A terrible series with two teams playing terrible basketball drew terrible ratings. However, the NBA can at least breath a slight — very slight — sigh of relief that the overnight rating for Game 4 was at least the highest of the series. There was every possibility that, with the series being 3-0 and barely anyone watching the first three games, Game 4 could end up being the lowest rated of all-time.
Last night’s clinching victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers by the San Antonio Spurs drew an 8.0/14 overnight, down 12% from a 9.1 overnight for the Game 4 blowout between the Heat and Mavericks last year. The 8.0 rating is the lowest overnight for a Game 4 since at least 1981.
Barring an exceptionally large small-market turn-out, the final rating for Game 4 will fall below the necessary 7.7 threshold, meaning that this series will be the lowest rated NBA Finals since at least 1976.
UPDATE: The Sports Business Daily reports that Game 4 drew a 7.8 overnight rating, which would tie with Game 3 as the second-highest overnight of the series.
