The debut of New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson on Wednesday night helped the NBA to a number of key victories in viewership on television and on social media.
As the NBA noted on Friday morning, the debut of Williamson was seen by 2.357 million viewers, which was up 88% from a comparable game last year. The debut brought ESPN a 1.6 rating.
Williamson treated those viewers that stuck around to quite a show.
The No. 1 overall pick scored 17 consecutive points during a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter. He shot 6-of-8 from the field in the final period, including a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range.
After his performance, his jersey became one of the top 10 best-selling jerseys among all NBA players.
According to the NBA, 2.357 million viewers tuned in to watch the debut of Zion Williamson: pic.twitter.com/gZfjx9baWI
— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) January 24, 2020
With Williamson officially back on the court, ratings for Pelicans games figure to skyrocket as fans tune in to watch the former Duke star. The Pelicans have three of their next six games on either ABC, ESPN or TNT.
Williamson and the Pelicans play next on Friday against the Nuggets.
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