For the first time in the 2010 NBA Finals, overnight ratings declined from the previous game.
The Lakers’ uncompetitive Game 6 win over the Celtics drew a 12.3 overnight rating on ABC Tuesday night, down 4% from Lakers/Celtics Game 6 in 2008 (12.8), up 11% from Heat/Mavericks Game 6 in 2006 (11.1), and up 17% from Pistons/Spurs Game 6 in 2005 (10.5).
Overnight ratings peaked at a 13.5, well below the Game 5 peak of 16.5.
The 12.3 overnight is the second-highest of the series, behind Sunday’s Game 5 (12.8), and is tied as the 7th-highest for an NBA game on ABC since the network acquired the rights in 2002.
Additionally, this is the second-highest overnight for Game 6 of the NBA Finals since 2000 (five games).
Tuesday’s game was only the fourth non-clinching Game 6 since 1984. The aforementioned Pistons/Spurs Game 6 in 2005 drew a 10.5 overnight, Knicks/Rockets Game 6 in 1994 drew a 14.1 on NBC, and Pistons/Lakers Game 6 in 1988 drew a 15.4 on CBS.
Game 6 drew a series-high 30.1 rating in Los Angeles. In Boston, the game drew a 22.3 — the second-lowest of the series.
Once again, the NBA Finals helped ABC win the night in primetime.
Since Game 6 of the NBA Finals moved to a Tuesday night in 2005, final ratings have declined between 9% and 16% from the overnight, putting Tuesday’s game on pace to finish in the 10.3-11.1 range.
10 Highest Overnights For NBA on ABC Since The Network Acquired The Rights in ’02
(ESPN, Sports Business Daily)
