TNT: NBA Western Conference Finals Game 6 Coverage A Ratings Slam Dunk
Whether you were a relieved Golden State Warriors fan or an increasingly worried supporter of the Oklahoma City Thunder who may or may not be nursing a serious depression hangover after game six of the NBA Western Conference finals, you definitely weren’t alone. According to TNT, its exclusive coverage of last night’s game was the network’s most-watched NBA Western Conference game six of all time.
The Warriors/Thunder match up averaged 10.8 million total viewers and a 6.2 U.S. HH rating, with a peak average from 11:30-11:45 PM Eastern of 14.6 million viewers and 8.3 U.S. HH rating, making it the top rated television program across all of television for the night. The game was also the most-viewed and highest-rated NBA Playoff bout for any network this year, and was both the highest-rated and second most-viewed NBA broadcast of the season over all of tv.
Reflecting the rivalry between the Western Conference’s two best teams as well as strong interest in a possible NBA finals rematch between the Warriors and LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, the Thunder/Warriors telecast saw a total viewership increase of 33% and a 27% higher U.S. HH rating compared with 2014, when TNT last aired the Western Conference finals. The coverage of Game 6 also generated double-digit audience growth across all key demos.
The game also had a long tail, with TNT’s Inside the NBA that aired immediately after nabbing a 4.1 HH Rating, making it the night’s second most-watched program and a season best for the show. Further,
Turner’s TV Everywhere platforms netted all-time records with 817,000 uniques, 1.6 million video starts and 18 million minutes of video consumption.
In total, the Western Conference Finals are a ratings bonanza for TNT. This year’s event has averaged nine million viewers and a 5.4 U.S. HH rating, an increase of 33% and 29% respectively over 2014.
The final game of the 2016 Western Conference Finals happens Monday, May 30 at 9 PM Eastern. TNT’s coverage will start with NBA Tip-Off at 8 p.m., hosted by Ernie Johnson and featuring analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.
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