Replacing the star-fueled Thunder with the low-key Spurs resulted in a double-digit drop for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Game 1 of the Spurs/Heat NBA Finals drew a 10.6 overnight rating on ABC Thursday night, down 10% from Heat/Thunder Game 1 last year (11.8), and down a tick from Mavericks/Heat Game 1 in 2011 (10.7).
The 10.6 overnight is the lowest for Game 1 of the NBA Finals since Celtics/Lakers Game 1 in 2010 (10.4). Overall, the 10.6 ranks as the fourth-highest for an NBA Finals Game 1 on ABC since the network resumed airing games in 2002 (11 telecasts).
The 10.6 also ranks as the highest for an NBA Finals opener involving the Spurs since Game 1 of Knicks/Spurs in 1999 (11.7).
The last three NBA Finals involving the Spurs started with overnights of 7.9 (Cavaliers/Spurs in 2007), 8.8 (Pistons/Spurs in 2005) and 8.1 (Nets/Spurs in 2003).
Locally, Game 1 drew a 34.0 rating in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market, up 12% from Game 1 last year (30.5), and up 7% from Game 1 in 2011 (31.9). The 34.0 rating is the highest ever for an NBA Finals Game 1 in the market (four telecasts).
In San Antonio, however, the game drew a 35.3 — down 19% from Game 1 of Cavaliers/Spurs in 2007 (43.7), and down 18% from Game 1 of Pistons/Spurs in 2005 (42.9).
Overnight Ratings For Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Involving the Spurs
(Tuesday’s overnight from ESPN Media Zone)
