Star power, drama drive NBA Finals TV ratings sky high despite blowouts

Steven J. Gaither

Star power, drama drive NBA Finals TV ratings sky high despite blowouts image

For all the talk about how there hasn’t been a close NBA Finals game, a lot of people are watching.

The series between the Warriors and Cavaliers has been the second-most watched NBA Finals on ABC through five games, according to Nielsen.

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Game 5 averaged 20.52 million viewers, peaking between 11:15 and 11:30 p.m. ET with 23.96 million viewers. 

The Cavs won the game 112-97, making it the fifth straight game in the series decided by double digits. So why are people so interested in watching?

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Well, some want to see the the Warriors make history. Others want to see Cleveland finally win a championship. And probably just as many people want to see LeBron James lose in another NBA Finals. It doesn't hurt that the series features the league's unanimous MVP, Stephen Curry, either. 

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Add in the Draymond Green controversy and subsequent suspension, and it's easy to see why this series is doing so well with the TV audience. 

The Warriors lead the Cavs three games to two heading into Game 6 in Cleveland on Thursday.  

Steven J. Gaither