Update: the final numbers are in and the game drew 14.51 million viewers. More information is available here.
In NBA Finals land, it looks (and these are preliminary, but for the whole game, not just the primetime portion) like the game will wind up with about 14 million viewers and a healthy 5.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
A bit better than the first two games, but still under 15 million. Still, with the Los Angeles Lakers beating the Boston Celtics they are now down 2-1 in the best of seven series. Game four is the pivotal game -- the difference between knotting the series up at 2 games apiece or going down 3-1. If it's the latter, Bill will surely be buying me lunch. If it's the former, there will still be a lot of life left in the wager. Bill bet the series would average over 15 million, I took the under. If the Lakers win on Thursday, the series will go at least six games and I think it switches to highly likely that I will be buying Bill lunch!
I'm still rooting for the Lakers to win (game 4 -- I don't really care who wins the series). I'd really like to see a seven game series. Game sevens are the best thing in sports!
Judging by the allegations made by Donaghy (which I believe), there is no doubt in my mind that the league will do anything to make sure this series goes 7 games.
NBA is boring. Especially now that we know what will happen.
Judging by the allegations made by Donaghy (which I believe), there is no doubt in my mind that the league will do anything to make sure this series goes 7 games.
Rob D, I couldn't agree with your comment more. It's really disheartening to see the integrity of the game disintegrating every year, only for the sake of trying to renew viewer interest. So much for winner takes all, it's more like the league takes all.
For any doubters, the proof is in Game 2
NBA is boring. Especially now that we know what will happen.