The Big Three are helping Comcast SportsNet to big ratings.
The rejuvenated Boston Celtics, off to the best start in the NBA after the offseason acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, have inspired huge ratings gains for their games locally. Through the first seven games of the season, a period where the Celtics went undefeated, Comcast SportsNet New England averaged a 3.9 rating, up 76% from a 2.2 during the comparable period last year.
On November 14, the Celtics’ win over the New Jersey Nets averaged a 5.4 rating in the New England area, making the game the highest rated regular season telecast for the team in ten years.
While the 76% increase in ratings speaks to a spark in interest in the Celtics, it should be pointed out that Boston’s basketball team is merely a blip compared to Red Sox Nation. Boston Red Sox games averaged a 12.2 rating on NESN during the 2007 season, 213% higher than the 3.9 for the Celtics.
