ESPN’s exclusive telecast of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors game generated 5,618,000 viewers, making it the largest audience for an NBA game on ESPN since the 2019 Western Conference Finals, according to Nielsen. The telecast peaked with 6,149,000 viewers on ESPN from 12:30-1 a.m. ET.

The Lakers vs. Warriors game, part of the State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament and widely-regarded as an instant classic, was up 190 percent from the single Play-In game on ABC last season. It was the second-most watched NBA game of the 2020-21 season across all networks, only behind the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day game simulcast on ABC and ESPN. It won the night across all of television in every key sales demo.

In addition, ESPN’s early game last night, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs, delivered an average audience of 2,293,000 viewers, making it the third-most watched NBA game on ESPN of the 2020-21 season.

ESPN’s State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament coverage continues with the final Western Conference game on Friday, May 21, at 9 p.m. ET as the Golden State Warriors square off with the Memphis Grizzlies for the final spot in the Western Conference NBA Playoffs.

Source: ESPN Press Release

ANALYSIS: Despite all the public pushback from players and executives on the NBA's play-in tournament, yesterday's blockbuster game headlining LeBron James and Stephen Curry gave ESPN their largest viewing audience since 2019. This is a big win for the NBA and bodes well for the chances of the play-in tournament staying beyond this season.

With the Celtics, Wizards, and Lakers all punching their tickets into the postseason via the NBA's play-in tournament, the 8th seed in the West is still up for grabs as the Grizzlies and Warriors will square off Friday night for it.