ABC seems destined to finish with lower ratings for the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Through eight games, ABC is averaging a 3.1 rating for coverage of the NBA Playoffs, down 9% from a 3.4 through the comparable point last year, but up 7% from a 2.9 through the same point in ’07.
Cavaliers/Hawks Game 3 last Saturday night drew a 3.2/6 final rating on ABC, even with last year’s comparable Celtics/Cavaliers Game 3, but down 6% from a 3.4/7 for Suns/Spurs Game 3 in ’07.
Meanwhile, Lakers/Rockets Game 4 on Sunday afternoon drew a 3.2/9 final rating, down 22% from a 4.1/10 for Lakers/Jazz Game 4 last year, but up 14% from a 2.8/8 for Pistons/Bulls Game 4 in ’07. The 3.2 rating is easily the lowest so far for the Lakers/Rockets series; Games 1, 2 and 3 drew ratings of 3.6, 4.2 and 3.9, respectively, on cable.
The 3.1 average is on pace to finish as the second-lowest ever for the NBA Playoffs on ABC, ahead of only the aforementioned 2007 playoffs.
