The New York Knicks’ title-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs drew 24.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched NBA Finals Game 5 in nearly 30 years.

According to Nielsen data, the June 13 game aired on ABC and ESPN. Viewership peaked at 33 million late in the broadcast as the Knicks rallied for a 94-90 win.

The audience was the largest for an NBA Finals Game 5 since 1998. That year, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz before winning the series in Game 6.

The Knicks-Spurs Finals averaged about 20.6 million viewers across five games. That figure is double the 10.3 million average recorded during the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

The final three games of this year’s championship series each attracted more than 20 million viewers. The strong ratings reflected widespread interest in New York’s bid to end its long title drought.

The Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday night. Guard Jalen Brunson led the way with 45 points and earned Finals MVP honours.

Although the game was played in San Antonio, Knicks fans filled the arena. Celebrities including Ben Stiller, Sydney Sweeney, Timothée Chalamet and Spike Lee attended the game.