The NBA Playoffs got off to a roaring start, both on the court and in the ratings. But uncompetitive series are threatening to stifle the league’s momentum.
Of the eight playoff series, four are currently 3-1, one is 3-0 and another will more than likely be 3-1 after tonight. Series that were supposed to be exciting and competitive, including Cavaliers/Wizards, Spurs/Suns, Hornets/Mavericks and even Jazz/Rockets, have turned into blowouts. The only series guaranteed to go to a sixth game is Pistons/76ers, and after the way Detroit came back in the second half yesterday, one doubts they will fall asleep long enough to lose again.
The one-sidedness is now beginning to hurt the ratings. Yesterday, ABC drew a 3.0 overnight for Cavaliers/Wizards, down 6% from Bulls/Heat last year, while Spurs/Suns drew a 4.3 — even with Suns/Lakers last year.
If the NBA is lucky, the second round can make up for the first. The Lakers advancing to the second round will likely give ESPN, ABC and TNT some of their ratings in four years. Meanwhile, the Celtics and Cavaliers are on course for a high profile match-up. While Pistons/Magic and Spurs/Hornets will not draw particularly well, the other two glamour match-ups could draw huge ratings.
For now, the league is left wondering about what could have been. This was supposed to be the year the league would see some of the best first round battles of all time. Instead, fans have been treated to blowouts and one-sided series. This year, the first round has been where disappointment happens.
