The Knicks’ most successful season in a decade may have ended with a thud, but the team attracted strong numbers on MSG Network in both the regular season and the playoffs.
MSG Network averaged a 2.96 rating for its coverage of the Knicks’ first round loss to the Celtics (three games), up 96% from the team’s last playoff appearance in 2004 (NJ/NY: 1.51).
As in 2004, the Knicks were swept out of the first round this year.
Keep in mind that the three MSG Network telecasts had to co-exist with national coverage on TNT and ESPN. For example, Game 1 of the series drew a 3.3 rating on MSG Network and a 5.4 on TNT, equaling a combined rating of approximately 8.7.
Knicks ratings were also strong during the regular season. MSG Network averaged a 1.82 rating for Knicks telecasts, up 100% from last year (0.91).
(Numbers from Multichannel News; additional information from Turner Sports)
