The Bulls and Celtics gave ESPN a boost in the ratings on Saturday.
The first game of the NBA Playoffs, the Bulls’ Game 1 overtime victory over the Celtics, drew a 2.5 overnight rating on ESPN Saturday afternoon, up 19% over a 2.1 for Wizards/Cavaliers Game 1 in the same timeslot last year, and up 79% from a 1.4 for Nets/Raptors Game 1 in ’07.
Bulls/Celtics was the only NBA Playoff game on Saturday to see increased ratings.
Both games of ESPN’s prime time doubleheader saw declines. The Mavericks’ upset win over the Spurs drew a 2.3 overnight, off 4% from a 2.4 for Mavericks/Hornets Game 1 in ’08, but up 53% from a 1.5 for Magic/Pistons Game 1 in ’07.
Meanwhile, the nightcap between the Rockets and Blazers drew a 2.4 overnight, off 4% from a 2.5 for Jazz/Rockets Game 1 in ’08, but up 33% from Jazz/Rockets Game 1 in ’07.
Overall, ESPN averaged a 2.4 overnight for three NBA Playoff games on Saturday, up 4% from a 2.3 last year, and up 50% from a 1.6 in ’07.
Overnight ratings for NBA Playoffs on ESPN.
| Date | Time | Game | Net | Rating | vs. ’08 | vs. ’07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., 4/18/09 | 12:30 PM | Bulls/Celtics | ESPN |
2.5
|
19%
|
79%
|
| 8:00 PM | Mavericks/Spurs | ESPN |
2.3
|
-4%
|
53%
|
|
| 10:30 PM | Rockets/Blazers | ESPN |
2.4
|
-4%
|
33%
|
|
|
2.4
|
4%
|
50%
|
||||
Source: ESPN
