A series of sweeps in the second round and declines in the Conference Finals dragged down the numbers for the NBA Playoffs on TNT.
TNT averaged a 2.7 U.S. rating and 4.3 million viewers for the 2010 NBA Playoffs, down 13% in ratings and 8% in viewership from last year (3.1, 4.7 mil), but up 4% and 13%, respectively, from 2008 (2.6, 3.8 mil).
This year, TNT aired only 39 NBA Playoff games, the network’s lowest total since 2002. TNT did not air any Game 7s this year, after airing two last year — both of which set ratings records at the time.
Though down from last year, this year’s NBA Playoffs on TNT topped the average viewership of the 2008, 2007 and 2006 postseasons. Average viewership prior to 2006 was not immediately available.
The six-game Lakers/Suns Western Conference Finals averaged a 4.6 U.S. rating and 7.9 million viewers, down 15% in ratings and 9% in viewership from Magic/Cavaliers on TNT last year (5.4, 8.6 mil), but up 10% and 24%, respectively, from Lakers/Spurs on TNT in 2008 (4.2, 6.3 mil).
Lakers/Suns stands as the second-most viewed Conference Final ever on TNT, behind only last year’s aforementioned Magic/Cavaliers series and just ahead of Lakers/Timberwolves in ’04 (7.8 mil).
Game 5 of the series drew a 5.3 U.S. rating and 8.7 million viewers on TNT, the network’s highest rated, most-viewed game of the postseason.
Viewership For The NBA Playoffs on TNT Since 2006
(Turner Sports)
