Nuggets-Lakers Sets A Ratings Record Again!

The NBA Western Conference Finals seems to have struck a chord with sports fans. Here’s ESPN’s press release.

Nuggets/Lakers Game 4 – Most-Viewed NBA Game Ever on Cable

Most-Viewed Cable Telecast of the Year; ESPN’s Most-Viewed Basketball Telecast

ESPN’s exclusive telecast of the NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets Monday, May 25, at 9 p.m. ET earned a 6.9 rating, representing an average of 6,746,000 households and 9,883,000 viewers (P2+) to become the most-viewed NBA game ever on cable (among viewers). The telecast was the most-viewed program this year on cable. It also became ESPN’s most-viewed basketball game ever (college or pro), surpassing last week’s mark (Game 1, May 19 – 7,352,000 viewers).

Additional highlights:

• Game 4 of the Nuggets/Lakers series outpaced last year’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 between Boston/Detroit by 62 percent in viewers (6,086,000), 51 percent in households (4,469,000) and 50 percent in rating (4.6);
• ESPN’s 17 NBA Playoff telecasts are averaging 4,426,000 viewers, an increase of 16 percent over last season’s 19 telecasts to date (3,819,000). The corresponding 3,299,000 households are up 12 percent (2,949,000), and the 3.4 rating is up 10 percent (3.1 rating);
• The Nuggets/Lakers game delivered a 21.3 rating in Denver, the highest-rated NBA game on ESPN or ABC ever locally (records date back to 2003). In L.A., the game posted a 16.1 rating, the highest-rated NBA Playoff game on ESPN (with records going back to 2003).

Western Conference Finals Game 3 Ratings Recap

The Western Conference Finals Game 3 (which aired Saturday, May 23, at 8:30 p.m. on ABC), garnered a final 5.4 rating representing 6,164,000 households and 8,731,000 viewers. The Western Conference Finals Game 3 broadcast was ABC’s most-viewed Conference Finals game ever. The broadcast was ABC’s best Saturday performance in viewers and young adults in over five months (since Dec. 6, 2008).

Western Conference Finals Continue on ESPN

Following tonight’s Game 5 (May 27 at 9 p.m.), ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals will continue with Game 6 – an elimination game – when the Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers Friday, May 29, at 9 p.m. The series is currently knotted at two games apiece. Mike Breen will call the game with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. The game will also be available via ESPN HD, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN360.com and ESPN Mobile TV. Jim Durham will describe the game on ESPN Radio with analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay. ESPN’s coverage will tip off with NBA Shootaround, hosted by Stuart Scott with analysts Jon Barry, Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon, at 8 p.m.

If the Western Conference Finals extend to a decisive Game 7, ABC will broadcast the matchup Sunday, May 31, at 8:30 p.m., with NBA Countdown previewing the action at 8 p.m. The NBA Finals – exclusively on ABC – will begin Thursday, June 4, with coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m.

I’ll have links coming up.