The hot streak the NBA had been on during the playoffs appears to be over. Two games in and the NBA Finals are failing to keep pace with the ratings growth we saw in earlier rounds.
Just like with Game 1, the ratings for Game 2 topped the last two seasons when the Finals were not played on their regular schedule. Outside of those games though, it was the lowest-rated NBA Finals Game 2 since 2007.
Game 2 started at 8 pm on Sunday. That is an hour earlier than Game 1 on Thursday. It raised viewership from Game 1, but did not put the Finals on pace with earlier success in the playoffs.
The telecast averaged a 6.4 rating and 11.91 million viewers.
Before the NBA Finals began, there was a lot of optimism. The national appeal and major market home fanbases for both the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics had both the league and ABC executives foaming at the mouth.
Unfortunately, the games have largely failed to deliver. Game 2 was an absolute blowout. While Game 2 had its moments, it was a game of runs and big leads. That makes it easy for casual fans to give up early.
Game 3 will see another later tip. The two teams face off in Boston on Wednesday with the series tied at one game a piece.
