June 08--It's not Lakers-Celtics but the NBA Finals series between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers is churning out plenty of television ratings gold.
According to Nielsen, the Finals on ABC are drawing the highest-ever TV ratings for the contest through two games. Each of the games scored a 12.9 overnight rating.
The rating from the Game 2 broadcast Sunday made it the highest-rated NBA Finals game ever on ABC. It also marked a 26% increase over ratings from last year's Game 2 between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. In addition, the game achieved a ratings peak of 16.9 between 8 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. PDT.
Game 2 also set records in each team's local market -- 42.1 in Cleveland and a 31.7 in San Francisco.
The series has so far lived up to its made-for-TV reputation, with each game going into overtime. The Cavaliers tied the series, 1-1, with a 95-93 victory Sunday.
Game 3 is scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT Tuesday on ABC.
