Kings, Warriors deliver second-most watched Play-In game ever

Apr 18, 2024, 9:13 AM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Stephen Cu...

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Every time the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors meet, massive viewership numbers tend to follow.

One year removed from arguably the most exciting first-round playoff series the NBA has seen in some time, the Kings and Warriors put on a show during Tuesday’s single-elimination Play-In Tournament at Golden 1 Center.

In a game that saw Sacramento pull away for a 118-94 win that eliminated Golden State from postseason contention, TNT is reporting that the showdown brought in 4.1 million viewers, making it the second-most watched Play-In game since the tournament took shape in 2020.

More on Kings vs. Warriors

High viewership totals have followed Sacramento and Golden State since last year’s postseason series that went seven games.

Game 7 between the Kings and Warriors had an average TV audience of 9.8 million, peaking at 11.9 million during the start of the fourth quarter. It was the most-watched first-round NBA Playoff game since 1999.

The Kings vs. Warriors playoff series was the most-watched first-round series ever for the NBA’s Disney platforms (ESPN and ABC).

It doesn’t stop there, either.

During this season’s NBA In-Season Tournament, Sacramento and Golden State brought in an average of two million viewers (up 93% from last year’s comparable window), making it the most-watched Group Play game of the tournament.

While we will have to wait until next season for another Kings vs. Warriors showdown, it’s fair to expect that these two teams will continue to bring in the viewers as long as Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox are in the picture.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will need one more win on Friday night to keep their season alive and clinch a first-round playoff berth, but the New Orleans Pelicans will stand in their way as the two teams will meet for the sixth time this season.

The Pelicans have won all five head-to-head meetings against the Kings this season, including a 135-123 triumph on April 11th at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage, beginning at 5:00 PM PST on Game Night before a 6:30 PM PST tip-off from New Orleans.