The Conference Finals may both be on their way to potential sweeps, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some memorable games in this round of the playoffs. Sunday night’s Game 3 of Cavs-Hawks had it all: overtime, controversy, ejections, an all-time great performance from LeBron James (after starting 0-10 from the field), and both teams leaving everything on the floor.
The Cavs’ victory to go up 3-0 produced some solid numbers for TNT, and monster ratings in Cleveland. The 32.0 rating is a record number for the network for a Cavs game. Nationally, Game 3 won the day in ratings, with Inside the NBA close behind.
ECF Game 3 on TNT b/t @Cavs @ATLHawks generates 5.5 overnight rating; highest rated program of day across all of TV (cable & broadcast)
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) May 25, 2015
TNT's Inside the NBA garners 3.5 overnight rating to rank as 2nd highest rated sports program across all of cable TV
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) May 25, 2015
.@Cavs @ATLHawks Gm 3 earned a 32.0 in Cleveland, TNT's highest rating on record for a Cavs game in the market & 10.1 in Atlanta
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) May 25, 2015
Impressive numbers. Unfortunately, TNT probably won’t get the benefit of a lengthy series, nor will ESPN for the Conference Finals. However, ESPN and the NBA are probably licking their chops at the prospects of Warriors-Cavs, which should deliver some big numbers when the Finals finally arrive.