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Every year, Larry O’Brien is awarded Trophy to the team that wins the NBA final. Traditionally, labels similar to the coveted trophy have been painted in courts under the league’s championship series. The “final” would also be painted in courts.
But the ongoing matchup between Western Conference Master Oklahoma City Thunder and the eastern conference winners – Indiana Pacers – contained virtual labels. Some viewers suggested that the labels “disappear” at times.
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June 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks to the media before Game One between Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA final in the Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams Preferred Pictures)
“I have seen some of the Social Media Social Media Skreated on the field,” Silver said in Indianapolis during a TV interview with ESPN ahead of the game 3. “People do not realize they went away a decade ago because there were claims, Kendrick [Perkins] By … they were smooth when we had them on the field. We’re back to adding them almost. “
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According to front office sports, ensuring an appropriate amount of mentist to paint the “final” in its characteristic font or the Larry O’Brien trophy on the hardwood has become a difficult task for the league over the years. The paint requires a certain amount of time to dry completely to prevent problems for players.
Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers Fremad Isaiah Jackson (22) during the second half during match two of the 2025 NBA final in the Paycom Center. (Kyle Terada-Preferred Pictures)
Silver also addressed the much -discussed viewing for the final.
The first two games in the Thunder-Pacers series drew an average of 8.84 million viewers respectively, according to Front Office sports. The figure represents a 24% decrease from the last three finals. It is also the lowest reported viewership since 2007, the exclusive NBA final in 2020 -which took place in Florida in the NBA bubble.
Indiana Pacers Guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) responds after a game against Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the game one of the 2025 NBA final at the Paycom Center. (Kyle Terada-Preferred Pictures)
Silver pointed to the differences in today’s media landscape compared to previous decades.
“As a media’s fabric, it’s interesting. People compare us to 20 years ago, but games 1 and 2 are the highest ranked programs in May and June so far on TV,” the Commissioner said. “If something beats us, it will be another sports program. Back 20 years ago, we often didn’t win the night when the final was on. But the absolute rating is lower now.”
Silver also highlighted the shift in fan viewing habits, and the different ways the content is distributed in the modern “content market space.”
“We need to be innovative and find new ways podcasts, social media, directly to consumer marketing, new digital platforms that we move to next year; ESPN and ABC do the same-it is a changed society,” Silver said.
Pacers lead the series 2-1. Tip off to Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at. 19.30 Edt from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
