It took awhile, but ABC has finally seen the kind of massive increase in ratings that ESPN and TNT have been enjoying for the past several weeks.
Game 3 of the Lakers/Nuggets West Finals drew a stellar 6.6 overnight rating on ABC on Saturday night, up 43% from a 4.6 for Celtics/Pistons Game 3 in the same timeslot last year, and up 74% from a 3.8 for Spurs/Jazz Game 3 two years ago.
Excluding the NBA Finals, the 6.6 overnight is the best for an NBA Playoff game on ABC since Cavaliers/Celtics Game 7 drew a 6.9 last year, and marks the sixth highest overnight ever for an NBA Playoff game on the net.
Lakers/Nuggets Game 3 is only the fourth NBA Playoff game on ABC this season to see an increase in overnight ratings.
Highest overnight ratings for NBA Playoff games on ABC since ’03.
| Date | Time | Game | Net | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu., 5/15/03 | 8:30 PM | Spurs/Lakers Game 6 | ABC |
8.0
|
| Thu., 5/13/04 | 8:30 PM | Lakers/Spurs Game 5 | ABC |
7.2
|
| Sun., 5/11/03 | 3:30 PM | Spurs/Lakers Game 4 | ABC |
7.0
|
| Sun., 5/18/08 | 3:30 PM | Cavaliers/Celtics Game 7 | ABC |
6.9
|
| Sun., 5/21/06 | 3:30 PM | Cavaliers/Pistons Game 7 | ABC |
6.7
|
| Sat., 5/23/09 | 8:30 PM | Lakers/Nuggets Game 3 | ABC |
6.6
|
| Sun., 5/3/04 | 3:30 PM | Lakers/Spurs Game 1 | ABC |
6.0
|
Source: ESPN
