Mavericks on Late Show with Letterman Wednesday

The celebration continues for the Dallas Mavericks...

THE 2011 NBA CHAMPION DALLAS MAVERICKS TO PRESENT THE TOP TEN LIST ON CBS’S “LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN,” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

NEW YORK, June 14 – Members of the Dallas Mavericks, the 2011 NBA Champions, will present the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Wednesday, June 15 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Eight players from the team, including MVP Dirk Nowitzki, plus head coach Rick Carlisle and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, will present the Top Ten List via satellite from the American Airlines Center in Dallas. This will be the team’s first talk show appearance since their victory. The Mavericks clinched their first NBA Championship Sunday, June 12, beating the Miami Heat 105-95 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Also visiting the LATE SHOW Wednesday, June 15 are actor Jim Carrey, who stars in the new film “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”; Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”; and musician Todd Rundgren, who will sit in with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Matt Roberts, Jude Brennan, Maria Pope, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.

More NBA Finals Ratings

From ESPN/ABC -

2011 NBA Finals on ABC: Second Most-Viewed Since 2004

Highest-Rated & Most-Viewed NBA Finals Game 6 Ever on ABC

The 2011 NBA Finals on ABC – with the Dallas Mavericks defeating the Miami Heat for the franchise’s first NBA championship – averaged 17,280,000 viewers, 11,725,000 household impressions and a 10.1 rating for six broadcasts to become the second most-viewed Finals since 2004, based on fast national data provided by Nielsen.

Based on fast nationals, last night’s decisive Game 6 delivered an average of 23,511,000 viewers, 15,190,000 households and a 13.1 rating to become the most-viewed Game 6 ever on ABC, and the most-viewed in 13 years. It is the 25th consecutive time The Finals have generated the highest-rated program of the night and also led ABC to win the night. The broadcast peaked with a 20.9 rating from 10:30-10:45 p.m. EST.

This year’s six-game series is up 33 percent in viewership (vs. 12,972,000), 27 percent in households (vs. 9,332,000) and 20 percent in rating (vs. 8.5) compared to the 2006 Finals, when these same two teams met in a six-game series.

While down slightly versus last year’s seven-game series between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers (10.6 rating; 12,152,000 households; 18,144,000 viewers), the 2011 Finals is up five percent in viewership (vs. 16,433,000 viewers and 11,167,000 households), and four percent in rating (vs. 9.7) over the first six games of the Celtics/Lakers series. The NBA Finals in 2004 between the Lakers/Pistons, a five-game series, averaged 17,942,000 viewers, 12,451,000 households and an 11.5 rating.

Neil Patrick Harris - Genius!

This is what I was watching instead of the start to the NBA Finals Sunday night. Pure genius by NPH! Yes, the Tony Awards over Lebrontourage!



Thanks to CBS for the video!

LeBron James disgraces himself yet again

We get this rant from Lebrontourage after last night's NBA Finals loss to the Dallas Mavs:

"All the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. I'm going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that. So they can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they got to get back to the real world at some point."

The Decision is In: Mavs win NBA Title - Lebrontourage defeated!

Couldn't have happened to a better team - Lebrontourage is defeated tonight as the Mavericks take the NBA Finals and the NBA Championship with a 105-95 victory and a 4-2 series win!

Lovin' it!

The Mavs even overcame the obvious NBA slant to have Dirk Nowitzski and Tyson Chandler each with early foul trouble and the Heat getting to the line 33 times as opposed to just 18 for the Mavs.

Jason Terry scores 27 off the bench and now that tattoo can be proudly displayed!

Lebron James just 21 and Dwyane Wade with 17 for Miami. 11 turnovers combined for the duo as well.

ABC wins night with Heat/Mavs Game 5

From ESPN/ABC -

NBA Finals Game 5 on ABC Wins the Night with 12.6 Overnight Rating

24th Consecutive Time Finals Generate Highest-Rated Program of the Night

The NBA Finals Game 5 on ABC – in which Dallas held off Miami’s fourth quarter rally to win 112-103 – delivered a 12.6 overnight rating. Game 5 was the highest-rated program of the night in prime time (according to Nielsen), propelling ABC to win the night among households. It is the 24th consecutive time The Finals have generated the highest-rated program of the night. The 12.6 overnight rating was the second highest-rated Game 5 in the last seven years. Based on overnight ratings, the broadcast peaked with a 16.3 rating from 11:30-11:45 p.m. ET.

