NBA Finals between Celtics and Warriors least-viewed Game 1 in 15 years

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After an uptick in television ratings in the regular season and playoffs, Game 1 of the NBA Finals took quite a dive.

In fact, this year’s Finals opener between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors on ABC was the least-watched Game 1 held in June since the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers way back in 2007, or 15 years ago in the event you need help with the math.

An overall photo of the Chase Center scoreboard with 2022 NBA Finals signage before Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors on June 1, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

As relayed by Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, Game 1 of the Celtics-Warriors series drew just a 6.3 average, of 11.9 million viewers, topping only the previous two Finals. But each of the previous two were held at odd times for the league, which was changed its normal calendar because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Typically, the Finals have been held in June (or late May if you go back to the NBA’s early days).

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Either way, this is a bit of a surprise, given the NBA’s rise in ratings throughout the 2021-22 season. Plus, this Finals also features two of the league’s original franchises and a modern-day dynasty in the Warriors. Not to mention the presence of longtime MVP candidate Steph Curry.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball in front of Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals in San Francisco, Thursday, June 2, 2022.  (AP