ESPN scored solid numbers for coverage of the NBA Playoffs over the weekend, as three of the network’s five windows scored increases in overnight ratings from last year.
On Friday, Game 3 of the Lakers/Hornets series earned a 3.4 overnight rating on ESPN, up 48% from last year (DAL/SA G3: 2.3), and up 70% from 2009 (POR/HOU G3: 2.0).
Earlier in the night, the Celtics’ Game 3 blowout of the Knicks drew a 2.8 overnight, up 56% from last year’s comparable game (BOS/MIA G3: 1.8), which Boston won a game winner at the buzzer. The game was also up 65% from 2009 (CLE/DET G3: 1.7).
Over on ESPN2, the third game of the Magic/Hawks series drew a 1.0 overnight, down a tick from last year’s comparable game (DEN/UTA G3: 1.1), but up 25% from 2009 (ORL/PHI G3: 0.8).
Keep in mind last year’s Friday night games aired opposite Night 2 of the NFL Draft. In particular, last year’s Nuggets/Jazz game had the Draft as a lead-in.
On Saturday, the Spurs’ Game 3 loss to the Grizzlies drew a 2.4 overnight, up 60% from last year (ATL/MIL G3: 1.5).
In the nightcap, Game 3 between the Thunder and Nuggets drew a 2.8, down 13% from last year (LAL/OKC G4: 3.2), but up 12% from 2009 (LAL/UTA G4: 2.5).
(Numbers from ESPN)
