With two of the biggest stars missing from what would turn out to be an uncompetitive game, ABC still drew decent numbers for NBA coverage on Sunday.
The Celtics 128-108 blowout of the Suns drew a 2.7 overnight on ABC Sunday, up 13% from a 2.4 for the comparable Pistons/Suns match-up last year, and up 17% from a 2.3 for Cavaliers/Heat on the comparable date two years ago.
This marks the fourth straight NBA game on ABC to see a double-digit increase in overnight ratings. Cavaliers/Pistons on Feb. 1 was up 15%, Spurs/Celtics on Feb. 8 was also up 15%, and Lakers/Cavaliers on Feb. 8 was up 73%.
Despite the increased rating, Celtics/Suns was beaten head-to-head by final round coverage of the Northern Trust Open on CBS, which drew a 3.5 overnight.
