Via the Associated Press:

The Boston Celtics' series-clinching victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is the second-most watched basketball game ever aired on ESPN.

Because I am not much for the "rating" system, and what it even means, I tend to simply look at the millions of viewers. For this game there were nearly 9 million viewers. The only game to beat it out (on Espn for basketball ever) was Game 4 between the Lakers and Nuggets last year which raked in nearly 9.8 million viewers.

The C's aren't new to the spotlight, and have had great ratings in other big games as well. As you may remember the Celtics were in an epic series with the Bulls last year. Game 7 of that series was viewed by just about 7 million people, making it the highest rated first round NBA Playoff game ever to be on cable.

How does this compare to other events?

2007-2008 NBA Finals (Celtics vs. Lakers): Average viewership was 14.9 million per game

2008-2009 NBA Finals Game 5 between the Lakers and Magic: 10.9 million

2009 NCAA Final Four- Averaged 13.9 million per game

Yankees vs. Phillies Game 4- 22.8 million