The Utah Jazz's 1998 NBA Finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls remains one of the most iconic in league history, capped by Michael Jordan's title-winning shot over Bryon Russell in Game 6. The 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks has drawn a significant audience, with Game 3 averaging 23.8 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. The matchup, part of a tightly contested series between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, became the most-watched finals Game 3 since 1998. Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks was the most-watched NBA Finals Game 3 in 28 years, averaging 23.8 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. The audience peaked with 26.3 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET. The surge in viewership reflects the star-driven appeal of the series, headlined by Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson, who have delivered one of the most compelling playoff duels in recent memory. Wembanyama's global profile and Brunson's rise as a marquee New York star have helped the series break through beyond traditional NBA audiences. President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a finals game, taking in Game 3. The league has leaned heavily into the matchup, which has consistently produced close finishes and late-game drama. Through three games, the finals have been defined by razor-thin margins. The first three contests were decided by a combined 15 points, underscoring the competitive balance between the teams and helping fuel sustained national interest as the series has progressed. Game 3 in particular continued that trend, keeping viewers engaged deep into the night and delivering a peak audience well past the 11 p.m. hour. The number represents a significant milestone for the league, which has spent years trying to rebuild finals viewership to levels last seen during the peak of the Jordan era.