A LeBron James buzzer beater boosted ABC to its top primetime NBA overnight (excluding the NBA Finals) in six years. Meanwhile, Penguins-Capitals hit a high despite a weaker Kentucky Derby lead-in and Tiger Woods‘ return lifted the PGA at Quail Hollow.
NBA Playoff Ratings: Another Cavs Classic Boosts ABC
The 4.6 is the second-highest for a Raptors game on U.S. television since the 2001 playoffs, behind Game 4 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals between the same two teams (5.0).
In addition, the 4.6 is the second-highest of the postseason behind Pacers-Cavaliers Game 7 last Sunday (5.4). Cleveland has played in the top three games this postseason and four of the top five. [ESPN PR/Twitter 5.6]
Despite Lower Lead-in, Pens-Caps Overnights Hit High
Overnights increased a tick from last year (2.8) and 7% from 2016 (2.7), which featured the same matchup. The increase came despite a 13% decline for its lead-in, the Kentucky Derby.
The Penguins’ loss scored a 25.8 rating in Pittsburgh, up 30% from last year (19.9) and the market’s highest second round playoff rating ever on the NBC family of networks.
In other action, Jets-Predators had a 0.6 on NBCSN later Saturday night. On Friday, Lightning-Bruins Game 4 drew a 1.2 (+46%) and Sharks-Golden Knights Game 5 had a 0.8 (+58%). [NBC Sports PR/Twitter 5.6 a, b, c, d, e]
