Rockets-Thunder draws best prime-time Christmas rating in 14 years
Fans couldn't wait to sit down post-Christmas dinner to watch the latest installment of "The Brodie and the Beard."
The Oklahoma City Thunder's victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday recorded a 4.1 metered market rating, making it the highest-rated prime-time Christmas Day game since 2003, according to ESPN.
The Rockets were also involved in the runner-up, when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-87 on Dec. 25, 2003.
| Year | Game | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | T-Wolves vs. Thunder | 0.8 |
| 2015 | Spurs vs. Rockets | 2.0 |
| 2014 | Lakers vs. Bulls | 2.1 |
| 2013 | Rockets vs. Spurs | 2.0 |
| 2012 | Rockets vs. Bulls | 1.4 |
| 2011 | Magic vs. Thunder | 1.6 |
| 2010 | Nuggets vs. Thunder | 1.2 |
| 2009 | Clippers vs. Suns | 0.9 |
| 2008 | Wizards vs. Cavaliers | 1.2 |
| 2007 | Sonics vs. Blazers | 1.0 |
| 2006 | No prime-time games | |
| 2005 | No prime-time games | |
| 2004 | No prime-time games | |
| 2003 | Rockets vs. Lakers | 4.1 |
(Courtesy: Sports Media Watch)
Oklahoma City-Houston wasn't Monday's highest-rated tilt, however. That distinction belongs to the Golden State Warriors' controversial Finals rematch win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which delivered a 5.5 metered market rating.
The NBA's entire Christmas Day schedule saw a jump from 2016. Coverage of all four games averaged a 3.9 rating - a 39 percent improvement from last season.