• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown

The battle between the Eastern Conference juggernauts averaged 1.94 million viewers and peaked at 2.7 million.

Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers play during the second half at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The face-off between the Celtics and Cavaliers had plenty of the ingredients required to drive viewers to their TV screens. And it delivered.

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers on TNT, up 79% over last year’s comparable game, and peaked at 2.7 million viewers. 

The total for Tuesday night’s doubleheader dipped to an average of just 1.6 million viewers due to the Thunder-Spurs nightcap, where Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren were missing due to injury, but the overall average was still 42% higher than Night 3 of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament, which also featured the Spurs-Thunder followed by Clippers-Nuggets.

The latest results have brought NBA viewership on TNT essentially even with last season at an average of 1.8 million viewers per game.

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup games are averaging 1.56 million viewers through six games, which is just a 4% increase over last year. This season’s number is dragged down by Friday’s ESPN games (Lakers-Spurs, 1.28 million; Grizzlies-Warriors, 1.03 million), which were affected by the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight along with several other programs

A Proven Recipe 

The Cavs-Celtics viewership results showcased how, despite criticism against the league’s three-point-heavy style, an ostensibly meaningful contest featuring top teams and players can boost viewership.

The game had a clear storyline: The defending champions, entering the game at 11–3 and second in the East, battled a budding contender carrying a 15–0 record, the second-longest winning streak to start a season in league history. Most of the star players were healthy, and while no one had the name value of LeBron James—Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Donovan Mitchell are still top attractions.

It was also an NBA Cup showdown, and while it’s still not clear whether the in-season tournament is driving viewership—last Tuesday’s opener was up 71% but featured the return of Klay Thompson to Golden State—it at least provided additional intrigue to the battle. 

“Everybody knew that they were undefeated and coming to our building. And also, it’s an NBA Cup game, and we already lost one game. So it was a really big game in that aspect. So we were all aware,” Celtics guard Derrick White said after the game.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.