ABC’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals saw a 54 percent increase in total viewership over last season’s Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers, while the 18-49 demo rating was up 28 percent. As reported by Mediaweek:

The opening game of the NBA Finals in which the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC last night (June 5) drew 9.5 million viewers and earned a 3.7 adults 18-49 rating, the best showing for an opening game of the NBA Finals since 2004, according to Nielsen Media Research data. 

 

The telecast helped ABC score its highest rating on Thursday night among men 18-34, a 4.6, and among men 18-49, a 4.9, since Sept. 2005.

The entire game telecast drew an average of 13.4 million viewers.

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Nick Kappel is a staff member for the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey.

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