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Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals drew 8.3 million viewers Saturday night, bringing TNT’s average delivery in the third round of the NBA Playoffs to 8.63 million viewers, an increase of 36 percent versus last year.
The Orlando Magic/Cleveland Cavaliers tilt now stands as TNT’s most-watched Conference Finals ever, topping the previous high set by the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals in 2001.
Orlando knocked off the Cavs 103-90, as Dwight Howard scored 40 points and pulled in 14 rebounds. The Magic will go on to face Kobe Braynt and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, a best-of-seven series that tips off Thursday night on ABC.
In the course of 43 post-season contests, TNT posted huge demo deliveries, averaging 2.68 million viewers 18-49 (up 23 percent over last year’s Playoff count) and 2.52 million adults 25-54 (also a 23 percent improvement). Predictably enough, TNT also notched gains among male viewers, averaging 1.88 million M 18-49, up 17 percent versus the 2007-08 post-season.
“During the last two seasons, the NBA on TNT has consistently generated strong ratings for our network and in today’s media landscape, when there are more entertainment options and alternatives for an individual’s leisure time, this growth is extraordinary,” said David Levy, president of ad sales, distribution and sports, Turner Broadcasting System. “The ratings increases we’ve experienced demonstrate the strength and popularity of the NBA.”
