The Most Watched NBA Finals Games in History

Since the NBA was founded in 1946, there have been 71 NBA Finals series played. Some of these series were more evenly matched than others, but all of them had one thing in common: they were must-see TV. Here are the five most watched NBA Finals games in history.

5) Game 7 of the 1998 NBA Finals – 17.9 million viewers
The 1998 NBA Finals featured the star-studded Chicago Bulls taking on the up-and-coming Utah Jazz The series went the distance, with the Bulls winning Game 7 90-86. Michael Jordan was named Finals MVP for the sixth time in his career.

4) Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals – 18.0 million viewers
The 2013 NBA Finals featured a rematch of sorts, with the Miami Heat taking on the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs had gotten the better of the Heat in the previous year’s finals, but this time it was Miami that came out on top, winning Game 6 95-88. Lebron James was named Finals MVP for the second time in his career.

3) Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals – 20.2 million viewers
The 2016 NBA Finals will go down as one of the most exciting and unpredictable series in history. After dropping Games 5 and 6, the Golden State Warriors found themselves facing elimination in Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers The Cavaliers pulled off the upset, winning 93-89 to give Cleveland its first ever championship. Lebron James was named Finals MVP for a record third time in his career.

2) Game 5 of the 2010 NBA Finals – 20.8 million viewers
The 2010 NBA Finals featured a classic matchup between two of the league’s best teams, with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder (then known asthe Seattle SuperSonics). The Lakers won 96-87 to take a 3-2 lead in what would ultimately be a seven-game series victory. Kobe Bryant was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time in his career.

1) Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals – 23.2 million viewers
As previously mentioned, 1998 was a banner year for must-see TV when it came to basketball fans tuning into watchtheNBAFinals. Not only didGame 7 set a then-record for viewership, but so too didGame 6! An incredible 23 million people tuned into watch Michael Jordan and company close out their second threepeatwith an 87-86 victory over Karl Malone and John Stockton’s Utah Jazz squad

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: A Brief History

In the history of the NBA, there have been some truly momentous Finals match-ups. From the battles between Magic Johnson’s Lakers and Larry Bird’s Celtics, to the more recent rivalries between Lebron James and Kobe Bryant these iconic match-ups have captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere. Here is a brief history of some of the most watched NBA Finals games of all time.

Magic Johnson’s Lakers vs. Larry Bird’s Celtics (1984)

The 1984 Finals was a showdown between two of the greatest players of all time: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird The series was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. The Lakers won the series 4-2, but each game was fiercely contested and close. In fact, three of the games were decided by just two points. The series averaged an incredible 18 million viewers per game, making it one of the most watched NBA Finals series of all time.

Michael Jordan’s Bulls vs. Isiah Thomas’ Pistons (1991)

The 1991 Finals was a rematch of sorts between Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Isiah Thomas’ Detroit Pistons The previous year, the Pistons had swept the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, en route to winning their second consecutive NBA Championship But in 1991, things would be different. The Bulls Won the first three games of the series handily, but then lost back-to-back games to trail 3-2 heading into Game 6. That’s when Michael Jordan took over. He scored an unbelievable 37 points in the fourth quarter to lead his team to victory, and then hit a game-winning shot in Game 7 to seal one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA history The series averaged a staggering 26 million viewers per game, making it by far the most watched NBA Finals series ever.

Kobe Bryant’s Lakers vs. LeBron James’ Cavaliers (2007)

The 2007 Finals pitted two young star players against each other: Kobe Bryant and Lebron James This was James’ first trip to the Finals, while Bryant was looking to win his fourth championship with the Lakers. The Cavaliers put up a good fight, but ultimately lost 4-3 in what was one another thrilling series full of close games and Big Shots Overall, an average of 16 million viewers tuned in to watch this classic Finals matchup between two future legends of the game.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Early Years

The National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals is the Championship Series of the NBA and the conclusion of the sport’s postseason. All Finals have been played in a best-of-seven format, and contested between the winners of the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference (formerly Divisions before 1970), except in 1950 when the Eastern Division champion faced the winner between the Western and Central Division champions.

The most watched NBA Finals game was Game 7 of the 1998 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz which was seen by an estimated 57.12 million viewers. The next most watched game was Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals also between the Bulls and Jazz, which was seen by 54.97 million viewers. The third most watched game was Game 6 of the 1996 NBA Finals between the Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics which was seen by 54.48 million viewers.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Magic and Bird Era

The 1980s were a decade of immense change in the NBA. The game evolved from a playground-style game to a more sophisticated, team-oriented sport. There was also a transition from the domination of big men to the rise of the perimeter player. This decade was also marked by the intense rivalry between Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics

This rivalry was born out of the two players’ college careers. Magic Johnson led Michigan State to an NCAA title in 1979, while Larry Bird led Indiana State to the Championship game in 1978 (which they lost to Magic and Michigan State). The two players entered the NBA in 1979, and quickly became the faces of their respective franchises.

The two teams met in the Finals three times during this decade, with the Lakers winning in 1980 and 1982, and the Celtics winning in 1984. These were some of the most watched NBA Finals games in history, as the two players engaged in some unforgettable battles.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Jordan Era

The 1990s were the era of Michael Jordan and it’s no surprise that the most watched NBA Finals games in history are from this time period. The top two most watched finals are from the 1998 NBA Finals when the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in six games. The third most watched game is from the 1997 Finals, when the Bulls again prevailed over the Jazz, this time in five games. All three of these series went down to the wire, with the final game being decided by single digits.

