The Golden State Warriors’ second-round playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves drew a staggering 6.63 million viewers across TNT and truTV on May 6, as reported by Amy Tennery of Reuters.
This marks the most-watched first-round playoff game on cable since 2009. The game highlights the significant national interest in the defending champions’ postseason run.
Record Viewership for Series Opener
The impressive viewership numbers demonstrate the Warriors’ continued drawing power in the NBA’s media landscape. Even when the team faces new challenges on the court. The broadcast peaked during the game’s competitive first half, with millions tuning in to watch the Warriors secure their eventual 99-88 victory.
Curry’s Injury Casts Shadow on Win
While the Warriors (4.30) celebrated both the win and the strong viewership, the game included a concerning development when Stephen Curry left early in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain. The 37-year-old guard had contributed 13 points in 13 minutes on 5-of-9 shooting before exiting.
Curry is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday with head coach Steve Kerr. This indicates that the 11-time All-Star is unlikely to play in Game 2 on Thursday.
“He’s crushed, but the guys picked him up and played a great game,” Kerr said. “We’re all concerned about Steph, but that’s part of the game. Guys get hurt.”
Team Effort Secures Victory
In Curry’s absence, the Warriors relied on balanced scoring, with Buddy Hield leading the way with 24 points and Jimmy Butler adding 20, as reported by Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Looking Forward
With Game 2 scheduled just two days after the opener, the Warriors face the challenge of maintaining their series momentum while potentially missing their offensive. The team’s ability to adapt without Curry will be crucial as they look to capitalise on their strong start against a Timberwolves (1.21) squad that eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games during the first round.
