The Warriors and Grizzlies combined to give ESPN a solid NBA audience on Tuesday. In other news, ratings have dropped by double-digits for the Lakers and Clippers, and ESPN earned its smallest audience yet for a post-Heisman 30 For 30 documentary.
Warriors/Grizzlies Good Draw on ESPN
- Tuesday’s Warriors/Grizzlies NBA regular season game drew 1.9 million viewers on ESPN, the season’s third-largest audience for a game that did not involve the Cavaliers or Lakers (26 telecasts). The Thunder/Kings nightcap drew 1.5 million. On Wednesday, ESPN drew 1.0 million for Nets/Raptors and 1.2 million for Rockets/Nuggets, down 62% and 41%, respectively, from last year’s Pacers/Heat and Bulls/Rockets doubleheader. (via TV By the Numbers [1], [2])
Local Ratings Down For Lakers, Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers NBA games have averaged a 2.25 rating on Time Warner SportsNet Cable so far this season, down 28% from the comparable point last year (3.14). The Lakers are widely expected to miss the playoffs for the second straight season. The Clippers have also had a double-digit drop, averaging a 1.24 on Fox Sports Prime Ticket — down 16% from last year (1.47). (Los Angeles Times)
The U Sequel Least-Watched Post-Heisman Doc
- The ESPN 30 For 30 documentary The U Part II earned 1.9 million viewers Saturday night, down 5% from Youngstown Boys last year (2.0M), down 48% from You Don’t Know Bo in 2012 (3.6M), and the least-watched post-Heisman documentary in the series. Keep in mind the telecast had a lead-in from the least-watched Heisman presentation since 2006. For some perspective, The U drew 2.4 million when it premiered in 2009. (via TV By the Numbers)
