http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/06/espn-says-nba-finals-games-1-2-win.html

Here's a press release from ESPN saying that the first two games of the NBA
Finals won the primetime ratings for ABC. What they don't tell you is that
they're still down from last year's Finals which involved the dream matchup of
the Celtics and Lakers.

Take a gander at the release, then we'll crunch the numbers for you.

ABC's Coverage of NBA Finals Games 1 and 2 Dominate Prime Time


ABC "won the night" among all networks with its coverage of Game 1 of The NBA
Finals, dominating its competition by averaging more viewers and adults than any
other show.


Despite the lopsided nature of the game, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the
Orlando Magic by 25 points (100-75), ABC handily beat its nearest competitors in
prime time by 2.8 million viewers (10.1 million vs. 7.3 million – CBS) and by
71% in Adults 18-49 (4.1 vs. 2.4– Fox).

The Thurs., June 4 telecast averaged 13,042,000 viewers (P2+), and a 7.8
household rating. A total 29 million viewers in the U.S. tuned into Game 1.
In the key Adult 18-49 demographic, Lakers-Magic Game 1 equaled the
highest-rated opening game for the NBA Finals in five years and it was the
second-highest ever opening game on ABC.

Additionally, the NBA section on ESPN.com generated over 6.2 million page views
and 1.7 million visits -- up 9% and 3%, respectively from Game 1 last year.

Last night's telecast of Game 2 on ABC, earned a 9.9 metered market rating. The
Lakers won in overtime, 101-96. Based on the metered market ratings, ABC "won
the night" with a 7.8 rating. Fast national ratings will be release later today.

Game 3 of the series will air on ABC Tuesday, June 9, with coverage starting
with GMC NBA Countdown at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Game 1's ratings were off from 2008. According to today's Sports Business Daily,
"Game Two on ABC earned a 9.9 overnight Nielsen rating from 8:00-11:00pm ET,
down 2.9% from Lakers-Celtics Game Two last year..." So you see that the first
two games are down from 2008. With the Lakers being up 2-0 on the Magic, Game 3
had better go to double overtime to reach last year's ratings.