Boosted by the Pacers/Bulls and Knicks/Celtics series, the 2011 NBA Playoffs continue to attract strong numbers on TNT.
TNT is averaging a 2.8 U.S. rating and 4.376 million viewers for coverage of the 2011 NBA Playoffs through Tuesday, up 27% in ratings and 29% in viewership from the comparable point last year (2.2, 3.383M).
On Tuesday, Game 2 between the Knicks and Celtics drew a 3.0 U.S. rating and 4.730 million viewers, up 58% in ratings and 65% in viewership from last year (MIA/BOS G2: 1.9, 2.874M), and up 25% and 28%, respectively, from 2009 (DET/CLE G2: 2.4, 3.699M).
The first two games of the Knicks/Celtics series have each drawn at least 3% of U.S. TV homes. To put that in perspective, only two first round games on cable hit that mark last year — Games 5 and 6 of the Thunder/Lakers series.
Later Tuesday night, Trail Blazers/Mavericks Game 2 drew a 2.5 and 3.846 million viewers, flat in ratings and up 3% in viewership from last year (OKC/LAL G2: 2.5, 3.741M), and up 4% and 7%, respectively, from 2009 (UTA/LAL G2: 2.4, 3.607M).
Monday night, the Bulls’ Game 2 win over the Pacers drew a 3.1 and 4.908 million viewers, up 48% in ratings and 56% in viewership from last year (UTA/DEN G2: 2.1, 3.149M), and up 48% and 65%, respectively, from 2009 (DAL/SA G2: 2.1, 2.983M).
Pacers/Bulls Game 2 stands as the second-most viewed game of the playoffs on cable through Tuesday night.
In Monday’s early game, Miami’s Game 2 blowout of the 76ers drew a 2.1 and 3.402 million viewers, down 19% in ratings and 13% in viewership from last year (CHI/CLE G2: 2.6, 3.907M), and down 19% and 10%, respectively, from 2009 (CHI/BOS G2: 2.6, 3.760M).
Though the Heat have been the driving force behind the NBA’s increased ratings this season, Monday’s numbers indicate that the 76ers/Heat series may not be as enthralling to viewers as Pacers/Bulls. Of course, Monday’s disparity can be at least partly attributed to the later timeslot for the Pacers/Bulls game.
Thursday night, Heat/76ers Game 3 will air on TNT, while Bulls/Pacers Game 3 airs on NBA TV.
(Numbers from Turner Sports; additional information from pifeedback.com)
