The Boston Celtics’ last hurrah was a hit in the ratings on Sunday night.
The Celtics’ 19-point loss to the Magic drew a 5.2 fast-national rating and 8.4 million viewers on TNT Sunday night, up 21% in ratings and 28% in viewership from a 4.3 and 6.5 million for Spurs/Hornets Game 7 on TNT last year, which took place on a Monday night.
Magic/Celtics Game 7 finishes as the most-viewed second round NBA Playoff game ever on cable in both households and total viewers. Additionally, the 8.4 million viewers is the most for any NBA game on cable since Pistons/Heat Game 7 drew 9.1 million in ’05.
TNT averaged a 3.3 U.S. rating and 5.1 million viewers for 13 second round NBA Playoff games. The 3.3 rating is up 14% from last year, and the 5.1 million viewers is the most ever for the second round of the NBA Playoffs on cable.
The record numbers come on the heels of the highest rated first round ever on TNT, and the highest rated, most-viewed first round game ever on cable (Bulls/Celtics Game 7). Entering the Conference Finals, TNT is averaging a 2.6 U.S. rating for coverage of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, up 8% from last year.
Source: Turner Sports
