Game 4 of Kings vs. Warriors was most-watched 1st round NBA Playoff game in 20 years
Apr 25, 2023, 8:20 AM | Updated: 8:42 am
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
There have been countless entertaining first-round NBA Playoff games over the past two decades, but none have pulled in more viewers than this current matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
According to ESPN’s Ben Cafardo, Sunday’s Game 4 between the two Northern California heavyweights brought in an average TV audience of 7.5 million, peaking at 10.4 million viewers at 3:00 PM PST–the start of the fourth quarter.
The thrilling 126-125 Warriors win at Chase Center was the most-watched first-round NBA Playoff game since 2002 when the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Portland Trail Blazers.
🏀 Game 4 of #DubNation vs. #BeamTeam on @ABCNetwork was the most-watched #NBAPlayoffs first round game on any network in 21 years. (Since 2002 Kobe/Shaq-led Lakers vs. Blazers).
đź“şAverage audience of 7,523,000 viewers, peaking with 10,406,000 viewers at 6 p.m. ET.
(Nielsen) pic.twitter.com/H82TNlUYWq— Ben Cafardo (@Ben_ESPN) April 25, 2023
This series has plenty of storylines that make it an enticing to watch, with two-time MVP Stephen Curry being the marquee player that can attract a national audience.
Golden State, the NBA’s latest dynasty, is looking to continue its run against an up-and-coming Kings team that surprised the basketball world by finishing with the third-best record in the Western Conference while securing the franchise’s first postseason appearance in 17 years.
The first four games of this series–the first in league history between Sacramento and the Warriors–have been an absolutely battle with two games coming down to the final possession.
This best-of-seven series is guaranteed to go at least six games, with Game 5 taking place on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
NBA Western Conference Playoffs – First Round
- Wednesday, April 26th – Game 5: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PST
- Friday, April 28th – Game 6**: Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – TBD
- Sunday, April 30th – Game 7**: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – TBD
**If necessary
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