NBA Finals Game 3 Between Knicks and Spurs Draws Record Viewership The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs delivered a thrilling Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, drawing an average of 23.8 million viewers—marking the most-watched NBA Finals Game 3 since 1998. The matchup, held at Madison Square Garden, also featured the historic presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. The event’s significance was amplified by the venue’s return to hosting a Finals game since 1999, creating a unique blend of historical and contemporary spectacle. The Spurs secured a 115-111 victory in Game 3, narrowing their series deficit to 2-1. This win marked the most-watched Game 3 on ABC and ESPN in the league’s history, with viewership numbers surging 159% compared to last year’s Game 3, which saw the Indiana Pacers edge the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 2-1 series lead. The game’s peak viewership reached 26.3 million at 11:15 p.m. E.T., according to Nielsen, which cited its updated methodology combining traditional panel data with smart TV and set-top box analytics. Despite the shift in measurement, the ratings underscored the series’ massive appeal. Through three games, the Finals averaged 19.1 million viewers, surpassing the previous record for the second-highest viewership in NBA Finals history. The first two games had already set a high bar, with an average of 16.68 million viewers tuning in, as reported by Front Office Sports. The Spurs’ ability to attract a large audience was partly attributed to their star player, Victor Wembanyama, whose presence has expanded the team’s fan base. Wembanyama’s star power likely drew in casual NBA fans who rarely see him in action, adding to the series’ popularity.#donald_trump #madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #san_antonio_spurs #nba_finals_game_3
