Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Sets Viewership Record, Sets Stage for Thrilling Series

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers' thrilling Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Finals has set a new record for most-watched Eastern Conference Final Game 1 since the Celtics and Cavaliers' epic showdown in 2018. According to TNT, the game at Madison Square Garden averaged 6.6 million viewers, with a peak of 8.5 million viewers at 11 p.m. ET, as the game entered its final minutes. The Knicks, who are in their first Eastern Conference Finals series since 2000 when they lost to Indiana in six games, kept a close lead for much of Game 1. New York's lead swelled to 17 at one point before Indiana came surging back in the fourth quarter as Jalen Brunson got into foul trouble. However, the lead began to dissolve as Aaron Nesmith made six 3-pointers in the last five minutes of regulation. In the final seconds of regulation, Tyrese Haliburton sank a buzzer-beating 2-pointer (with his toe on the line) to force overtime. Indiana capitalized in the extra period and completed the shocking comeback with a 138-135 win. While the Knicks-Pacers game notched the most eyes for an Eastern Conference Finals series opener, the most-viewed ECF game remains Game 7 between the Celtics and Heat in 2023, which averaged 11.9 million viewers. Jimmy Butler's heroics in Miami's win over Boston surpassed Game 7 between the Heat and Pacers in 2013, which averaged 11.6 million viewers. Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, and fans can expect another thrilling matchup between these two Eastern Conference powerhouses. The Knicks and Pacers will be looking to continue their impressive play from Game 1 and put up another exciting performance on the court. With both teams possessing talented players and a strong desire to win, it's sure to be a game that fans won't want to miss.