The 2012 NBA Finals weren't just a resounding success for the Miami Heat in particular. The series featuring the Heat against the Oklahoma City Thunder proved to be a major boom for the NBA in general and ABC as the network for it all. The ratings are officially in for ABC for the series and the only downside was that it ended in five games.
ABC NBA Finals: 5-game overnite avg was 11.8, highest five-game avg since '04. Game 5 did a 12.6 & record 40.3 in Miami. 39.8 in OKC
— Josh Krulewitz (@jksports) June 22, 2012
It helps to have an iconic star like LeBron James on his quest for his first ring, but it also shows that fans wanted to tune in to watch stars from the heartland as well. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook took the stage and proved they have charisma enough for people to watch the match-up. That should bode well for the future of both teams and their media opportunities for television exposure.
For more on the 2012 NBA Finals, check out SB Nation's NBA page. For Thunder news, go toWelcome To Loud City, and for Miami Heat coverage, check out Peninsula Is Mightier.