Last night’s Game 5 was up 25 percent compared to a 10.1 rating for Game 5 in 2006, when these same two teams met in The Finals. In the last seven years, the game only trailed last year’s 12.8 overnight rating for Game 5 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

In Miami, the game registered a 32.7 metered market rating, up 16 percent over Game 5 in 2006 (28.3 metered market rating). The game netted a 31.9 metered market rating in Dallas.

ABC’s Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show generated a 4.1 overnight rating, up 32 percent over a 3.1 rating for the comparable show last year.

The Finals on ABC continue with the Heat facing elimination at home against the Mavs in Game 6 Sunday, June 12, at 8 p.m. ET. Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson and reporter Doris Burke. The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Bruce Bowen for Game 6). Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

ABC loving Heat/Mavs NBA Finals

From ABC/ESPN -

ABC Delivers Most-Watched NBA Finals Since 2004 Through Four Games

The NBA Finals on ABC are averaging 15,536,000 viewers through four games, the most-watched NBA Finals in seven years, according to Nielsen. Additionally, the four-game viewership average is up 30% over the 2006 Finals average of 11,934,000 (when Dallas and Miami previously met) and up slightly from last year’s Lakers/Celtics (15,521,000).

The Game 4 audience -- a 9.6 rating and 16,126,000 viewers - marked the 23rd consecutive time that an NBA Finals game was the highest-rated program of the night. It was the second most-viewed Game 4 in the last seven years, trailing only last year’s viewer total (16,371,000) by 1%.

The Finals on ABC continue with Game 5 Thursday, June 9, at 9 p.m. ET. Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Bruce Bowen). Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

Heat/Mavs good for TV Ratings

From ESPN/ABC -

NBA Finals on ABC Most Viewed Since 2004 Averaging 15.3 Million Viewers Through Three Games

Based on fast nationals, the 2011 NBA Finals on ABC – with the Miami Heat leading the Dallas Mavericks 2-1 in the best-of-seven series – are averaging 15,311,000 viewers, 10,543,000 household impressions and a 9.1 rating, according to Nielsen.  This year’s Finals have been the most-viewed since 2004 (Los Angeles Lakers/Detroit Pistons – 15,916,000 viewers; 11,228,000 households; 10.4 rating). All three games from the 2011 Finals on ABC have delivered the highest-rated programs of the night.

Compared to 2006, when these same two teams met in The Finals, the series is up 27 percent among viewers, up 21 percent among households and 15 percent in rating. Compared to 2010, this year’s Finals are up one percent in households (10,479,000), up slightly in viewership (15,252,000) and are even in rating (9.1).

The Finals on ABC continue with Game 4 Tuesday, June 7, at 9 p.m. ET.  Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke.  The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Tim Legler for Game 4).  Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

Heat/Mavs takes Sunday Night TV

From ESPN -

NBA Finals Game 3 on ABC Wins the Night with 11.1 Overnight Rating

22^nd Consecutive Time Finals Generate Highest-Rated Program of the Night

The NBA Finals Game 3 on ABC – in which Miami held on to defeat Dallas 88-86 – delivered an 11.1 overnight rating and was the highest-rated program of the night in prime time, leading ABC to win the night (according to Nielsen).  It is the 22^nd consecutive time The Finals have generated the highest-rated program of the night.  The 11.1 overnight rating was the second highest-rated Game 3 in the last seven years.

Last night’s Game 3 was up 23 percent compared to a 9.0 rating for Game 3 in 2006, when these same two teams met in The Finals. In the last seven years, the game only trailed last year’s 11.5 overnight rating for Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

In Miami, the game registered a 32.3 metered market rating, up 33 percent over Game 3 in 2006 (24.3 metered market rating). It is the third highest-rated NBA game in Miami (records through 2003).  The game generated a 26.7 metered market rating in Dallas, an increase over the 25.6 rating for Game 2.

