The battle of the NBA's top two teams went to Atlanta, and the ratings records to SportSouth.
The regional sports network that is home to the club, which topped Golden State 124-116, averaged a 6.8 household rating in the Atlanta DMA on Feb, 6, according to Nielsen data. That made it the highest-rated Hawks' telecast ever -- regular- or postseason on the service.
Previously, the highest-rated Hawks telecast was the 4.8 mark that came on May 1, 2014 during the first round of 2014 Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. The top regular-season telecast, a 4.7 rating, was logged last week when the New Orleans Pelicans ended Atlanta's franchise-best 19-game winning skein.
Through 48 games, Hawks television ratings in the Atlanta DMA are up 82% YTD (2.0 vs. 1.1) on SportSouth.
“Coming off of a 19-game winning streak, seven straight sellouts at Philips Arena and ratings on SportSouth that have never been seen before, this Hawks team is proving that it is a championship contender,” said Jeff Genthner, senior vice president and general manager, FOX Sports South. “The city of Atlanta is showing that it truly is a basketball town, and Hawks fans should be excited to witness more great moments in the second half of the season.”
The Atlanta Hawks return to SportSouth tonight, Monday, Feb. 9 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Full coverage of the game begins at 7:30 p.m. ET with Hawks LIVE!.
