Knicks draw NBA's highest Finals viewership since 1998 with championship win

The New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs. Game 5 of the Finals averaged 24.5 million viewers, peaking at 33 million, marking the most-watched Finals game since 1998. This resurgence has reignited national interest in the NBA, as the series averaged 20.6 million viewers, eclipsing last year's Finals, which only averaged 10.31 million. Jalen Brunson's 45-point performance in the decisive game has been hailed as one of the greatest in Knicks history. The Knicks' success has created a cultural phenomenon, attracting widespread attention from both dedicated and casual basketball fans, alongside celebrities during the playoffs.

• 2:37 AMYahoo Sports — The Knicks delivered something the NBA hasn't seen since Michael Jordan's Bulls