In a league of stars, viewers tuned in for LeBron James and Derrick Rose, and tuned out for the Kobe Bryant-less Lakers.
The NBA Opening Night doubleheader on TNT averaged a 2.9 U.S. rating and 4.5 million viewers on TNT, down 9% in ratings and 6% in viewership from last year (3.2, 4.8M), down 22% and 21%, respectively, from 2010 (3.7, 5.7M), and the lowest rated and least-viewed Opening Night since 2009 (2.3, 3.7M).
Despite the four-year low, this year’s Opening Night ranks as the third-best ever on Turner Sports, trailing only last year and 2010.
The Bulls/Heat game earned a 3.3 U.S. rating and 5.4 million viewers, up a tick in ratings and virtually flat in viewership compared to Celtics/Heat last year (3.2, 5.4M), but down 28% and 27%, respectively, from Heat/Celtics in 2010 (4.6, 7.3M).
Ratings and viewership for the game were the second-best ever for any Opening Night telecast on TNT, finishing just barely ahead of last year. Keep in mind this does not include the 2011 opener, a Celtics/Knicks game that aired on Christmas Day (3.4, 5.9M).
The Clippers/Lakers nightcap dragged down Opening Night. The game, which did not include Bryant, drew a 2.4 U.S. rating and 3.6 million viewers — down 17% in ratings and viewership from Mavericks/Lakers last year (2.9, 4.3M), and down 14% and 17%, respectively, from Rockets/Lakers in 2010 (2.8, 4.3M).
Clippers/Lakers ranks as the lowest rated and least-viewed Opening Night game since 2009 — the last time the teams opened the season head-to-head (2.1, 3.4M).
Among adults 18-49, Bulls/Heat drew a 2.5 rating — fourth-best for any TV program Tuesday night. Only “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2.6), “NCIS” (3.0) and “The Voice” (3.6) earned better numbers in the demo. Clippers/Lakers drew a 1.8.
(Tue. numbers from Turner Sports, The Futon Critic)
