Spurs-Thunder Game 2 sets all-time viewership milestone

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday in San Antonio. Leading up to the contest, reports reveal that the Game 2 matchup that ended in a 122-113 victory for OKC set an all-time viewership milestone in NBA Playoffs history.

It’s said that Game 2 averaged 10.1 million viewers, which made it the most-watched playoff game in league history, according to NBC Sports. While the contest averaged 10.1 million viewers throughout the game, it peaked at 12.2 million viewers for 15 minutes.

“Spurs-Thunder Game 2 on Wednesday night averaged 10.1 million viewers, the most-watched Conference Finals Game 2 in either conference ever, NBC Sports announced. The game peaked at 12.2 million viewers from 10:45 p.m.-11:00 p.m. EST.”

The wild back and forth from Game 1 that ended in a 122-115 double overtime win for the Spurs likely helped the series gain so much attention for Game 2. With the Spurs and Thunder grabbing the attention of millions of sports fans, Game 3 very well could make a push for the viewership milestone as well.

Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are probably two big reasons why this series is so heavily watched. At 7-foot-5, the 22-year-old center plays NBA basketball like the big kid on a Nerf hoop. Through two games against the Thunder, Wembanyama is averaging 31.0 points, 20.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.5 blocks while shooting 53.7% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the three-point line.

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 27 years old, is the back-to-back MVP. His ability to get to the free-throw line is bar none, and he’s improved his abilities as a playmaker throughout the series against the Spurs. In his two games against San Antonio, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks with a 40.4% field goal percentage and hitting 93.3% of his free-throw attempts.