Ratings for every game of the NBA Finals since 1991. Over the past 18 years, ratings for the NBA Finals have fluctuated between record highs (1993, and later, 1998) and record lows (2003, and later, 2007).
From 2000-2008, 49 NBA Finals games averaged a 9.3 rating on ABC and NBC, down 40% from a 15.4 for 51 games during the previous 9 year period (1991-1999). To put that in perspective, 47 World Series games from 2000-2008 averaged a 12.2 rating on FOX, down 34% from an 18.4 for 46 games from 1991-1999.
31 NBA Finals games involving the Los Angeles Lakers since 1991 have averaged an 11.7 rating, while 4 games involving the Orlando Magic averaged a 13.9. Since 2000, 26 NBA Finals games involving the Lakers averaged a 10.9 rating, compared to a 7.5 for 23 games without the Lakers.
Not counting the 2009 NBA Finals, the Lakers have played in five NBA Finals since Michael Jordan‘s second retirement in 1998. Those series rank as the #1, #2, #3, #5 and #6 highest-rated Finals since ’98.
Ratings for every NBA Finals game since 1991.
| Year | Overall | Gm. 1 | Gm. 2 | Gm. 3 | Gm. 4 | Gm. 5 | Gm. 6 | Gm. 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 (ABC) |
9.3/17
|
no game
|
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| 2007 (ABC) |
6.2/11
|
no game
|
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| 2006 (ABC) |
8.5/15
|
no game
|
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| 2005 (ABC) |
8.2/15
|
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| 2004 (ABC) |
11.5/20
|
no game
|
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| 2003 (ABC) |
6.5/12
|
no game
|
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| 2002 (NBC) |
10.2/19
|
no game
|
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| 2001 (NBC) |
12.1/22
|
no game
|
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| 2000 (NBC) |
11.6/21
|
no game
|
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| 1999 (NBC) |
11.3/21
|
no game
|
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| 1998 (NBC) |
18.7/33
|
no game
|
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| 1997 (NBC) |
16.8/30
|
no game
|
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| 1996 (NBC) |
16.7/31
|
no game
|
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| 1995 (NBC) |
13.9/25
|
no game
|
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| 1994 (NBC) |
12.4/23
|
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| 1993 (NBC) |
17.9/33
|
no game
|
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| 1992 (NBC) |
14.2/27
|
no game
|
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| 1991 (NBC) |
15.8/32
|
no game
|
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