Game 3 of the NBA Finals delivered on the hype, drawing millions of viewers from around the world.

This critical matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks marked the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. Countless celebrities lined the court in a packed arena, with the average reported ticket price around $7,500.

This highly-anticipated matchup resulted in some historic TV viewership numbers for ESPN/ABC, whose broadcast drew an average of 23.8 million viewers while peaking at 26.3 million viewers. This average represents a 159% increase compared to last year's NBA Finals Game 3 matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

It also represents the largest audience for an NBA Finals Game 3 since 1998, when Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Utah Jazz.

For reference, Game 2 of this year's NBA Finals averaged 16.43 million viewers.

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Victor Wembanyama put up some big numbers in Game 3, recording 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks in the 115-111 win. Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson also scored 32 points in the losing effort.

Game 4 at New York's Madison Square Garden will likely draw similarly impressive TV viewership numbers as the Spurs look to tie the series at 2-2 before heading back home to San Antonio.

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Game 4 of the NBA Finals will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.