TV ratings and attendance concerns due to small-market teams in the championship round.

"If we were going into a Super Bowl and it was Packers against Steelers, you guys would be celebrating that. ... People wouldn't be talking about the fact that Pittsburgh is a small market. I'm happy whatever team ends up in the Finals, but it's been intentional from our standpoint to create a system, a collective bargaining agreement, that allows more teams to compete.

The last CBA, which took effect in July 2023, has increased the parity in the league. The newly introduced second apron, a big blow to big-market and big-spending teams, has leveled the field.

Adam Silver insisted that fans will get more competitive basketball across the league due to the CBA. He encouraged them to watch the NBA Finals because the best teams would represent the league in the event.

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Michael Macasero

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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