Game 4 of the NBA finals averaged a 14.4 overnight rating. That is 66% higher than the 8.7 overnight rating for game 4 of last year's Finals between Nets/Spurs and 20%higher than game 4 between Lakers/Nets in 2002.
The reason for the high rating is Detroit being up 2-1 in series for game 4. Officials guaranteed that by putting Detroit to the line 3 times as much as the Lakers. Not fair but NBA is a business. Lakers up 2-1 to Pistons would get at least 20% less ratings. Stern now has some ammo to negoitiate new TV contracts/advertising.
Tonight there should not be real disparity in free throw shooting. Maybe the officials will make the Pistons beat the Lakers once without their help.
Pistons have scored 41 more pts than the Lakers on the free throw line!
Pistons scored 91pts off free throw line!!!
Lakers scored 50pts off free throw line!!!!
Refs 3
Lakers 1
The reason for the high rating is Detroit being up 2-1 in series for game 4. Officials guaranteed that by putting Detroit to the line 3 times as much as the Lakers. Not fair but NBA is a business. Lakers up 2-1 to Pistons would get at least 20% less ratings. Stern now has some ammo to negoitiate new TV contracts/advertising.
Tonight there should not be real disparity in free throw shooting. Maybe the officials will make the Pistons beat the Lakers once without their help.
Pistons have scored 41 more pts than the Lakers on the free throw line!
Pistons scored 91pts off free throw line!!!
Lakers scored 50pts off free throw line!!!!
Refs 3
Lakers 1