The classic Bulls/Celtics series followed record ratings for Game 6 with another record for Game 7.
USA Today reports that the Celtics’ Game 7 win over the Bulls drew a 5.3 overnight rating on TNT Saturday night, putting the game on pace to finish as easily the highest rated first round NBA Playoff game ever on cable.
The 5.3 overnight is a 26% increase over a 4.2 for Hawks/Celtics Game 7 in ’08, which aired on a Sunday afternoon on ABC. Additionally, the 5.3 is the highest overnight for a first round NBA Playoff game on broadcast or cable since 2004.
Despite airing on cable, Bulls/Celtics beat a NASCAR race airing on broadcast (FOX) head-to-head on Saturday night. NASCAR will still likely come out ahead when the final ratings are released, as NASCAR ratings rise from the overnight to the final ratings, while NBA ratings decline from the overnight to the final.
Overall, Bulls/Celtics Game 7 drew the second-highest overnight of any sporting event on a packed sports Saturday, behind only the Kentucky Derby.
