NBA season opener sees record viewership and historic blowout losses

The NBA season opener achieved historic viewership figures, driven by a high-profile matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. The game, featuring LeBron James and the 76ers' new roster, averaged 7.7 million viewers with a peak of 9.1 million, making it the most-watched NBA opening night prime-time game in history.

In contrast to the high viewership, several opening games resulted in unprecedented scoring margins. A record six teams lost their opening matches by more than 20 points, including the Chicago Bulls, who suffered a 43-point defeat against the Toronto Raptors. Rookie Caleb Wilson also set a negative record with a -45 plus-minus during his debut.

Other notable results included the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Denver Nuggets 96-84, and the Philadelphia 76ers overcoming a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking the largest comeback in the franchise's history.