The numbers remain historically strong, but Warriors-Cavs ratings continue to lag.
Wednesday’s Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals Game 3 earned a 12.7 overnight rating on ABC, down 5% from last year (13.4) but up 8% from 2016 (11.8), both of which featured the same matchup.
The 12.7 is the third-highest for Game 3 of the NBA Finals since 2001 (16.1), trailing last year and 2015, when the same Warriors-Cavs matchup had a 13.7.
Four of the six highest Game 3 overnights over that span have been Warriors-Cavs games, with the 2016 matchup tied for fifth. The two exceptions are Lakers-Pistons in 2004 (12.6) and Lakers-Nets in 2002 (11.8).
Golden State’s narrow win peaked at a 15.4 from 11:15-11:30 PM ET, off 1% from last year’s peak (15.6), but up 15% from the 2016 mark (13.4). The 2016 game was a Cleveland blowout.
Unlike last year, when overnights grew 5% from Game 2 to Game 3 (from 12.8 to 13.4), Wednesday’s number was unchanged from Game 2. Keep in mind the scenario was almost exactly the same as last year, with Golden State up 2-0 in the series and eking out a close win.
Overnights have now declined for all three games of the series, though none of the declines have been by more than 5 percent.
ESPN has not disclosed the local ratings as of Thursday morning.
[Numbers from ESPN PR/Twitter 6.7]
