• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

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

LeBron James
exclusive

LeBron Boat Meeting in France With Jokić Agent Was About New League

The power trio was discussing a new global basketball league.
Jul 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to the crowd as they take on the Connecticut Sun in the first quarter at TD Garden.

WNBA Viewership Up Across All Networks Compared to 2024

Non-Fever games are up 37% compared to the full 2024 season.
Marcus Morris

Marcus Morris Denies Fraud, Blames Mixup for $260K Casino Debt Arrest

Morris made roughly $107 million across 13 NBA seasons.
Moe Wagner

NBA Adding European Games As It Explores New League

The Magic and Grizzlies will play in Berlin and London in January 2026. 

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.

Ex-NBPA Director Defends Two-Apron System: ‘There’s No Hard Cap’

The NBA’s two-apron system started in the 2023–24 season.
Jul 27, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Leylah Fernandez (CAN) celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Anna Kalinskaya (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
July 29, 2025

DC Open Increases Women’s Purse by 39%, Keeps 2027 Target for Equal..

DC Open chairman Mark Ein spoke to Front Office Sports.
July 29, 2025

How Sports Leagues Are Responding to NFL Headquarters Shooting

The building housing the NFL headquarters was barricaded and closed Tuesday.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 29, 2025

Golf Major Bringing Biggest Women’s Sporting Event to Wales

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is hosting the AIG Women’s Open.
NYPD
July 29, 2025

Shooter at NFL Building Targeted League Over Head Injuries

The gunman shot one league employee in the building lobby.
July 29, 2025

Top MLS Voices Advocate for International Schedule Change

The league is still weighing a move to align with international soccer.
July 28, 2025

NYC Shooter Targeted NFL HQ, Went to Wrong Floor

NFL employees were told to shelter in place during the shooting.