The NBA playoffs have kicked off with strong ratings and three Game 7s in the first round, the most since 2014. The 76ers, Pistons, and Cavaliers advanced, setting the stage for an exciting second round.
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After a regular season filled with competition issues stemming from tanking, the NBA playoffs have started strong.
The first round wrapped up Sunday after a weekend with three do-or-die Game 7s, the most in the NBA’s opening round since 2014. But the lengthy series matchups—which saw the 76ers, Pistons, and Cavaliers advance— mean there’s little break in the action as the second round starts Monday.
Joel Embiid and the Sixers shocked the NBA by coming back from down 3–1 to defeat the Celtics. The Knicks, another East Coast rival, await in the semifinals, and a revitalized Embiid already has a plea to Philadelphia:
“Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East,” Embiid said Saturday. “We’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys.”
The Sixers are trying to limit ticket sales to fans who are residents of the Greater Philadelphia area based on the addresses on their credit cards. But given the proximity of the two cities, it’ll be difficult to completely restrict the Xfinity Mobile Arena from New Yorkers.
Out West, perhaps the biggest question looming over the playoffs is the potential return of Luka Dončić, who has been out a month since sustaining a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
The defending champion Thunder will likely still be the favorites if Dončić returns. Worth noting: The last time the Thunder lost in the playoffs was in the 2024 Western Conference finals against a Dončić-led .
The 76ers, Pistons, and Cavaliers advanced in the NBA playoffs after the first round's Game 7s.
The second round of the NBA playoffs starts on Monday following the conclusion of the first round.
There were three Game 7s in the NBA playoffs first round, the most since 2014.
The 76ers defeated the Celtics after coming back from a 3–1 deficit to advance in the playoffs.
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For the teams that have already been eliminated, the offseason questions have already begun, especially for those who were expected to make a deep run.
The league announced Thursday that the first round of the playoffs was averaging 3.91 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, the league’s highest viewership in 33 years. The success comes after an opening weekend that was the second-most-watched since 2011.
It should only go up once the final opening-round viewership is announced, especially given three Game 7s, which are known for bringing in increased viewership.
The post NBA Playoffs Deliver Early With Game 7 Drama, Strong Ratings appeared first on Front Office Sports.