ESPN and ABC’s Highest-Rated NBA Conference Semifinals Since 2012

The 2019 NBA Conference Semifinals was ESPN and ABC’s highest-rated NBA Playoffs second round since 2012, according to Nielsen. Metered market ratings for ESPN and ABC’s game coverage were up 20 percent compared to 2018 and up 24 percent to 2017. The platforms averaged a 4.2 metered market rating across 11 game telecasts, up from a 3.5 rating from last season and a 3.4 from 2017.

Sunday’s Game 7 between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets generated a 4.8 metered market rating on ABC. The rating was up nine percent from the last time ABC aired an NBA Conference Semifinals broadcast in 2016 (Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors, 4.4 rating). The broadcast averaged a 19.9 rating in the Portland market, making it the highest-rated NBA game on ABC in 16 years.

ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Finals tips off on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET when the Golden State Warriors host the Portland Trail Blazers. The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery precedes Game 1 at 8:30 p.m. For more details on ESPN’s full night of coverage on Tuesday, visit ESPN Press Room.

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