Thunder vs Pacers in NBA Finals Game 1 was least-watched opener outside of COVID-era games

While Indy fans were ecstatic to see Tyrese Haliburton’s heroics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, others weren’t interested in the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The first game of the finals averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC. It was one of the lowest-rated and least-watched NBA Finals openers since Nielsen tracking began in 1988. The viewership was more than the 2020 and 2021 finals, but those were impacted by COVID-19.

Last season’s NBA Finals opener between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks averaged a 5.8 rating and 11.31 million viewers.

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NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs. Pacers

All times are Central

Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110 | Box score

Game 2: Indiana at OKC | 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 8 (ABC)

Game 3: OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 (ABC)

Game 4: OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 (ABC)

Game 5 (If necessary): Indiana at OKC | 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 16 (ABC)

Game 6 (If necessary): OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19 (ABC)

Game 7 (If necessary): Indiana at OKC | 7 p.m. Sunday, June 22 (ABC)

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