The Finals on ABC continue with Game 4 Tuesday, June 7, at 9 p.m. ET.  Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke.  The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Tim Legler for Game 4).  Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

NBA Finals Game 2 Ratings

From ESPN -

NBA Finals Game 2 Propels ABC to Win the Night with 10.5 Overnight Rating

21st Consecutive Time Finals Generate Highest-Rated Program of the Night

The NBA Finals Game 2 on ABC – in which Dallas pulled off a thrilling fourth quarter rally to defeat Miami 95-93 – delivered a 10.5 overnight rating and was the highest-rated program of the night in prime time, leading ABC to win the night (according to Nielsen). It is the 21st consecutive time The Finals have generated the highest-rated program of the night. The 10.5 overnight rating was the second highest-rated Game 2 in the last seven years.

Last night’s Game 2 was up 15 percent compared to a 9.1 rating for Game 2 in 2006, when these same two teams met in The Finals. In the last seven years, the game only trailed last year’s 10.9 overnight rating for Game 2 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

In Miami, the game registered a 35.1 metered market rating, the highest-rated NBA game ever locally (records through 2003). The game generated a 25.6 metered market rating in Dallas.

ABC’s Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show posted a 3.5 overnight rating, up 25 percent over the comparable 2.8 rating last year.

The Finals on ABC continue with Game 3 Sunday, June 5, at 8 p.m. ET. Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Tim Legler for Game 3). Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

McHale and Webber talk NBA Finals

From NBA TV -

Notes from the NBA TV NBA Finals Conference Call - Wednesday, June 1

NBA TV’s coverage of The Finals 2011 continues on Thursday, June 2 as the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks square off for Game 2 from Miami. Tune in for pre- and postgame coverage, press conferences, player and coach interviews and everything NBA on NBA TV.

Participants:
Kevin McHale, NBA TV studio analyst
Chris Webber, NBA TV studio analyst
Albert “Scooter” Vertino, Turner Sports V.P. of Content, NBA Digital

McHale on the outcome of Game 1 between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat: “[Game 1] was a heck of a game. Defense reigned. After the first five or six minutes of the first quarter, I thought the score might be 48-47. At the end of the game, no one could score. Both teams are really good defensively. [Miami’s] backside defense is just tremendous. They are really active on the defensive end. Getting to an eight man rotation has really helped them. They are a really good unit defensively right now. From Dallas’ standpoint, I don’t think they can be too upset about the defense and about some of the shots that Miami made. Miami made 11 threes and that’s unusual for them. I think if you’re [Mavericks head coach] Rick Carlisle, you kind of hang your hat on [the fact that] they made some threes and made some tougher shots, but we were right there with 5-6 minutes to go in the game.”

Webber on Game 1 of the Finals: “You could tell there were some first-game jitters from all of the misses, but there was some great defense. You could tell that they were maybe a little bit over-energetic. It amazes me how great of a defender LeBron [James] is. I was really impressed with the rotations with Dirk [Nowitzki], who you can’t stop no matter what you do, but at least as a team they rotated to him faster than any of the other teams. If I’m Miami, I feel good because I saw already that [Dallas] went to zone defense and I know that you can’t defend us one-on-one. I’m sure in practice today they worked on the zone because they didn’t attack the zone very well. [Dallas] needs to really control the pace.

Webber on the impact of Mavericks’ center Tyson Chandler: “Every time [Tyson Chandler] attacks the rim, he gets back and puts his fist up and puts [the Mavericks] in defensive position. That just shows how he has changed the whole mentality of that team.”

Webber on the importance of each team’s bench in the series: “I think the importance of the bench rings more true for Dirk [Nowitzki] and the Mavericks. Miami has the luxury of having the ‘Big Three.’ In most cases, whichever team’s bench plays well will play well, but would you be surprised if the ‘Big Three’ score 95 points? I wouldn’t. So, in Miami’s case, I don’t know if that theory rings true.”

McHale on the affect each team’s bench has on the outcome of the series: “You are looking at the “Big Three’ getting between 60 and 75 points so I don’t know how many their bench is going to be able to punch in. The Miami bench being able to outscore the Dallas bench was amazing to me. If Miami’s bench outscores Dallas’ bench the next three games, the series will be over. That’s not going to happen. Dallas’ bench has outscored the opponent’s bench every time this year except eight times. [Dallas] relies on their bench a lot more than Miami. I think you will see their bench come to life. It comes down to what the “Big Three” can do for Miami because if they’re going to go out there and drop 70-plus points, their bench doesn’t have to pitch in much. I do believe Dallas’ bench will outplay Miami’s bench throughout the series.”

