LeBron James draws a massive audience when he breaks the hearts of Celtics fans.
The Cavaliers’ 87-79 victory over the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night tied as the highest-rated NBA game ever on ESPN, the network announced.
The 9.1 metered market rating tied the record for Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals, when James and the Miami Heat eliminated the Celtics.
Viewership peaked in the 10:45-11 p.m. window, earning a 12.0 rating. Per ESPN, it is the highest-rated quarter-hour of any NBA telecast as far as its ratings go back.