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Professional basketball

NBA Finals Ratings Down, But Series Heats Up

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers head into Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the series is tied at 2-2, defying expectations and debating some of the common criticisms of the game. The ratings for the Finals are down about 20% from last season, but the teams' thrilling back-and-forth play has made for an exciting series, with the Thunder and Pacers showcasing a "great brand of basketball." The winner of Game 5 has gone on to prevail in 23 of the 31 previous occasions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NBA Finals ratings are down about 20% from last season, but the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers has been a thrilling back-and-forth display of high-level basketball.
  • The Thunder and Pacers are tied at 2-2, with the Thunder outscoring the Pacers by 3.3 points per game, while the Pacers are outshooting the Thunder by 1.4%.
  • This is the third time in the last 15 years that the Finals have had a 2-2 tie after four games, with a 3.3-point differential or less and shooting within 1.4% of each other.
  • Thunder guard Alex Caruso noted that the series has been "great for the league" and "great for basketball," with both teams playing a high level of pressure and aggressive defense.
  • The Pacers face a challenge in maintaining their momentum, as they have not lost back-to-back games since mid-March and have a 10-0 record in the game immediately following a defeat.
  • Thunder coach Mark Daigneault emphasized that playing in the Finals means facing a "really good" opponent, and the Thunder are grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level.

Statistics:

  • The Thunder and Pacers are the 18th and 0th team to be tied at 2-2 in the NBA Finals, respectively.
  • The winner of Game 5 has gone on to prevail in 23 of the 31 previous occasions.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is up to 3,091 points this season, including the regular season and playoffs, and is 72 points shy of matching Michael Jordan's 3,163 points in the 1991-92 season for the 10th most in NBA history.
  • The road records in the NBA this season have a winning percentage of 50.1%, which matches last season's total and is one shy of the record of 50.2% set in 2021-22.
  • Pacers reserve forward Jarace Walker's season is unlikely to continue due to an ankle injury, but he is improving and may be available for future games.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Indiana Pacers
  • NBA.com
  • ESPN.com

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