TNT's coverage of the 2009 NBA Playoffs is off to a strong start, netting the best first round ratings in cable television history.  Compared to last year's record breaking first round coverage, the network earned an 11% increase in households (2,597,000 vs. 2,339,000) and 14% increase in total viewers (3,379,000 vs. 2,956,000).  Overall, TNT delivered a 2.3 US rating for 24 games, up 10% over last year (22 games).  In addition, TNT’s coverage of the Game #7 showdown between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics on Saturday, May 2 was the most watched Round One game in cable television history in households (5,017,000) and total viewers (6,987,000), supplanting the network’s previous record for Game #6 of the series.  TNT earned a 4.4 US HH rating for the game in which the Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-99 to advance to the Conference Semi-Finals against the Orlando Magic.

Additional highlights of TNT’s Round One NBA Playoffs coverage include:

• Through Saturday, May 2, Game #7 of the Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics was the most watched Round One game on broadcast or cable since the 2004 L.A. Lakers @ Houston Rockets Game #4 on ABC.
• Game #7 of the Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics was the #1 cable program to date in 2009 for adults 25-54 and men 25-54.

TNT continues its Round Two coverage of the NBA Playoffs with an exclusive doubleheader tonight, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET with Game #1 of the Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers followed by Game #2 of the Dallas Mavericks @ Denver Nuggets. Tomorrow, May 6, the network will air exclusive coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET with Game #2 of the Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics followed by Game #2 of the Houston Rockets @ L.A. Lakers.

Source: Turner Sports

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