Monday, June 30, 2025
Home Basketball Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals 2025 opener draws worst TV ratings in...

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

On Thursday, the Pacers and the Thunder put on a thrilling show in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Indiana, the comeback kids of the 2025 playoffs, rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the No. 1 seeded team in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton nailed a 21-foot jump shot to drag Indiana to a 111-110 win.

Still, the thrilling finish of the dogfight produced a concerning TV ratings result. Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, via NBA Central, wrote:

NBA Central twiiter verified@TheDunkCentral
twiiter logoGame 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

@paulsen_smw

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.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

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.

Pacers Fan? Check out the latest Indiana Pacers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Michael Macasero
RELATED ARTICLES

New blockbuster three-team trade proposal sends LeBron James to Rockets alongside Kevin Durant

The LeBron James trade rumors have picked up steam after Rich Paul's cryptic comments following his client's decision to opt into his $52.7 million player option. The Lakers retain James momentarily for the 2025-26 NBA season, but it doesn't guarantee that he will suit up in the Purple and Gold again. Ad Paul revealed his

NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster reunion for LeBron James with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the cards in Dallas 

A blockbuster reunion for LeBron James with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving in Dallas is on the cards should the LA Lakers star ask for a trade. James sparked massive speculation on his future in LA on Sunday after opting into his $52.7 million player option. Ad According to insider Jovan Buha, Dallas is a

Can Lakers and LeBron James agree to a contract buyout? Exploring potential options

This past weekend, it was reported that LeBron James would be exercising his $52.6 million player option to stay with the LA Lakers. While this appears to seal the deal for James' eighth season in Tinseltown, there remains a possibility that the King will suit up for another ball club when the 2025-26 season tips

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

New blockbuster three-team trade proposal sends LeBron James to Rockets alongside Kevin Durant

The LeBron James trade rumors have picked up steam after Rich Paul's cryptic comments following his client's decision to opt into his $52.7 million player option. The Lakers retain James momentarily for the 2025-26 NBA season, but it doesn't guarantee that he will suit up in the Purple and Gold again. Ad Paul revealed his

NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster reunion for LeBron James with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the cards in Dallas 

A blockbuster reunion for LeBron James with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving in Dallas is on the cards should the LA Lakers star ask for a trade. James sparked massive speculation on his future in LA on Sunday after opting into his $52.7 million player option. Ad According to insider Jovan Buha, Dallas is a

WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon 1R opponent, Carson Branstine can’t believe her eyes after saving embarrassment of a game-less loss to World No. 1

Aryna Sabalenka and Carson Banstine recently locked horns with each other in Wimbledon, and the latter was seen beaming with confidence after winning her first-ever game against the Belarusian in the match. The tournament commenced on June 30 and will conclude on July 13, 2025. Ad Sabalenka and Banstine started their Wimbledon journey on June

Maria Sharapova rubs shoulders with David Beckham, duo lead star-studded celebrity line-up at Wimbledon Day 1 ft. Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff & more

Maria Sharapova has shared images from the All-England Club on the first day of Wimbledon. The 2004 champion posted a selfie of her wearing denim, another of her in the company of soccer superstar David Beckham, and a third of one of Wimbledon's jumbo screens. Sharapova, Beckham, and other celebrities were on hand as Carlos

Recent Comments