McHale on the key to success for Dallas: “They have to control the boards way better. I thought Dallas gave up a lot of offensive rebounds to the Miami Heat. I think Dallas is a team that has to play a possession game. They have to get up and down and they can’t turn it over. If Dallas can maintain a low-turnover game and really clean up their defense, that’s going to give them a much better opportunity.”

Webber on the key to success for Dallas: “Dirk [Nowitzki] may not get enough shots. The more possessions the [Mavericks] have, the better. Dallas can not afford to not rebound and to turn it over because possessions are everything.”

Webber on what Dallas has to do to win the series: “The one thing Dallas can do is to keep the game going at a fast pace. It’s a luxury playing on the West Coast all year long and being able to go into the playoffs, which are usually slow, and you still being encouraged to play your style of play. Their best chance, besides being fundamental, playing together, and doing all the right things, is to speed it up so that it allows their chemistry to shine.”

McHale on how the Mavericks need to put more pressure on the Heat’s defense: “The pace has to be picked up by Dallas. They have to be able to get the ball up and down the floor. They’ve got to be able to shoot their pump-fakes and get the Miami defenders running out and then put the ball on the floor and drive. They have to put pressure on the Miami defense off the dribble.”

Webber on NBA players using shooting coaches: “There are a lot of different theories on this but at the end of the day; it’s what makes you comfortable. I’ve seen guys who couldn’t play basketball who somehow had a great shot practice with high school coaches. I’ve seen guys who have never had a shooting coach in their life have a shot that was pure. In my fifth year in the league, I was shooting 50% and started working with a shooting coach I learned how to practice the same [way] every time. When I watched film, it wasn’t from a frustration point or from a celebratory point, it was watching to see if I was getting fatigued or if I had the same bend in my leg [when I took a shot]. For a guy who didn’t have a jump shot, I think it really helped.”

Webber’s prediction on the NBA Finals: “I’ve got Miami winning in six games. I don’t think they will lose [Game 2], it’s the biggest game for them. I think [head coach Erik] Spoelstra has done a great job and he deserves all the credit. What they’ve done this year is amazing because only those [players] believed.”

McHale’s prediction on the NBA Finals: “My heart says Dallas because [head coach] Rick Carlisle and I are old teammates. I went to their training camp and I know those guys. But my eyes tell me Miami. If Dallas can get the pace up, if Dallas can rebound defensively and if they can start attacking the Miami defenders off the dribble, they’ll have a heck of a chance. My eyes tell me that Miami’s defense is really good and I’d have to predict the Heat in six [games].”

Mavs/Heat does well for ABC

From ESPN/ABC -

NBA Finals Game 1 on ABC Delivers Highest Overnight Rating Since 2004

The NBA Finals Game 1 on ABC – in which Miami defeated Dallas 92-84 – generated a 10.7 overnight rating, the highest for a Game 1 of The Finals since 2004 (Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers, 11.5 overnight rating), according to Nielsen.

The 10.7 overnight rating is up 15 percent compared to Game 1 of the 2006 NBA Finals (9.3 overnight rating), when these same two teams played. Additionally, last night’s overnight rating is up three percent compared to a 10.4 overnight rating for last year’s Game 1 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

In Miami, the top-rated metered market, the game delivered a 31.9 rating, an increase of 28 percent compared to a 24.9 rating locally for Game 1 in 2006. Dallas, ranked second among the metered markets, netted a 29.9 rating, the highest-rated game locally since the 2006 Finals.

The Finals on ABC continue with Game 2 tomorrow, Thursday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET. Mike Breen calls The Finals on ABC with analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. The Finals are also available on ESPN Radio (Mike Tirico and Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown) and ESPN 3D (Mark Jones and Bruce Bowen for Game 2). Coverage will begin with the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Stuart Scott with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon.

