Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals 2025 opener draws worst TV ratings in over 3 decades despite red hot playoffs action: Report

On Thursday, the Pacers and the Thunder put on a thrilling show in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Indiana, the comeback kids of the 2025 playoffs, rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the No. 1 seeded team in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton nailed a 21-foot jump shot to drag Indiana to a 111-110 win.

Still, the thrilling finish of the dogfight produced a concerning TV ratings result. Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, via NBA Central, wrote:

Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 2020 between the Miami Heat and LA Lakers rated 4.1 and topped at 7.69M. The Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 1 tussle against the Phoenix Suns in 2021 resulted in a 4.5 rating and 8.70M, per the same report.

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Lewis also noted the drop in TV ratings between Thursday’s Pacers-Thunder showdown and the Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 clash in 2024. Headlined by Boston superstar Jayson Tatum and then Dallas MVP contender Luka Doncic, the series opener rated 5.7 and peaked at 10.9M.

Still, there's some hope for the NBA Finals TV ratings to improve. Jon Lewis wrote in his report:

“The Thunder looked well on their way to a comfortable Game 1 win until Indiana pulled off yet another fourth-quarter comeback, culminating in Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot. If this series is to bounce back in the ratings, the momentum from that shot will have to carry into Sunday’s Game 2.”

Adam Silver unconcerned about TV ratings and attendance featuring two small market teams in the NBA Finals

Adam Silver, on the Breakfast Ball on Wednesday before Game 1 of the NBA Finals the next day, pushed back amid potential low TV ratings and attendance concerns due to small-market teams in the championship round.

"If we were going into a Super Bowl and it was Packers against Steelers, you guys would be celebrating that. ... People wouldn't be talking about the fact that Pittsburgh is a small market. I'm happy whatever team ends up in the Finals, but it's been intentional from our standpoint to create a system, a collective bargaining agreement, that allows more teams to compete.

The last CBA, which took effect in July 2023, has increased the parity in the league. The newly introduced second apron, a big blow to big-market and big-spending teams, has leveled the field.

Adam Silver insisted that fans will get more competitive basketball across the league due to the CBA. He encouraged them to watch the NBA Finals because the best teams would represent the league in the event.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero