For the second time this season, the Celtics and Heat gave TNT one of the largest regular season NBA audiences on cable in recent memory.
Miami’s loss to the Celtics drew a 2.7 U.S. rating and 4.230 million viewers on TNT Thursday night, up 59% in ratings and 65% in viewership from last year (CLE/MIA: 1.7, 2.564 mil).
Celtics/Heat ranks as the third-most viewed NBA regular season game on cable since 2004, behind only Lakers/Celtics in February 2009 (4.311 mil) and Heat/Celtics on Opening Night (7.348 mil).
The game drew a higher rating and more viewers than every single regular season game on cable last season (2009-10).
Thursday’s game aired directly opposite Ravens/Falcons on NFL Network, which drew a 3.1 and 5.088 million viewers. The results would seem to lead to two interpretations — one, that the NBA managed big numbers despite heavy competition, and two, that even strong NBA numbers still trail weak NFL numbers.
Celtics/Heat actually topped Ravens/Falcons among adults 18-34 (1.9 to 1.7), but trailed in the all-important adults 18-49 demo (1.7 to 2.1), as well as adults 25-54 (1.6 to 2.3).
In the nightcap, the Nuggets’ win over the previously undefeated Lakers earned a 1.8 U.S. rating and 2.872 million viewers, up 29% and 34%, respectively, from last year (PHX/LAL: 1.4, 2.148 mil).
