![](https://basketball.realgm.com/images/nba/4.2/wiretap/photos/2006/Butler_Jimmy_mia_220517.jpg)
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat averaged over 6 million viewers and peaked at 6.9 million, according to Nielsen.
It is the most-watched Eastern Conference finals Game 1 since 2018, and a 13% increase from last season.
The strong number comes on the heels of Game 7 between the Celtics and Bucks being the most-watched Eastern Conference semifinal game since 2012.