• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Knicks Comeback Win Is Good News For NBA Playoff TV Ratings

The Western Conference finals series between the Thunder and Timberwolves has drawn relatively low ratings.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Pacers looked like a shoo-in for the NBA Finals after taking a 20-point lead in the second quarter of Game 3 against the Knicks. But comebacks have been a theme of these playoffs for both teams—and it was New York’s turn Sunday. The Knicks outscored the Pacers by 16 in the fourth quarter to bring their Eastern Conference finals series to 2–1, with a chance to tie it on Tuesday.

It’s a positive result for the NBA (and its broadcast partner, TNT, airing its final series before the league moves to NBC and Amazon Prime) as it extends one of the postseason’s most exciting series. 

While there are still no viewership numbers for Games 2 and 3, ratings are expected to be strong following Game 1, which drew 6.6 million viewers, a seven-year high for an Eastern Conference finals opener. It helps that the two sides have a long-standing rivalry dating back to the ‘90s, and each of the three games has been decided by six points or less.

The boost comes at a good time for the league, as the other side of the bracket hasn’t had the same viewership pull. Game 1 of the Western Conference finals series between the Thunder and Timberwolves averaged 5.36 million viewers, the least-watched conference finals opener since 2021. Game 2 on Thursday drew 5.16 million viewers, the least-watched Western Conference finals game since 2013, according to Sports Media Watch.

Like the Knicks, Minnesota also cut its series deficit to 2–1 with a win Saturday, but the 42-point blowout over Oklahoma City likely didn’t help viewership numbers—at least for that game.

Sunday’s win for New York also ensures that at least one more game will be played at Madison Square Garden. The get-in price for Game 5 is $620, according to TickPick, more expensive than the cheapest ticket for Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 at The Garden is $1,127.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
Scott Foster

NBA Refs Testing Earpieces in Preseason Games

The technology won’t be used in the regular season yet.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
UFL Football
October 7, 2025

UFL Moving Three Teams to Soccer Stadiums in Columbus, Orlando, and Louisville

The UFL is moving its teams to smaller stadiums.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Soccer
October 6, 2025

UEFA ‘Reluctantly’ Approves LaLiga, Serie A Matches Abroad

The matches need final approval from FIFA.
Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.
October 6, 2025

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
October 6, 2025

NFL London Fans Get Partial Refunds After Ticket App Glitches

Fans experienced delays entering the Vikings-Browns game.
October 5, 2025

Bad Bunny, U.S. Officials Trade Barbs Over Super Bowl Halftime Show

DHS Secretary Noem attacks the choice, while Bad Bunny responds on SNL.