The penultimate game of the NBA Finals earned one of the largest overnight ratings on ABC since the network acquired NBA rights over a decade ago.
Game 6 of the Spurs/Heat NBA Finals drew a 14.7 overnight rating on ABC Tuesday night, down 2% from Mavericks/Heat Game 6 in 2011 (15.0), but up 20% from Celtics/Lakers Game 6 in 2010 (12.3). Last year’s series ended in five games.
Tuesday’s overnight peaked at a whopping 19.8 from 11:45 PM-12:00 AM ET.
The 14.7 overnight is the fourth-highest for any NBA telecast on ABC since the network resumed airing games in the 2002-03 season, behind only Game 6 in 2011, Lakers/Pistons Game 5 in 2004 (15.5), and Celtics/Lakers Game 7 in 2010 (18.2) — all series-clinchers.
Tuesday’s game also earned the second-highest overnight for a Game 6 in the NBA Finals since Pacers/Lakers Game 6 on NBC in 2000 (17.3), and the highest overnight ever for a Spurs game in the NBA Finals. The previous high was a 13.9 for Pistons/Spurs Game 7 in 2005.
Game 6 ranks as the highest rated basketball telecast of the year in the metered markets, topping the Louisville/Michigan NCAA Tournament title game on CBS (14.3). The Louisville/Michigan game, which had only a slight drop from the overnight to the final, will likely retain the top spot when the final numbers are released.
Overall, Game 6 earned the second-highest overnight of the year for a non-NFL sporting event. Only the Alabama/Notre Dame BCS title game on ESPN earned better numbers (15.7).
In San Antonio, Game 6 drew a 47.6 rating — a series-high, but down 5% from Pistons/Spurs Game 6 in 2005 (50.1). The game drew a 35.4 in Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, down 2% from Game 6 in 2011 (36.2).
Overnight Ratings For Game 6 of the NBA Finals
Involving the Spurs
Involving the Spurs
(Tuesday’s numbers from ESPN Media Zone)