NBA Finals Start Tonight

From NBA Digital -

NBA Digital to Provide Unrivaled Coverage of  

The Finals 2011 on NBA TV, NBA.com, and NBA Mobile

Kevin McHale, Chris Webber, Charles Barkley Kenny Smith, and Rick Kamla will be Onsite Leading NBA TV’s Comprehensive Coverage Featuring 40 Hours of Live Programming

NBA.com to offer “Mini-Movies presented by Kia,” an All-Access look at The Finals 

NBA Digital will deliver extensive content of The Finals 2011 across its portfolio of television, broadband and mobile platforms, featuring more than 40 hours of live coverage on NBA TV, the launch of NBA GameTime on Microsoft Windows Phone, and five-minute “Mini-Movies presented by Kia,” offering a comprehensive and all-access look after each game on NBA.com.

Host Rick Kamla will anchor NBA TV’s 12th season covering The Finals.  He will be onsite with TNT’s studio analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith for pre- and postgame coverage of Games 1 and 2.  Kevin McHale and Chris Webber will join him for pre- and postgame coverage of Games 3, 4, 5*, 6* and 7* (*if necessary).  Kamla and analysts Steve Smith, Brent Barry and Dennis Scott will handle press conferences and off-day news coverage onsite, while host Marc Fein will hold court from the network’s Atlanta studio.  TNT’s David Aldridge will be reporting throughout the series. In addition, NBA TV, now in more than 55 million homes, will provide original programming including Sounds of The Finals.

NBA Game Time, the league’s signature digital application, will now be available on Windows Phone during The Finals.  The free customized NBA application, available for download through the Windows Phone Marketplace, will provide fans with access to live scores, complete player statistics, standings, and video highlights from every game. 

Along with Windows Phone, NBA Game Time is available on Apple TV, Google TV, LG NetCast™, Panasonic VIERA Connect™, Roku, Samsung Apps, and VIZIO Internet Apps™ (VIA), making it one of the most far-reaching sports applications.

    

 “From one of the most talked about offseasons  in NBA history straight through the Playoffs, this season has captured the fans’ attention on television, online and on mobile," said Albert “Scooter” Vertino, vice president of content, NBA Digital.  "NBA Digital prides itself on being the home for all things NBA and we plan to step up our game even more in The Finals with constant updates, breaking news and analysis on NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA Mobile, and our social outlets."

From pregame to postgame, NBA TV and NBA.com’s coverage of The Finals also will include:

NBA TV

·         AutoTrader.com Pregame Show: Live at the Finals: The network’s 60-minute pregame show will air live onsite throughout The Finals. The show will feature highlights, analysis, player interviews and live press conferences.

·         NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai: Finals Edition: After each game, NBA TV will air its postgame show featuring game recaps, look-aheads and analysis.

·         Playoff Playbacks: The network will produce Playoff Playbacks, which will be one- and two-hour versions of every playoff game for re-air on NBA TV.

·         Sounds of The Finals: The original series will follow the storylines throughout The Finals. Airing Thursday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m. (ET) and Saturday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. (ET)*, the two 30-minute NBA Entertainment-produced shows will provide exclusive coverage of the games plus access on and off the court, delivering all the big shots, clutch performances and memorable moments from The Finals.  (*tentatively)

·         Off-Day Coverage: On non-game days, NBA TV will continue its comprehensive look into The Finals with coverage of team practices, press conferences, and Finals playbacks.

 NBA.com

·         Mini-Movies presented by KIA: NBA.com will provide a five-minute, all-access look at The Finals through the lenses of NBA Entertainment’s cameras, all available online after each game.

·         T-Mobile Player of the Game: Beginning at halftime and through the conclusion of each game, users will have the ability to vote online or by text for the Player of the Game. Once the votes are tallied, the winner will be announced on-air and online.

·         Finals Hub page: NBA.com will construct a hub page for The Finals, which will include extensive video highlights, box scores, series stats, commentary, analysis, and game stories from the site’s stable of award-winning writers.

·         Live Streaming Video: The site will provide live streaming video from the Courtside Camera before every game in addition to live streaming video for every postgame news conference.

·         NBA.com live chats: NBA.com’s roster of critically-acclaimed reporters will conduct live chats during every game.

·         T-Mobile Playoff Pulse: The interactive application will allow users to track conversations, vote, and share content in real-time about NBA players and teams.  In addition, Pulse will guide fans on popular trending topics to access more NBA postseason information including videos, photos, new stories, and blog posts. 

