NBA Finals: Nearly 17.5 Million For Game 4, Best Since 2004

Posted by | 06/21/2012 at 12:37 pm

The 2012 NBA Finals continues to attract big numbers on ABC.

Game 4 of the Thunder/Heat NBA Finals drew a 10.5 final rating and 17.455 million viewers on ABC Tuesday night, up 9% in ratings and 8% in viewership from Heat/Mavericks Game 4 last year (9.6, 16.126M), and up 6% and 7%, respectively, from Lakers/Celtics Game 4 in 2010 (9.9, 16.371M).

The game ranks as the highest rated and most-viewed Game 4 of the NBA Finals since Lakers/Pistons in 2004 (12.7, 20.295M).

In addition, this marks the fourth-most viewed Game 4 since the 1998-99 NBA lockout, trailing only Lakers/Pistons in ’04, Lakers/Sixers in 2001 (19.972M), and Lakers/Pacers in 2000 (18.9M).

Overall, Tuesday’s game ranks as the ninth-most viewed NBA telecast on ABC since the network resumed airing games in the 2002-03 season, and the fifth-most viewed when series-clinching games are excluded.

Two of the first four games in this series have now drawn a double-digit rating. To put that in perspective, only thirteen NBA Finals telecasts on ABC had hit double-digits prior to this year, and only three of those telecasts took place during the first four games (all during Lakers/Pistons in 2004).

Game 4 drew a 7.4 rating among adults 18-49, up 10% from last year (6.7), and up 12% from 2010 (6.6). The 7.4 demo rating is the highest for a Game 4 in the NBA Finals since Lakers/Pistons in ’04 (9.1).

Ratings/Viewership For Game 4 of the NBA Finals
Past decade

Year Date Away Home Net Rating Viewers (000) A18-49
2012 Tue., 6/19/12 Thunder Heat ABC
10.5
17,455
7.4
2011 Tue., 6/7/11 Heat Mavs ABC
9.6
16,126
6.7
2010 Thu., 6/10/10 Lakers Celtics ABC
9.9
16,371
6.6
2009 Thu., 6/11/09 Lakers Magic ABC
9.4
15,957
6.4
2008 Thu., 6/12/08 Celtics Lakers ABC
8.7
13,762
5.6
2007 Thu., 6/14/07 Spurs Cavs ABC
6.5
9,908
4.0
2006 Thu., 6/15/06 Mavs Heat ABC
7.8
11,561
4.6
2005 Thu., 6/16/05 Spurs Pistons ABC
7.2
10,917
4.4
2004 Sun., 6/13/04 Lakers Pistons ABC
12.7
20,295
9.1
2003 Wed., 6/11/03 Spurs Nets ABC
6.6
9,659
4.2
2002 Wed., 6/12/02 Lakers Nets NBC
10.8
16,560
7.3

(Tuesday’s numbers from ESPN; demo rating from TV By the Numbers)

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  • http://profile.yahoo.com/GDEYUQYISOX47HRGQ6O6JMNQAA MG

    Series average is up to 9.9. Game 5 is sure to bring the average up to double digits – an impressive feat for a 5 game (thus far) series.

    I’m gonna go out on a limb and predict a 12 rating and 19-20 million viewers for tonight’s game (if it stays competitive as the previous 4 have all done). Viewers are gonna be tuning in in mass numbers to see if LeBron can finally get his ring.

    • Jeffrey

      I’ll predict a final rating in the 11′s, the high 11′s if it’s competitive. Lebron haters will not be able to resist watching. But if Miami wins, postgame ratings may dimish, because of lateness of the hour in the east, and the aforementoined LH’s not wanted to watch the celebration. I note WS postgame ratings when the Yankees win. Probably the same deal here!

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/GDEYUQYISOX47HRGQ6O6JMNQAA MG

        Is postgame coverage included in the game’s overall rating?

        • Paulsen

          No, it’s a separate program.

  • Timmah

    I’m expecting a big jump in the numbers tonight. I’d be a little surprised if it can’t hit 20 million viewers. 

  • JakeFrankie

    Game 5 got a 12.6 overnight rating (Same overnight rating as last year’s Game 5) and it drew a 40.3 in Miami (record) and a 39.8 in OKC.