Shifting to the highest-profile series of the first round, last Thursday’s Suns-Lakers Game 6 averaged 4.5 million viewers on TNT — the network’s largest opening round audience since 2018 (Cavaliers-Pacers Game 4: 6.07M). The Suns’ Game 5 rout last Tuesday averaged 3.5 million, up 44% from last year in the “bubble” (Mavericks-Clippers: 2.43M) and up 12% from Thunder-Blazers in 2019, a game that ended on a series-clinching three-pointer by Damian Lillard (3.11M).
Shifting to the highest-profile series of the first rou…
June 22, 2021 | 7:49 pm EDT Update
Klay Thompson begins light on-court work
Wes Goldberg: Klay Thompson in an Instagram post says he’s begun light on-court work — running up and down the floor, shooting, etc.
Law Murray: Tyronn Lue says that Marcus Morris Sr. Is a gametime decision.
Gerald Bourguet: Tyronn Lue laughed when he was asked about the possibility of going down 2-0 in the third straight series “I don’t wanna see that again. I’m tired of seeing that.”
Law Murray: Monty Williams praising Tyronn Lue for not getting rattled and team feeding off of that when facing deficits. Says he doesn’t get mentioned enough among best coaches in league.
Tim MacMahon: The Mavericks will not seek any compensation from a team that hires Rick Carlisle despite the coach resigning with two years remaining on his contract, sources told ESPN. Mark Cuban does not want to complicate Carlisle’s quest for a new opportunity.
Brandon Rahbar: Sam Presti: “Unless we want to change our goals and aspirations, we have a clear plan we want to follow. We know we can be successful. We’ve done it before. It’s something that’s going to take some time. It’s something that’s going to take some good fortune at some point.”
June 22, 2021 | 7:24 pm EDT Update
Sam Presti: Trade for Kemba Walker made sense for both sides
Joe Mussatto: Presti said the Boston trade made sense for both sides. When asked about how Kemba fits with SGA, he said that won’t be a problem with the way the Thunder plays. SGA played alongside CP and Dennis Schroder two seasons ago. Last season, the team wanted the ball in SGA’s hands.