 NBA Mobile

·         NBA GameTime:  NBA Mobile will add another mobile platform to its already bustling portfolio with the launch of NBA GameTime for Windows Phone. The app will give fans one touch access to video highlights, scores, play-by-play, team stats, and schedules.

ESPN/ABC all over NBA Finals

From ESPN -

NBA Finals Begin Tuesday Exclusively on ABCESPN Radio Exclusive Game Broadcasts; Finals Available on ESPN 3D for First Time

The 2011 NBA Finals – the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki facing the Miami Heat and LeBron James – will tip off Tuesday, May 31, at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on ABC. Mike Breen will be the voice of The Finals on ABC, joined by analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. This will be the fifth consecutive year the commentator team of Breen, Jackson and Van Gundy has called The Finals.  ABC’s Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show will preview the action, with host Stuart Scott, Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon, at 8:30 p.m. 

ESPN Radio’s exclusive coverage of The Finals – the 16^th year of The Finals on ESPN Radio – will be anchored by play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico, Hall of Famers Dr. Jack Ramsay and Hubie Brown and reporter Ric Bucher. Marc Kestecher will serve as ESPN Radio studio host with analyst Will Perdue. Additionally, for the first time, The Finals will be presented in 3D on ESPN 3D.  Mark Jones will provide play-by-play commentary with analysts Bruce Bowen (Games 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7) and Tim Legler (Games 3 and 4).

ESPN’s multiplatform presentation of The Finals will include coverage across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN 3D, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN International, ESPN.com., ESPNDeportes.com, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, espnW, ESPN Classic and ESPN The Magazine.

On game nights, ABC’s primetime lineup will include:

·         the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show 30 minutes prior to every broadcast;

·         Games 1 (May 31), 2 (June 2), 4 (June 7), 5 (June 9, if necessary) and 7 (June 14, if nec.) at 9 p.m.;

·         Games 3 (June 5) and 6 (June 12, if nec.), both on Sundays, at 8 p.m.;

·         a special 30-minute edition of The Jimmy Kimmel Show immediately before the Buick Regal NBA Countdown pregame show.

All ABC broadcasts will include the following production elements:

·         the Emmy Award-winning “Hall of Fame” open;

·         in-game interviews with coaches, along with each coach being “wired” for sound;

·         pregame and halftime locker room access;

·         32 high definition video sources;

·         “SkyCam” providing aerial views of the action;

·         utilization of six Super Slo Mo cameras;

·         “ESPN Axis” creating virtual replays, with video from live action processed via computers to create virtual freeze frames from multiple angles;

·         Orad graphics technology allowing for 3D lines and arrows, hi-res snap zoom capabilities, player and pass tracking and an enhanced graphic interface;

·         Spanish-language SAP commentary.

The Finals on ABC Schedule (Best of 7)

All Times ET

Date	Time	Game	Networks
Tue, May 31	9 p.m.	Game 1: Dallas at Miami	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Thu, June 2	9 p.m.	Game 2: Dallas at Miami	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Sun, June 5	8 p.m.	Game 3: Miami at Dallas	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Tue, June 7	9 p.m.	Game 4: Miami at Dallas	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Thu, June 9	9 p.m.	Game 5: * Miami at Dallas	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Sun, June 12	8 p.m.	Game 6: * Dallas at Miami	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio
Tue, June 14	9 p.m.	Game 7: * Dallas at Miami	ABC, ESPN 3D, ESPN Radio

* if necessary

Additional Finals content:

SportsCenter and Studio Programming

ESPN’s SportsCenter will provide news and information, analysis, and highlights throughout The Finals. Host Stuart Scott and analysts Magic Johnson, Jon Barry and Mike Wilbon will provide pre- and postgame segments, while Hannah Storm will host the 6 p.m. edition’s NBA segments.  Bruce Bowen, Tim Legler, Hall of Famer Chris Mullin and Jalen Rose will provide analysis during The Finals.

Additionally, ESPN’s NBA Tonight postgame shows, along with Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn and ESPN2’s First Take, will include Finals content.

ESPNEWS

ESPNEWS will provide live pre- and postgame news conferences, along with daily news and information.

