As with New York Yankees, the Dallas Cowboys and Brett Favre, sports fans may say they are sick of LeBron James, but their actions continuously contradict that notion.
TNT drew a 5.6 overnight rating for the debut of the Miami Heat and their Big Three — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — in a loss to the Boston Celtics Tuesday night.
The 5.6 overnight marks a 75% increase from last year’s Cavaliers/Celtics opener, and a 167% increase from the Cavaliers/Celtics opener in 2008 — both of which featured James playing with his old franchise.
Later in the night, the Lakers’ close win over the Rockets drew a 3.5 overnight, up 40% from Clippers/Lakers last year (2.5), and up 67% from Blazers/Lakers in 2008 (2.1).
Overall, TNT averaged a 4.5 overnight for Tuesday’s NBA Opening Night doubleheader, up 61% from last year (2.8), and up 125% from 2008 (2.0).
Last year’s NBA Opening Night was the most-viewed ever on Turner Sports. This year’s edition is on pace to shatter that record.
(Turner Sports)
