ESPN’s Cavaliers-Celtics Telecast Ties Network NBA Ratings Record

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Sunday’s ESPN Cleveland Cavaliers-Boston Celtics Game 7 NBA playoffs telecast matched an all-time network ratings NBA record, according to Nielsen.

The Eastern Conference Finals game, won by LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers over the Boston Celtics, drew a 9.1 metered rating, matching Game 7 of the 2012 Miami Heat-Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals, said network officials.

ESPN’s Eastern Conference Finals coverage averaged a 6.3 metered market rating, up 37% from the same matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals last year and up 34% from its Western Conference Finals coverage in 2017.

Related: Olbermann Gets Expanded Role With ESPN Programs

Overall, the 2018 NBA Playoffs on ESPN – 19 games – averaged a 3.8 metered market rating, up 31% from last year, according to Nielsen.

The Cavaliers will face the winner of tonight’s Game 7 Houston Rockets-Golden State Warriors Western Conference Finals contest that will air on TNT. 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.