Confirmed viewership numbers have been released for the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. OKC Thunder matchup in the NBA, and fans are loving it.
When the top two teams in the East and West squared off, it was a huge success – and the viewing figures proved it.
The 31-4 Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the 30-5 Oklahoma City Thunder in a regular season game for the ages.
It was the Cavaliers who would emerge victorious 129-122 thanks to the impact duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
The win was so big for the Cavaliers that Darius Garland declared the team the “best team in the league.”
While many could argue that one thing that cannot be disputed is the sheer number of viewing figures the game attracted.
Fans couldn’t get enough of the Cavaliers vs. Thunder matchup
While regular season games often lack the impact of the playoffs, the same can’t be said for this clash between the two teams.
The NBA confirmed the game averaged 1.87 million viewers on ESPN, up +20% compared to the same period last year.
The game peaked with a staggering 2.5 million viewers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers were the top trending topic worldwide on X during the game.
Garland’s comments suggesting that the team should include at least four stars also caught people’s attention.
Fans across the NBA are still ecstatic after watching the game, with one saying: “Proud to be part of the millions who watched the game. It was a really great basketball game, where the teams weren’t obsessed with three-point shooting.”
Another said: “What an epic confrontation!” “The energy in that game was unparalleled.”
The praise continued to pour in with one fan saying: “What a game!!!”, while another said: “Good for the league.”
Many pointed out that more teams should be given the opportunity to broadcast their matches on television.
One fan said: “This is what happens when the Lakers, Warriors or Celtics aren’t on national TV every game!”
Another said: “Who would have thought that when you promote a good match with young stars, people will want to watch it. Awesome!!!!!”
Some fans are already looking forward to the rematch with one saying: “I can’t wait for the rematch next week.”
The match will be available to watch next Thursday, January 16 at 7:30 PM EST on TNT.
The game may not have ended as the Thunder had hoped, but the overall basketball spectacle was praised by NBA expert Brian Windhorst.
Speaking on “Get Up!” On ESPN. “This was a declaration of NBA regular season basketball at its best,” he said.
“They both play their systems. Molly, in the third quarter of this game, the Thunder won the third quarter 43-41. Those 12 minutes of basketball and the way both teams played with such perfection, was as high a level as I’ve seen in a regular season in over 20 years.” Coverage of the NBA.
Windhorst finished with a bold statement: “If you don’t like this game, you don’t like basketball.”
The Thunder will look to get their back when the two teams face off in a highly anticipated rematch.
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