New York's thrilling win over San Antonio averaged 16.93 million viewers on ABC, up 90% from last year's Game 1.
From NBA.com News Services
On Chasing History presented by Michelob ULTRA, Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks to a 1-0 series lead over the Spurs.
The star power of Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson helped this year’s NBA Finals get off to a huge start in terms of viewership, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since the last Finals matchup between LeBron James and Stephen Curry eight years ago.
Game 1 of the Finals matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks averaged nearly 17 million viewers on Wednesday night, up 90% when compared to last season’s Finals Game 1. It was the most-watched Game 1 since 2018, the most recent time James — then of Cleveland — and Golden State’s Curry faced off in the title round.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Game 1 highlights: pic.twitter.com/vq9jLrmq2t
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 6, 2026
This past Wednesday's matchup between the @spurs & the @nyknicks was the most-watched #NBAFinals Game 1 since ‘18
🏀 16.93M avg. viewers
🏀 19.63M peak
🏀 Up 90% YoY
Details: https://t.co/kjD9TJvJk9 pic.twitter.com/ToVIBz2BCw
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 5, 2026
Wednesday’s game had a peak audience of 19.63 million viewers around 11 p.m. EDT, which would have been in the fourth quarter of New York’s 105-95 victory.
It was the most-watched Finals Game 1 ever on ABC and the most-watched Finals contest since Game 6 of the 2019 title series between Toronto and Golden State.
ESPN’s coverage of the 2026 NBA Finals on ABC continues with Game 2 tonight (8:30 p.m ET).
NYK (1-0) SAS.
GAME 2.
8:30 PM ET on ABC. https://t.co/fMvHVyNJkl
— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2026
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
The Knicks, meanwhile, will likely stick to late offense while the glass should continue to be a battleground for both teams.
New York's glue guy with relentless energy is willing to sacrifice personal achievement if it means success for the team.
To forge a series tie in the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama says the Spurs 'need to play our game.'
San Antonio seeks a series tie, while New York eyes a 2-0 start as the NBA Finals continue in San Antonio.
The Knicks, meanwhile, will likely stick to late offense while the glass should continue to be a battleground for both teams.
New York's glue guy with relentless energy is willing to sacrifice personal achievement if it means success for the team.
To forge a series tie in the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama says the Spurs 'need to play our game.'
San Antonio seeks a series tie, while New York eyes a 2-0 start as the NBA Finals continue in San Antonio.
Mikal Bridges puts together one of his most clutch performances ever to help the Knicks secure a 2-0 lead in The Finals.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals had several turning points, and the Knicks were on the right side to escape with a 105-104 victory.
Paul Westhead turned heads for setting a breakneck pace, and was honored with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.
If Victor Wembanyama makes a last second shot, the series is tied. But the Spurs star misses, and the Knicks lead The Finals 2-0.
Paul Westhead spent 38 seasons in basketball and coached in the NBA, WNBA, NCAA and in international basketball.
Follow along with the action from Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals, as the Knicks withstood a late rally by the Spurs, with our live blog.
Leave a Reply