Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid (L) and Anthony Edwards (R) (Image Source: Getty Images)
The thrilling Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets was the most-viewed NBA game of the season and the most-watched first- or second-round playoff game on TNT. According to recent reports by Sports Media Watch, the Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves played in front of their largest audience to date.

“Sunday’s Timberwolves-Nuggets second-round NBA playoff Game 7 averaged a combined 4.1 rating and 8.41 million viewers across TNT (3.7, 7.51M) and truTV (0.41, 905K), marking the largest early-round NBA playoff audience ever on TNT Sports (formerly Turner Sports). The previous high was 8.38 million for Magic-Celtics Game 7 in 2009. Keep in mind that out-of-home viewing was not tracked in Nielsen estimates until 2020, meaning that the 2009 game almost certainly averaged more viewers, all things being equal.” Sports Media Watch recent report.

Reason for Hype Around Minnesota vs. Denver Game 7

The series was packed with suspense. It all started with the Timberwolves winning the first two games with scores of 106-99 and 106-80, respectively. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith predicted at that moment that Minnesota would win the series. However, Just as fans and analysts were anticipating Minnesota’s dominance, Denver made a comeback by winning three straight games.

After Denver took a 3-2 lead in the conference semifinal series, Minnesota showcased their skills and leveled the series, forcing a game 7. Despite the outstanding efforts of Nikola Jokic, the team’s star player who scored 34 points, and Jamal Murray, who scored 35 points, Denver fell short and were knocked out.

The hype for Game 7 began right after the Game 6 win, and fans were excited to watch Game 7. Moreover, Minnesota star Edwards has played dominantly throughout the series, and due to that, some NBA analysts compared him to a legendary Michael Jordan.

The Timberwolves will face the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the conference finals of the playoffs. It will be interesting to watch an entertaining contest between Anthony Edwards and Kyrie Irving.