NBA on ABC: Highest-Rated NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Since 2015

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NBA on ABC: Highest-Rated NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Since 2015

  • Boston vs. Cleveland Game 1 Draws 5.4 Metered Market Rating, Up 15 Percent from Same Matchup Last Year and Up 32 Percent from 2016
  • Game 1 was Highest-Rated Live Sports Event of the Weekend

Sunday’s NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 on ABC – the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-83 – generated a 5.4 metered market rating, making it the highest-rated Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 since 2015, according to Nielsen. It was up 15 percent from the same matchup last year (4.7) and up 32 percent from 2016 when Cleveland vs. Toronto drew a 4.1.

Sunday’s Game 1 broadcast peaked with a 6.5 rating from 5:30-5:45 p.m. Based on the metered market data, Game 1 was the highest-rated live sports event of the weekend.

Through nine games, the 2018 NBA Playoffs on ABC is averaging a 4.4 metered market rating, up seven percent from 2017.

The 2018 Eastern Conference Finals continues Tuesday, May 15, with Game 2 at 8:30 p.m. exclusively on ESPN. ESPN will also offer a second-screen experience called Full Court Press on ESPN2. Prior to Game 2, ESPN will televise the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm from 7:30-8:30 p.m. NBA Countdown presented by Mountain Dew Kickstart will tip off the evening’s coverage at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

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Ben Cafardo

I lead communications strategy and execution for ESPN’s NBA, MLB, FIBA and Little League World Series properties. I’m also a proud consumer of all things ESPN.
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