Part 4/8:
Ironically, amidst the chaos, the NBA's season has enjoyed an exceptional start. This year marked the best opening slate in the last 15 years, with blockbuster matchups like Rockets vs. Thunder providing instant classics. Wimbanyama, the league’s newest sensation, has captured national attention, with highlights of his dominant performance illuminating what many called a resurgence of exciting basketball.
The opening night on NBC was a massive success, averaging 5.6 million viewers—its highest since 2010, when LeBron James made his infamous decision to join the Miami Heat. This marked a 90% increase compared to last year’s debut, reflecting renewed interest, particularly from younger audiences tuning in to watch rising teams perform.