The New York Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 112-108 in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, completing a stunning 29-point comeback to take a 3-1 series lead. With the win, the Knicks are now one game away from claiming their first championship in 17 years. The game averaged 20.9 million viewers, the largest audience for an NBA Finals Game 4 since 1998.
The 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and Utah Jazz are averaging 19.6 million viewers through four games, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. This makes it the most-watched NBA Finals since 1998 and the most-watched ever on ABC and ESPN combined. Game 4 on Wednesday alone averaged 20.9 million viewers, marking a 123% increase from the comparable game last year.
The Knicks' victory was fueled by a late-game surge led by star guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, including a crucial three-pointer with 2:10 remaining that put the Knicks ahead for good. Knicks center Julius Randle added 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Jazz star Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 36 points but struggled defensively in the final minutes.
Game 4 viewership peaked at 23.2 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET, making it the most-watched program of the day across all of television. The broadcast also led all key male and adult demographic categories for June 10. The four-game average is up 116% from last year's championship series and has outpaced expectations.
Game 3 had already set a high bar, drawing 23.8 million viewers and peaking at 26.3 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET. The 1998 Finals, featuring the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz, remain the last to draw a higher average audience. The 2026 Finals have brought back memories of that iconic series, which featured Michael Jordan in his final season.
With the Knicks now holding a 3-1 series lead, Game 5 will be played in New York on Friday. The Knicks are aiming to close out the series at Madison Square Garden and capture their first title since 1973. The Jazz will look to extend the series and avoid elimination for the first time in the playoffs. The next game promises to be a must-watch event as the Knicks look to cap off an historic season.
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