ABC is reporting that game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers averaged 13.8 million viewers. This was down about 700,000 viewers from Tuesday’s game three, but considering the Lakers were up by as much as 24 in the first half and led by 18 at halftime, many viewers probably tuned to another channel.
But by the fourth quarter when Boston roared back to tie it up at 75-75, hopefully the viewers came back. I know I did, watching the Celtics go on to win 97-91 and take a commanding three games to one lead in the best of seven series. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the finals.
Wager Update: This doesn’t bode well for the series averaging 15 million viewers, so things aren’t looking good for Bill, who wagered the “dream series” would average over 15 million viewers. I took the under. Bill puts the chances that he’ll be buying me lunch at 85%, but a win by the Lakers on Father’s Day will likely change his calculation.
Through four games the series is averaging 13.8 million viewers.
The NBA has got to be very disappointed in these ratings. With the best ratings matchup possible, it effectively sets a ceiling on the NBA Finals until something big changes in the league.
The last 3 Lakers Finals (2000, 2001, 2004) averaged 17.4, 17.9 and 19.0 million.
http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/20/nba-postse...
If this year's Finals goes 5 or 6 games, which seems likely at this point, it's going to average about 14 million.
I'm certain it will be reported by the media as an increase from the last 3 years (which it is, and a big one from last year), but it's a huge step down for the “best” the NBA can hope for.
When you are buying me lunch you can chalk it up to an elaborate
conspiracy by the NBA to ensure that the finals did NOT go 7 games for
the sake of appearances.
I think the verdict was in last year with Lebron which is why I took
the 'under' clearly the markets of the teams matter but the masses
aren't interested and the NBA has no stars save perhaps an aging Shaq,
that resonate with the masses. I doubt the NBA is surprised. Note:
despite this had the game been tied after 1 quarter and half this game
would likely have averaged well over 15 million.
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