ABC scored vastly different results for its NBA playoff games last weekend.
Game 1 of the Celtics/Cavaliers NBA playoff series drew a 3.5 final rating and 5.4 million viewers on ABC last Sunday, up 6% in ratings and 1% in viewership from Bobcats/Heat last year (3.3, 5.4M), and down 3% and 2%, respectively, from Lakers/Spurs in 2013 (3.6, 5.5M).
The Cavaliers’ series-opening win was just one of three NBA playoff telecasts through Wednesday to have a year-over-year increase in viewership. Celtics/Cavaliers Game 2 (+24%) and Pelicans/Warriors Game 2 (+30%) were the others.
Speaking of the Pelicans/Warriors series, Game 1 earned a 2.3 and 3.5 million on ABC last Saturday — down 18% in ratings and 20% in viewership from Warriors/Clippers last year (2.8, 4.4M) and down 21% in both measures from Celtics/Knicks in 2013 (2.9, 4.4M).
The Warriors’ blowout win ranks as the lowest rated and least-watched opening weekend playoff game on ABC since 2009, when Pistons/Cavaliers Game 1 drew a 2.2 and 3.1 million. Overall, it tied the fifth-lowest playoff rating on ABC since the network resumed airing NBA games in the 2002-03 season.
(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
