After seeing a double-digit rise in ratings for the first round of the playoffs, TNT has seen similiar success in the second round.
Through Wednesday night’s games, TNT is averaging a 3.5 U.S. rating for six second round NBA Playoff games, up 30% from a 2.7 for five comparable games last year.
The rise in ratings has been led by the Rockets/Lakers series, which drew strong numbers last Monday and Wednesday. Monday night’s Game 1 drew a 3.5 U.S. rating on TNT, up 21% from a 2.9 for Spurs/Hornets Game 2 in an earlier timeslot last year. Wednesday’s Game 2 performed even better, drawing a stellar 4.1 U.S. rating — up 37% from a 3.0 for Jazz/Lakers Game 2 last year.
Magic/Celtics has also drawn solid ratings. Game 1 on Monday night drew a 2.9 U.S. rating, up 53% from a 1.9 for last year’s Magic/Pistons Game 2, and Game 2 on Wednesday drew a 2.8, up 22% from a 2.3 for last year’s Pistons/Magic Game 3.
Not surprisingly, the two least competitive series have not been as successful in the ratings. Game 1 between the Hawks and Cavaliers drew a solid 2.9 U.S. rating on Tuesday night, down 17% from a 3.5 for Cavaliers/Celtics last year.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Mavericks/Nuggets Game 2 drew a 2.6 U.S. rating — the lowest rating of the second round through Wednesday night’s games.
Overall, through 30 games, TNT is averaging a 2.4 U.S. rating for coverage of the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Source: Turner Sports