ESPN.com

Coverage will include:

• NBA Finals Daily Dime – a daily multimedia notebook capturing The Finals games and scene;
• NBA Finals Daily Dime Live – in-game chat with ESPN reporters, analysts, bloggers and experts;
• NBA Finals Daily Digital Video – comments from ESPN reporters on Finals news and trends;
• NBA Finals Series Page – special section dedicated to Finals content;
• Greatest Playoff Series Rankings – ESPN.com’s John Hollinger ranks the greatest playoff series since the merger;
• Championship Rings – NBA legends share their championship ring stories;
• Moment in Time – revisiting the moment (Kendrick Perkins’ injury) which turned last year’s Finals;
• NBA Legends Chat – some of the biggest names in the game answer fan questions;
• ESPNRadio.com – live stream of every Finals game;
• ESPN3.com – replays of every Finals game.

ESPNDallas.com and the Heat Index will also provide comprehensive coverage throughout The Finals.

ESPN Radio’s 16^th Season of The Finals

The NBA on ESPN Radio’s 16^th season of exclusive, live, national play-by-play broadcast of the NBA’s post-season will culminate with The Finals.

ESPN Deportes

Alvaro Martin and Carlos Morales will provide NBA Finals updates on ESPN’s Spanish-language edition of SportsCenter (aired in the U.S. and Latin America). In addition, ESPN Deportes Radio, the only 24/7 Spanish-language radio network in the country, will feature pre/post-game special reports. ESPNDeportes.com will provide comprehensive coverage with previews, qualifying, photo galleries, videos and special ESPiaNdo la NBA webisodes with analysis by Martin and Morales.

ESPN International

ESPN International will broadcast The Finals via ESPN UK (United Kingdom), ESS (Asia), TSN (Canada), ESPN Pac-Rim (Australia and New Zealand), ESPN Atlantic (sub-Saharan Africa), ESPN Caribbean, ESPN Latin Brazil, ESPN DOS, ESPN Latin South and available in HD throughout Latin America, Brazil and Australia.   

ESPN Mobile Properties

ESPN Mobile will offer up-to-the-second coverage of the entire 2011 NBA Finals, providing fans with play-by-play GameCasts along with full highlights on the Mobile Web and ScoreCenter app. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with ESPN NBA experts during games with live chats and blogs. Opt-in ESPN text alerts will notify fans across carriers of game start times, scores and notable performances throughout The Finals.

ESPN3.com

ESPN3.com will offer replays of each Finals game, available at 2:30 a.m. each night through 12 p.m. the following afternoon.

espnW

Sarah Spain and additional contributors will provide espnW’s take on The Finals, including an informative glossary of basketball terms.  espnW will also feature predictions and perspective from WNBA players.

ESPN Classic

ESPN Classic’s NBA Finals marathon will include content leading up to Game 1 on Tuesday, May 31: 

·         1 a.m. – SportsCentury: Bill Russell
·         2 a.m. – SportsCentury: Larry Bird
·         3 a.m. – SportsCentury: Magic Johnson
·         4 a.m. – Homecoming: Magic Johnson
·         5 a.m. – SportsCentury: Karl Malone
·         7 a.m. – SportsCentury: Bill Russell
·         8 a.m. – Jim Rome Classics: Dennis Rodman
·         8:30 a.m. – Jim Rome Classics: Karl Malone
·         9 a.m. -- Up Close Special: Kobe Bryant & Chris Webber
·         10 a.m. – 1970 NBA Finals, Game 7: Los Angeles vs. New York – Walt Frazier leads the Knicks to a 113-99 victory; Willis Reed makes the dramatic halftime return
·         12 p.m. – 1996 NBA Finals, Game 6: Seattle vs. Chicago – Michael Jordan collapses in the locker room after winning the title on Father’s Day, the first championship since his Father passed away
·         2 p.m. – 2006 NBA Finals, Game 3: Dallas vs. Miami – Dwyane Wade scores 42 points as the Heat rally from 13 down in the fourth quarter to win 98-96
·         4 p.m. – 2006 NBA Finals, Game 5: Dallas vs. Miami – Heat nudge the Mavs 101-100 behind a stellar performance by Dwyane Wade, who finished with 43 points
·         6 p.m. – 2006 NBA Finals, Game 6: Miami vs. Dallas – Miami wins 95-92 behind Dywane Wade’s 43 points