What Did Warriors Earn for Strong Start?

The Golden State Warriors haven’t disappointed in their nationally televised appearances 11 games into the 2024-25 season. Moreover, the Stephen Curry-led team has exceeded expectations, at least from a national media aspect. As a reward for a dominant start, ESPN pulled some strings by adding the Warriors to a Nov. 22 slot as part of the Emirates NBA Cup.

ESPN PR announced a significant switchup in its NBA scheduling.

Not only did ESPN add the Warriors vs. the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 22, but the media conglomerate ditched the Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup. Despite the Pelicans’ injury-raved injuries, including Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury, reported as an “indefinite” return, ESPN perceives Curry as a must-see television over the Pacers and Bucks’s budding rivalry.

The Warriors vs. Pelicans game will air at 4:30 Pacific Time.

ESPN’s change of heart makes sense, especially given the ratings from Tuesday’s Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks game, which was part of the Emirates NBA Cup. The Warriors vs. Mavericks matchup averaged 2.1 million viewers on TNT, the most-watched game on the network since the opening night of the 2024-25 season.

Furthermore, the Warriors draw significant numbers even without the Klay Thompson reunion. Golden State’s nail-biting ESPN-broadcasted contest vs. the Boston Celtics on Nov. 6 drew 2.14 million viewers. According to Sports Media Watch, the Warriors have two of the highest-viewed games of the season, regardless of the network.

Despite the Warriors not trading or signing an All-Star or at least a star-caliber player, the synergy of the collection of role players supplementing Curry makes for a welcoming watch. Curry is averaging 23.9 points on 43 percent shooting from 3. Considering the early start to the matchup vs. the Pelicans, Curry’s “night-night” celebration could occur before sunset.