suns vs spurs draw highest playoff ratings so far

[ducks]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/sp...in&oref=slogin

Not surprisingly, the longer series and the more compe ive games in the Western Conference resulted in higher television ratings than the games in the East in the first round, according to Nielsen Media Research data compiled by the N.B.A. and its broadcast partners.

The ratings in Game 1 between the Nets and Toronto were the lowest of any playoff series carried on ESPN (1.3), although Nielsen does not include Canadian households. Game 1 of the Detroit-Orlando series was the second lowest (1.6), according to an ESPN spokesman, Dave Nagel.

When the Suns’ Steve Nash could not stop the bleeding on his nose Sunday after colliding with the Spurs’ Tony Parker, San Antonio won the opening game of the Western Conference semifinals. ABC said it drew a 3.5 rating, the highest of its playoff broadcasts.
Ratings on ESPN are down 14 percent from last year’s scintillating playoffs (when there was only one series sweep), but TNT ratings are equal to last year’s, in part, because of the Golden State-Dallas series.

The Pistons are used to hearing about low ratings, even as they have marched to the conference finals the past four years. “We’re trying to be efficient, we’re trying not to play more games than we have to,” said Joe Dumars, the Pistons’ president. “Whether this game has mass appeal — that’s not even on the radar. All you’re concerned about is winning.”

Still, Dumars said that he stayed

[LilMissSPURfect]

tv ratings shouldn't even b basketball news........ (only for the whiners looking for excuses)

[ambchang]

Proof that the refs are helping out the Spurs to get TV ratings. The league wants close games for higher TV ratings, and if they turn into blowouts, such as 20 point blowouts by the Suns if refs call the game fairly, nobody would be watching.
Spurs suck, you bunch of dirty, flopping s bags, you are flukes!
THey league has already gotten all the fans they can get in large metropolitan areas, so they are benefiting the small market teams and draw a rural fan base. It's true I tell you, these are all FACTS because nothing would make sense otherwise.

[fraga]

Makes sense...this is basically the Finals preview...who ever wins this will most likely win it all...