Bucking the trend of declines this postseason, ABC did well for an NBA playoff doubleheader last weekend.
Game 4 of the Cavaliers/Celtics NBA playoff series drew a 3.2 final rating and 4.9 million viewers on ABC, up 10% in ratings and 13% in viewership from Bulls/Wizards last year (2.9, 4.3M) and down 3% and up 1%, respectively, compared to Knicks/Celtics in 2013 (3.3, 4.9M).
The Cavaliers’ series-clinching victory ranks as the most-watched early afternoon game on ABC (start time prior to 2 PM ET) since Knicks/Celtics in March 2012 (5.0M).
Later in the day, Game 4 of Clippers/Spurs drew a 4.1 and 6.5 million — down a tick in ratings but up 1% in viewership from Clippers/Warriors last year (4.2, 6.5M) and up 8% and 9%, respectively, from Heat/Bucks in 2013 (3.8, 6.0M).
The Clippers’ series-tying win earned the fifth-largest audience for a first round playoff game on ABC since the network resumed airing coverage in the 2002-03 season.
Three of ABC’s first four playoff games have had increases in viewership. By comparison, 31 of the 35 games on cable (ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and NBA TV) have had declines.
(Sun. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
