LeBron James playing in big games equals even bigger ratings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 7 matchup with the Indiana Pacers delivered the highest-rated first-round playoff game in more than 14 years, per ESPN's Ben Cafardo. ESPN's Darren Rovell noted the last first-round game that drew a higher rating was a 2004 matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
That Lakers team featured a peak-feuding Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, along with Hall of Famers Gary Payton and Karl Malone.