NBA viewership hits new peaks without established stars

When the NBA Playoffs entered the second round without the famed trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant for the first time in 19 years, many were skeptical about the general interest in the product. Those fears intensified when Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid were also sent packing in the first round, leaving a sizeable void of star power in the postseason.

Thankfully for the league, fans have chosen competitive basketball over star power.

According to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, last Sunday's Game 7 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves averaged 8.41 million viewers across TNT and truTV, representing the "largest early round NBA playoff audience ever" in TNT history. The game surpassed the previous mark of 8.38 million set by the Magics-Celtics Game 7 in the 2009 playoffs. 

Furthermore, Nuggets vs. Timberwolves was reportedly "the most-watched game" of the season (regular season and Christmas games included). Its peak audience of 11.3 million viewers made it the fourth most-watched early-round postseason game since 2012. 

The game — which saw the Timberwolves wipe off the largest halftime deficit in Game 7 history —outdrew the viewership peaks of last year's Warriors-Kings Game 7 on ABC in the first round, Warriors-Lakers Game 6 on ESPN in the second round and Sixers-Celtics Game 7 on ABC in the second round.

Yes, the Nuggets have three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Timberwolves have emerging star Anthony Edwards, but neither player has the power to draw an audience like James, Durant or Curry...yet.

Meanwhile, the other Game 7 last Sunday between the Pacers and Knicks averaged 6.45 million viewers on ABC while airing directly opposite the PGA Championship tournament. 

For years, the NBA has been reliant on stars for eyeballs. That's seemingly no longer the case.