That was somewhat expected, considering that this year’s Finals features two small-market teams: the and the .

Neither nor carries the national appeal of teams from larger markets, and for the so-called “casual fans,” that matters. While hardcore basketball followers were locked in from the opening tip, TV ratings tell a different story.

Game 1, broadcast on ABC, drew an average rating of 4.7 and was watched by 8.91 million viewers. That makes it the least-watched NBA Finals opener in modern history — excluding the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19 pandemic years. Ratings have been tracked since 1988, and this opener now sits at the bottom of the list.

Game 1 of the Pacers–Thunder NBA Finals averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC, making it the lowest-rated and least-watched Finals opener since Nielsen tracking began in 1988—excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 and 2021 series, per @paulsen_smw pic.twitter.com/PzHwJOGy9F

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 6, 2025

It all comes down to star power and market size. If this were a clash between the and the , the entire country would be tuned in. Instead, what we have is a series that’s flying under the radar — watched mostly by basketball purists and die-hard fans.

But those who are watching know this: these may be “small-market” teams, but they are young, fast, and fearless. The and the are playing high-tempo, aggressive basketball. Everything points to a long, intense battle ahead.

In Game 1, it was who silenced the faithful with a buzzer-beating game-winner, giving the a 1–0 lead and stealing home-court advantage. It was a shock to the system for , who now face a must-win Game 2. Heading to down 0–2 would be a tough hole to climb out of — and the have shown they’re ready to capitalize.

The numbers may be down, but the basketball is anything but boring.