The most dramatic comeback in NBA Finals history proved to be a winner with television viewers as well.
Disney-owned ABC said Friday that it averaged 20.9 million viewers for Wednesday’s Game 4 between the Spurs and Knicks, an instant classic that saw New York revive from a 29-point deficit to win and set an event record in the process.
That audience is up a massive 123% from the comparable game last year. It also extends an audience tear that has helped define this series and has given the NBA a resurgent energy after a difficult regular season that saw escalated concerns about tanking. Game 3 in particular on Monday averaged 23.8 million viewers, representing the most-watched NBA Finals Game since 2017.
Through four games, the NBA Finals is averaging 19.6 million viewers, up 116% from a year ago and the best such figure since 1998.
The Knicks now hold a 3–1 series lead and will be attempting to seal their first NBA title since 1973 during Game 5, set for Saturday in San Antonio.
