While the NBA has no quick fix for dealing with potential scandal, it did not appear to impact the ratings last night with 14.509 million average viewers during the course of the telecast of game three between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtic. The Lakers won and are now down 2-1 in a best of seven series. The viewing numbers represent 53% increase over last year's game three matchip between the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs.
The game averaged 10.338 million households. Through three games the finals are averaging 13.801 million viewers and 9.901 million households. Viewing peaked between 11pm-midnight eastern time, with 11:30p-11:45p being the highest watched 15 minutes with a HH rating of 11.3 for that period. Overall, the game had a 9.2 HH rating, and the series is averaging an 8.8 household rating through three games.
Here's some additional data on key age/gender demographics:
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2002 doesn’t seem like that long ago, but just think: NBC still had the NBA and had built a following with regularity in theme, number of games broadcast, etc. And, even just six years ago, there wasn’t such a plethora of other viewing options (online, gaming, etc.). Otherwise, how could a Lakers/Celtics finals not even approach the numbers of the Lakers finals with the Pacers, 76ers, and Nets in the early `00s? With this scandal in the wings, none of this can really be great news. Personally, I think this is the result over a quarter century of David Stern running the show. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, so he benefitted greatly from the Bird/Magic, and then, Jordan years. But real change is needed. Maybe the 2010s will represent that birth in hopefully new, energetic hands that have a bit of integrity.
2002 doesn’t seem like that long ago, but just think: NBC still had the NBA and had built a following with regularity in theme, number of games broadcast, etc. And, even just six years ago, there wasn’t such a plethora of other viewing options (online, gaming, etc.). Otherwise, how could a Lakers/Celtics finals not even approach the numbers of the Lakers finals with the Pacers, 76ers, and Nets in the early `00s? With this scandal in the wings, none of this can really be great news. Personally, I think this is the result over a quarter century of David Stern running the show. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, so he benefitted greatly from the Bird/Magic, and then, Jordan years. But real change is needed. Maybe the 2010s will represent that birth in hopefully new, energetic hands that have a bit of integrity.
(14.509+13.384+13.499)/3 = 13.797m average for the first 3 games.
If it only goes 6, the next 3 will have to average 16.203m to finish with an overall average of 15m. That’s looking good for Robert [with the under on 15m].
I think I need a seventh game, not only for the likely final game viewership increase, but also the extra game to be averaged in. If it goes 7, the last 4 need to average 15.90. Assuming a big boost for game 7, I think that’s possible, but that’s still a lot of *ifs*.
(14.509+13.384+13.499)/3 = 13.797m average for the first 3 games.
If it only goes 6, the next 3 will have to average 16.203m to finish with an overall average of 15m. That’s looking good for Robert [with the under on 15m].
I think I need a seventh game, not only for the likely final game viewership increase, but also the extra game to be averaged in. If it goes 7, the last 4 need to average 15.90. Assuming a big boost for game 7, I think that’s possible, but that’s still a lot of *ifs*.
I had (or more accurately Nielsen and ABC) done the math in the post – 13.801 million according to ABC. I’m guessing they calculate based on all the raw data divided by duration and since you only get 3 digits you’re ever so slightly off. Or they’re just wrong.
This may sound contrarian, but I’m actually worried that game 4/rest of series gets a boost BECAUSE of the scandal. Long-term if there’s any merit, that’s really awful for the NBA, but in the short-term, America loves a scandal.
I had (or more accurately Nielsen and ABC) done the math in the post – 13.801 million according to ABC. I’m guessing they calculate based on all the raw data divided by duration and since you only get 3 digits you’re ever so slightly off. Or they’re just wrong.
This may sound contrarian, but I’m actually worried that game 4/rest of series gets a boost BECAUSE of the scandal. Long-term if there’s any merit, that’s really awful for the NBA, but in the short-term, America loves a scandal.
The game drew a 9.2 rating. The 8.8 is the average through three games.
– Paulsen
Paulsen, good catch. Thanks.,
The game drew a 9.2 rating. The 8.8 is the average through three games.
– Paulsen
Paulsen, good catch. Thanks.,