Even though Jordan retired from basketball in 2003, he remains one of the most popular athletes in the world. His impact on the game of basketball is impossible to overstate, and it’s no surprise that his teams continue to dominate on television even years after his retirement.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The New Millennium

The New Millennium brought with it some of the most exciting match-ups in NBA Finals history. From the early days of the Shaq & Kobe-led Lakers to more recent clashes between Lebron James and Stephen Curry these are the most watched NBA Finals games in history.

2000 – Game 7: Lakers vs. Pacers
An all-time classic Finals game that saw the Lakers edge out the Pacers in a thrilling Game 7. This was the first Finals Game to be played in the new millennium and it did not disappoint, with both teams giving everything they had. The game was close throughout, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. In the end, it was the Lakers who came out on top, thanks to a clutch performance from Shaquille O’Neal. This game remains one of the most watched NBA Finals games of all time.

2003 – Game 6: Spurs vs. Nets
Another classic Finals matchup, this time between the Spurs and Nets. The Spurs had dominated throughout the series and were one win away from winning their second championship in three years. The Nets put up a brave fight in Game 6 but were ultimately no match for the Spurs, who won the game and the series. This remains one of the most watched NBA Finals games ever due to its incredible drama and excitement.

2010 – Game 7: Lakers vs. Celtics
One of the most iconic rivalries in sports history was renewed in 2010 when the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. The series did not disappoint, with both teams going toe-to-toe in what was an incredibly close and hard-fought battle. In the end, it was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers who came out on top, winning their 16th championship in franchise history. This remains one of the most watched NBA Finals games of all time due to its intense competitiveness and historical significance.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The LeBron Era

Since Lebron James entered the NBA in 2003, there have been some epic NBA Finals matchups. Here are the most watched Finals games in history, all of which featured LeBron.

1. Game 7, 2016 Finals: Cavaliers vs. Warriors
This was an instant classic, with LeBron and the Cavs coming back from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Warriors in front of a shocked Oracle Arena crowd. The game averaged 30.8 million viewers, making it the most watched NBA game since 1998.

2. Game 6, 2013 Finals: Heat vs. Spurs
LeBron cemented his legacy with this performance, scoring 37 points and grabbing 12 rebounds as the Heat downed the Spurs to win their second straight championship. The game averaged 28.5 million viewers, making it the most watched NBA game of the year.

3. Game 5, 2011 Finals: Mavericks vs. Heat
The Mavericks pulled off a upset in this one, taking down LeBron and the heavily favored Heat team to win their first ever championship. The game averaged 27 million viewers, making it the most watched NBA Game of 2011.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Durant Era

In recent years the NBA Finals have been some of the most watched sporting events in the world. Games 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors was the most watched NBA game in history, averaging 30.8 million viewers across various networks. The 2017 NBA Finals which featured the same teams, was also highly watched with an average of 20 million viewers per game.

The 2018 NBA Finals featuring the Warriors and the LeBron James led Cavaliers, was watched by an average of 18.9 million viewers. The 2019 Finals, pitting the Warriors against the Toronto Raptors saw an increase in viewership with an average of 20.4 million people tuning in per game.

This year’s Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat is on pace to be one of the most watched NBA Finals ever. Through four games, the 2020 Finals are averaging 16.2 million viewers, which is up 5% from last year’s series.

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Kawhi Era

The Kawhi Era refers to the period of time in which Kawhi Leonard played for the Toronto Raptors Kawhi led the team to their first ever NBA Championship in 2019 and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. His time with the Raptors was short, but it was momentous, and the city of Toronto will never forget what he did for them.

Here are the most watched NBA Finals games in history, all of which took place during the Kawhi Era:

1. Game 7 of the 2019 NBA Finals Leonard leads the Raptors to victory over the Golden State Warriors becoming the first Canadian team to ever win an NBA Championship This game was watched by an average of 23.9 million people in Canada, making it the most watched basketball game in Canadian history.

2. Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals With the Raptors on the brink of elimination, Leonard put up a historic performance, scoring 41 points and leading Toronto to a win that forced a Game 7. This game was watched by an average of 20.5 million people in Canada, making it the second most watched basketball game in Canadian history.

3. Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals Leonard scored 36 points as the Raptors took a 3-2 lead in the series with a win over the Warriors. This game was watched by an average of 18.2 million people in Canada, making it the third most watched basketball game in Canadian history.

10)The Most Watched NBA Finals Games: The Future

The National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals is the Championship Series for the NBA and the conclusion of its postseason. All Finals have been played in a best-of-seven format, and teams take turns hosting games until a winner is determined. The first team to win four games in the series is crowned the NBA Champion

The Finals began in 1947, when the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) merged to form the NBA. The first Finals was played between the Philadelphia Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors) and the Chicago Stags (now defunct), with the Warriors winning the series 4–1.

Since that time, there have been 71 NBA Finals with 30 different franchises winning at least one championship. The Boston Celtics have won the most championships, with 17 titles. The Los Angeles Lakers have won 16 titles, while the Chicago Bulls have won six championships.

The 10 most watched NBA Finals games are as follows:
1) 2016 Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Warriors (30.8 million viewers)
2) 1998 Game 6: Jazz vs. Bulls (29 million viewers)
3) 1997 Game 5: Jazz vs. Bulls (28.7 million viewers)
4) 2016 Game 6: Cavaliers vs. Warriors (28 million viewers)
5) 1998 Game 5: Jazz vs. Bulls (27 million viewers)
6) 2015 Game 6: Cavaliers vs. Warriors (26 million viewers)
7) 2013 Game 6: Spurs vs Heat (25 million viewers)
8 ) 2012 Game 7: Heat vs Thunder (23 million viewers)9 ) 2011 Game 6: Mavericks vs Heat 22 million viewers10 ) 2010 Game 7: Lakers vs Celtic s21 . 9 million viewers

The Most Watched NBA Finals Games in History