Thunder vs Pacers in NBA Finals Game 1 was least-watched opener outside of COVID-era games

While Indy fans were ecstatic to see Tyrese Haliburton's heroics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, others weren't interested in the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.The first game of the finals averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC.

It was one of the lowest-rated and least-watched NBA Finals openers since Nielsen tracking began in 1988.

The viewership was more than the 2020 and 2021 finals, but those were impacted by COVID-19.Last season's NBA Finals opener between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks averaged a 5.8 rating and 11.31 million viewers.CARLSON: Thunder defense must be better in NBA Finals Game 2 and not leave 'things on the table'Game 1 of the PacersThunder NBA Finals averaged a 4.7 rating and 8.91 million viewers on ABC, making it the lowest-rated and least-watched Finals opener since Nielsen tracking began in 1988excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 and 2021 series, per @paulsen_smwpic.twitter.com/PzHwJOGy9F NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 6, 2025NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs.

PacersAll times are CentralGame 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110 | Box scoreGame 2: Indiana at OKC | 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 8 (ABC)Game 3: OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11 (ABC)Game 4: OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 13 (ABC)Game 5 (If necessary): Indiana at OKC | 7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 16 (ABC)Game 6 (If necessary): OKC at Indiana | 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 19 (ABC)Game 7 (If necessary): Indiana at OKC | 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 22 (ABC)More: Jalen Williams knows he must deliver in NBA Finals Game 2: 'Pressure is a privilege'Latest OKC Thunder news in NBA FinalsSHOT AT HISTORY: SGA has brushed past legacy.

NBA Finals will put him in elite company.MUSSATTO:How Sam Presti, architect of Thunder rebuild, followed through on blueprintCARLSON: How Chet Holmgren rebounded from hip injury to help power Thunder to NBA FinalsTHE J-DUB WAY:How Thunder forward Jalen Williams paved a path to stardom, NBA FinalsRATED PG-13:How original Paul George trade between Thunder, Pacers created unlikely NBA FinalsMUSSATTO:Mark Daigneault's hometown always believed in Thunder coach, long before NBA Finals runPREDICTIONS:Will OKC Thunder beat Indiana Pacers for first NBA championship?CARLSON:From Loud City to Pacers Nation, get to know OKC and IndianapolisMUSSATTO:How did Thunder get back to NBA Finals? Timeline from Paul George trade to nowNBA FINALS 2025: OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers matchup breakdown.

Who has the edge?This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA Finals Game 1 ratings: Thunder vs Pacers brings low viewership.

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