The Mavericks quickly took control of the series against the Wolves, and maybe that explains the average audiences on TNT. On average, the Western Conference final attracted an average of 6.74 million viewers for 3.4% market share. That is a drop of 18% in market share and 15% in audience compared to the series between the Lakers and the Nuggets last season.
It is also a drop of 5% in market share compared to the Western Conference Final in 2022 between the Mavericks and the Warriors. Paradoxically, it was Game 5, although decisive, which was the least watched of the series with an average of 6.26 million viewers. The lack of suspense also played a role.
TV audiences in decline
Last season, TNT broadcast the series between the Celtics and the Heat, and the Eastern Conference final had a market share of 3.8% for an average audience of 7.42 million Americans. This year, the series between the Pacers and the Celtics attracted on average 6.31 million viewers on average on ESPNfor a market share of 3.4%.
Since the first round, the playoffs have recorded an audience of 4.1 million viewers for 2.2% market share. This is a drop of 11% compared to 2023, and 2% compared to 2022.