2017 Warriors vs. Cavaliers NBA Finals Ratings Highest Since 1998

The rubber match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors wasn't the epic series some hoped, but it was a ratings bonanza. 

Ben Cafardo of ESPN announced Tuesday the 2017 NBA Finals had the highest rating of any since 1998, Michael Jordan's last season with the Chicago Bulls. Game 5 averaged 25 million live viewers, which was the highest rating from a Game 5 since 1998.

The Warriors earned a 129-120 victory on their home floor to win their second championship in three years. Kevin Durant scored 39 points on his way to winning his first Finals MVP. LeBron James had 41 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, becoming the first player in Finals history to average a triple-double.

The Warriors-Cavaliers matchup marked the first time in league history two franchises have played in three consecutive Finals. Golden State and Cleveland will, barring injury or unforeseen changes this summer, walk into next season as prohibitive favorites to meet again.

For all of the complaints about the NBA's lack of parity, this has long been a league built on goliaths. The NBA's worst periods tend to be when there is no consensus top player or team to market to fans, most notably in the post-Jordan era.

The LeBron era has helped bring rise to an ever-growing treasure chest of money and a young fanbase that will continue growing with the game in the future. With the Warriors setting up shop as the current generation's monolith, things continue to look up for the NBA despite pockets of unhappy fans out there.