ESPN and ABC’s NBA Conference Semifinals Telecasts Up Double-Digits in Metered Market Ratings

ESPN and ABC’s NBA Conference Semifinals game coverage is up double-digits in metered market ratings, according to Nielsen. Through nine games, ESPN and ABC are averaging a 3.9 metered market rating, up 11 percent from 2018 and up 15 percent from 2017.

Last night, ESPN generated a 3.6 metered market rating for the Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. It was up nine percent from the 2017 comparable game – a 3.3 rating for the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Houston Rockets. The game peaked with a 4.2 rating in its final quarter hour. Thursday night’s telecast drew a 14.3 rating in the Philadelphia market, making it ESPN’s highest-rated NBA game ever in the Philadelphia market.

In addition, ESPN’s coverage of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Game 6 victory over the Denver Nuggets drew a 3.2 metered market rating. There were no recent comparable windows. The telecast generated a 17.2 rating in the Portland market, making it the highest-rated ESPN NBA telecast ever in Portland. The game delivered an 11.1 rating in the Denver market.

The NBA Playoffs continue tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN with Game 6 of the thrilling Western Conference Semifinals series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. The Warriors currently lead the series 3-2.

If the Warriors vs. Rockets series extends to Game 7, ABC will exclusively broadcast the matchup this Sunday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m. If the Warriors vs. Rockets series ends Friday, ABC will exclusively broadcast Game 7 of the Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets series at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

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