Game 7 2nd-best preliminary rating for NBA on ABC

Game 7 draws 2nd-best preliminary TV rating for NBA Finals on ABC

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Heat's Game 7 win over the San Antonio Spurs drew the second-highest preliminary television rating for the NBA Finals on ABC since the network took over the series in 2003.

Miami's 95-88 victory Thursday night earned a 17.7 overnight rating. Game 7 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in 2010 had an 18.2 overnight.

The series averaged a 12.4 overnight, up 5 percent from last year's Heat-Thunder finals, which went only five games.

Ratings represent the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned to a program. Overnight ratings measure the country's largest markets.

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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.