The hoopla surrounding the Miami Heat and their now 23 game winning streak isn't going to slow down anytime soon. Miami had another dramatic, come from behind victory in the streak last night in Boston. In spite of Jeff Green's 43 points, the Heat beat the Celtics 105-103. Although it's easy to forget about the NBA in the midst of March Madness, the game drew a healthy rating for ESPN – a 3.1 overnight, which is tied for the third highest in ESPN's NBA history.
Last night's #heat win over #celtics pulls 3.1 overnight rtg (3rd highest ever espn reg season). Locally, 5.3 in mia, 4.0 in boston
— Josh Krulewitz (@jksports) March 19, 2013
The 3.1 overnight falls just behind a Lakers-Rockets game from 2003, which was the first meeting between Yao and Shaq and drew a 3.8 rating. And a 2011 Knicks-Heat game, which drew a 3.2. The 3.1 rating also tied a Pacers-Pistons matchup from 2004.
To be honest, I thought the number might be higher considering Miami-Boston also owns the highest cable rating for any NBA game with last year's Game 7 a 9.1 overnight.
I realize the average sports fan may be growing weary of all the Miami Heat talk, but with last night's win in Boston the record of 33 straight victories is now legitimately in sight. The talk and hype might be a bit much, but if the streak reaches 28, 29, or 30 games, the league and its television partners would be wise to make every Heat game available on national television. If so, more viewership records should fall.
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