Ranking the Game 7s of the first round of the NBA playoffs: Why Cavaliers-Raptors promises the best basketball
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- Cavaliers lead the Game 7 ranking after a dramatic series that featured a 2‑0 start and a comeback win in Game 5.
- Raptors forced a Game 7 by erasing a double‑digit deficit in Game 6, highlighted by RJ Barrett's rim‑bouncing three‑pointer that sealed the win.
- Celtics hold the record for most Game 7 appearances (37) and victories (27) in NBA postseason history.
- Jayson Tatum owns the all‑time Game 7 scoring record with 51 points against the 76ers in 2023.
- NBA will broadcast three first‑round Game 7s this weekend, with NBC airing the Cavaliers–Raptors showdown at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Why it matters: NBC gains three prime‑time Game 7s, delivering a ratings surge that fuels higher ad revenue and strengthens its bargaining position with the NBA, while teams profit from increased ticket sales and viewership.
