Despite the Orlando Magic not being in the NBA Playoffs, Orlando residents are still interested in watching the NBA Playoffs. The most-watched sports telecast for the week in Orlando was ABC’s Sunday afternoon showing of Game Four between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The Golden State-Houston NBA playoff game, won by Golden State, was watched by an average of 119,254 viewers according to Nielsen. Orlando has been very interested in the Warriors-Rockets series as Game Three of the series on Thursday night on TNT was the most-watched sporting event in Orlando on Thursday and was the most-watched sporting event in Orlando by audiences in the 18-49 local demographic.
There could be a number of reasons why Orlando residents are interested in this series.
The Warriors themselves have to be at the top of the list. Golden State has created a ratings bonanza as the team went on to win a NBA-record 73 games. There has not been a buzz about a single team like this since Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Even with Stephen Curry out with a sprained ankle, they have become a a draw as one of the truly dominant teams.
Something else though appears at play whenever the Rockets play too.
Orlando still seems interested in Dwight Howard. Howard, who left the Magic following 2012 season, is still a TV draw in Orlando.
The Magic’s most-watched telecast locally this past season was on Dec. 23 at home against . . . Dwight Howard and the Rockets.
https://youtu.be/FpokrDIwxFs
Fans in Orlando may not like Dwight Howard for how he left the Magic, but they still will watch him play. Even if it is just for schadenfreude.
The Playoffs overall have done well in Orlando despite the Magic’s absence.
Game Four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons on TNT on Sunday night was the second most-watched sporting event of the day, beating Orlando City. Orlando City’s game against the New York Red Bulls aired on FS1 at the same time.
The Cavs-Pistons game was the No. 3 overall TV program in primetime in the local 18-49 demographic behind only AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead and HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Game Four between the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics that aired on TNT before the Cavs-Pistons game was the number three most-watched TV program in 18-49 demographic in primetime slot.
