Despite the Brooklyn Nets drawing superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden over the last three years, the New York Knicks remain the undisputed top draw in one of the biggest NBA markets.
On top of drawing the better attendance in games, the Knicks continued to be the most searched team in the states of New York and New Jersey in the last four years, based on a new study.
The study by odds comparison experts at Sidelines.io used Google Keyword Planner to determine which NBA team is the most popular in each state by analyzing the number of searches over the past four years for each of the 30 teams in the league. This included searches for the team’s full name and their commonly searched nickname, such as ‘Knicks’ or ‘Nets.’
The Los Angeles Lakers cemented their royalty status as the most popular team in the NBA by topping the list in 25 states, including California, Kentucky and Nevada. The Boston Celtics, poised to return to the NBA Finals, place second, ranking as the most searched in all six New England states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Utah Jazz were the third-most searched team statewide, coming out top in three states; Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. The Knicks were tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the fourth spot in the list by topping two states.
Based on the study, the Knicks averaged 550,000 searches on average per month in New York, while the Nets drew a paltry 165,000 searches on average per month. The Nets have been more competitive in their old stomping grounds averaging 90,500 searches on average per month in New Jersey. But the Knicks still came up on top with 165,000 searches on average per month.
The Nets are approaching an interesting summer with Irving set to command a max extension that they are reportedly reluctant to give. On the other hand, the Knicks are hoping to reshape their injury-prone roster that finished 11th in the Eastern Conference after making the playoffs as the fourth seed in the previous season.
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