Friday night's NBA Finals Game 2 drew 16.43 million viewers on ABC, making it the network's most-watched Game 2 since 2018. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in a game that peaked at 19.42 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET.
According to The Wrap, which cited Nielsen big data plus panel figures, viewership was up 88 percent from last year's Game 2. The game was also the most-watched program of the day on Friday, June 5, across all of television and in all key male and adult demographics.
Through two games, the 2026 NBA Finals are averaging 16.68 million viewers on ABC. That ranks as the most-watched Finals through Game 2 since 2018 and represents an 89 percent rise year-over-year.
Game 1, which aired June 3, drew 16.93 million viewers. That marked ABC's biggest Game 1 audience since 2018 and the most-watched opening Game 1 ever on the network, excluding Golden State Warriors versus Cleveland Cavaliers matchups.
The Knicks won the first two games of the series. The Spurs then took Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, winning 115-111. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, with all games starting at 8:30 p.m. If the series runs the distance, a potential Game 7 is slated for Friday, June 19.
The Finals follow a strong regular season. The NBA closed out its 2026 regular season with the biggest audience the league has seen in 24 years.
