A huge number of NBA fans have been coordinated to watch Luka Doncic’s first game against his former team on Tuesday night.
Around 2.5 million viewers saw Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-99 at the crypto.com arena on Tuesday, TNT announced Wednesday afternoon. This has made it the most viewed regular season game on networks other than opening night this season. It was also the most viewed regular season game streamed on Max. The game peaked with around 2.9 million viewers.
In comparison, ABC’s NBA Finals averaged around 11.3 million viewers last summer. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate this season at ABC/ESPN averaged 5.25 million viewers per game.
Not surprising, many wanted to see a Tuesday night game in Los Angeles, considering the declined deal a few weeks ago. The Mavericks surprised the NBA world with Doncic dealing with Doncic on his contract with Anthony Davis. He made his only three-pointer on Tuesday before staring at the Mavericks bench, and at one point the fans were saying, “Thank you, Nico!” a chant at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
Doncic finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in the Lakers’ third straight victory.
“It’s going to take a while for the closure,” Doncic said. “I don’t know. It’s not ideal. Like I said, I’m happy that this game is over. There were a lot of emotions. It’s going little by little. Every day is good.”
Doncic’s first return trip to Dallas is set for April 9th. Regardless of what happens across the league, Mavericks fans are alive and lively in Harrison because they were trading in the first place, but they will definitely showcase it. Based on Tuesday’s numbers, the game’s big ratings will almost certainly follow.
