NBA series that will never end (it seems) sets ratings record for TNT

Like the Energizer bunny, the Boston Celtics-Chicago Bulls first-round playoff series just seems to go and go and go. … Four of the games have gone into overtime for a total of seven overtime periods.

Not surprisingly, the Bulls’ 128-127 triple-overtime victory Thusday night on TNT set a cable record as the most watched round one game ever with a 3.5 rating and 5.3 million viewers. The Bulls evened the series at 3-3 with Game 7 at 7 p.m. Sunday on TNT.

TNT game analyst Doug Collins on the multiple overtimes: “This game is on the heels of a series that has been amazing. What these guys have thrown out on the floor throughout the entire series. It looks like they are dead in the water and you find a way to get a couple of baskets. Then it looks like you’ve taken control and the other team comes back.”

TNT analyst Charles Barkley on why he thinks Bulls-Celtics series is not the greatest series ever: “It’s been a really good series to watch. You have seen some great individual performances. The first round of the playoffs can’t be the best series ever.”

NBC analyst Bob Neumeier is picking Dunkirk to win the Kentucky Derby: “I like Dunkirk because he ran an incredible second in the Florida Derby to the horse that I thought was the best horse in the country, and that is Quality Road, who has been scratched for the Derby.  For that reason and the fact that Pioneerof the Nile has never run on conventional dirt, makes me give the nod to Dunkirk. I don’t care about historical precedents about him not running as a two-year old. I think he’s the best horse in the race.”

Bob Costas will interview Sports Illustrated writer live in-studio at 6 p.m. Sunday on MLB Network. Roberts will discuss her new book, “A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez.”

 

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