Lakers take Game 1, ABC takes ratings

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Walt Disney Co.’s ABC had an easy layup with its coverage of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The game, which the Lakers took with relative ease, drew 14.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

That is the biggest audience for an opening game since the 2004 finals, featuring the Lakers and Detroit Pistons. Game 1 of that series had an audience of 15.35 million people.

Want more hoops ratings? Last year’s Game 1, between the Lakers and Orlando Magic, averaged 13.0 million. And if you’re just obsessed with this stuff, the 2008 Game 1, between the Lakers and Celtics, averaged 13.4 million viewers.

-- Joe Flint