After record numbers during the first round, TNT got off to a strong start for second round coverage of the 2011 NBA Playoffs.
The first four second round games on TNT each had increases in viewership compared to both last year and 2009.
On Monday, TNT drew a 4.0 U.S. rating and 6.429 million viewers for Game 1 between the Mavericks and Lakers, up 48% in ratings and 56% in viewership from last year (SA/PHX G1: 2.7, 4.110M), and up 11% and 19%, respectively, from 2009 (HOU/LAL G1: 3.6, 5.400M).
The game also outdrew last year’s Jazz/Lakers Game 1, which aired on ABC (3.8, 5.955M).
Earlier in the night, the Hawks’ Game 1 win over the Bulls earned a 3.4 and 5.588 million viewers, down a tick in ratings but up 2% in viewership from last year (BOS/CLE G2: 3.5, 5.499M), and up 17% and 28%, respectively, from 2009 (ORL/BOS G1: 2.9, 4.352M).
Keep in mind last year’s Celtics/Cavaliers series was the highest profile of the second round.
Tuesday night, Game 2 of the much-hyped Celtics/Heat series drew a 3.7 and 6.006 million on TNT, up 95% in ratings and 102% in viewership from last year (ATL/ORL G1: 1.9, 2.977M), and up 28% and 33%, respectively, from 2009 (ATL/CLE G1: 2.9, 4.501M).
Game 2 drew approximately three million fewer viewers than Sunday afternoon’s Game 1 on ABC (9.219M).
Later Tuesday night, Grizzlies/Thunder Game 2 earned a 3.2 and 4.867 million, up 7% in ratings and 4% in viewership from last year (UTA/LAL G2: 3.0, 4.668M), and up 19% and 22%, respectively, from 2009 (DAL/DEN G2: 2.7, 4.004M).
Notably, Grizzlies/Thunder actually drew a higher rating and more viewers than last year’s game involving the Lakers. That is quite the feat for a series featuring two of the three smallest markets in the NBA.
Overnights for Wednesday’s games are available here.
