Knicks had big ratings year

The Knicks averaged 7.2 percent of homes in the New York area for Saturday's game against the Heat on ABC compared to the Rangers' 3.5 percent for their simultaneous game against the Capitals on NBC.

That's actually a smaller gap than most would have predicted, given the greater popularity of basketball, but obviously the fact the Knicks lost in a blowout contributed to out-rating the Rangers by a mere 2-to-1 or so.

It was a fantastic ratings season overall for the Knicks, helped by the shortened NBA regular season and fueled by Linsanity.

The Knicks averaged 3.3 percent of homes for their games on MSG, up 81 percent compared to last season and 263 percent compared to 2009-10.

National networks also enjoyed increased ratings. TNT had its most-viewed and highest-rated NBA season ever, averaging 1.7 percent of homes. ABC's 3.3 average rating was its best ever. NBA TV also set new highs.