The Boston Celtics’ stirring comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals came too late for ABC.
Game 4 of the Celtics/Lakers NBA Finals drew an 8.7/16 rating with 13.8 million viewers on Thursday night, down 5% from the 9.2 rating with 14.5 million viewers for Game 3 on Tuesday. The 8.7 rating ties Game 1 as the second-lowest rating of this year’s Finals.
Compared to previous years, Game 4 was up 34% in ratings and 46% in total viewers from Spurs/Cavaliers Game 4 last year, but down a whopping 31% and 32% from Lakers/Pistons Game 4 in 2004 — the last time the Lakers were in the NBA Finals.
The game drew a 5.6 rating among adults 18-49, up 40% from a 4.0 for Spurs/Cavaliers Game 4, but down 38% from the 9.1 for Lakers/Pistons Game 4 in ’04.
From 11:00 PM – midnight, when the Celtics mounted their comeback, Game 4 averaged a 10.4 rating. During the previous two hours, the game drew a 7.9. Viewership peaked at 11.2 from 11:30 to 11:45.
NBA Finals ratings.
Game 1: 10.4 overnight, 8.7/16 final rating, 13.4 mil viewers (Thu., 6/5, 9 PM ABC)
Game 2: 10.2 overnight, 8.5/15 final rating, 13.5 mil viewers (Sun., 6/8, 9 PM ABC)
Game 3: 10.8 overnight, 9.2/16 final rating, 14.5 mil viewers (Tue., 6/10, 9 PM ABC)
Game 4: 10.4 overnight, 8.7/16 final rating, 13.8 mil viewers (Thu., 6/12, 9 PM ABC)
Avg: 10.5 overnight, 8.8 final rating, 13.8 million viewers (4 games)
