The first game of Sunday’s NBA doubleheader on ABC generated a big increase in overnight ratings.
Sunday’s Heat/Thunder game drew a 3.1 overnight rating on ABC, up 48% from last year (DEN/SAS: 2.1), and up 29% from 2009 (DAL/BOS: 2.4).
The 3.1 overnight is the highest for a regular season NBA game on ABC in the 1 PM ET window since regional action in April 2004 drew the same number.
The Heat’s win drew a 6.8 rating in Miami-Ft. Lauderdale and an 11.1 in Oklahoma City. The latter was the highest rating ever for a regular season NBA game on ABC in the market.
Later in the day, Celtics/Lakers drew a 5.0 overnight, tied as the highest for a non-Christmas regular season NBA game on ABC since the network reacquired the rights. For more information on that game, click here.
(ESPN)
