LeBron James‘ return to Cleveland was not a blockbuster TV draw, but still generated good numbers on TNT.
Thursday’s Knicks/Cavaliers NBA game drew a 2.6 rating and 4.0 million viewers on TNT, according to Nielsen fast-nationals — up 44% in ratings and 50% in viewership from Bulls/Knicks last year (1.8, 2.6M), and the network’s most-watched regular season game outside of Opening Night since Knicks/Heat in February 2012 (5.0M).
The game, James’ first in Cleveland since returning to the Cavaliers, was the subject of exhaustive hype. ESPN’s 6 PM ET SportsCenter took place entirely from Cleveland, and TNT aired an hour-long pregame show that included a musical guest and an appearance from actor Kevin Hart.
Despite the hype, the game did not come close to James’ 2010 return to Cleveland as a member of the Miami Heat. That game, also on TNT, drew a 4.2 and 7.1 million. It did top James’ home debut with the Heat (2.3, 3.8M) and his 2003 home debut with the Cavaliers (1.9, 2.7M). Both of those games aired on ESPN.
The game drew a 27.2 rating in Cleveland, almost double James’ 2010 return (14.9). In New York, the Knicks’ win drew a 7.0.
In a Friday press release, TNT did not disclose ratings or viewership for the Thunder/Clippers nightcap.
(Thu. numbers from Turner Sports)
