Even at their worst, the Miami Heat are a big draw.
The Heat's terrible performance against the Boston Celtics on opening night turns out to be the most watched regular season basketball game on cable EVER, reports the Sun-Sentinel.
Being hated has its privileges.
The news probably isn't that shocking considering all of the ill-will, voodoo magic and criticism directed toward the South Beach trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh all summer. Most of it went toward James, but the Three Kings are now one.
More than 7.4 million people watched the game on TNT, which made no one more happy than NBA Commissioner David Stern, who has hitched the league's wagon on the Heat.
Not surprisingly, Stern will be in Miami on Friday to talk about promoting the new look Heat and the economic advantages of a globally vilified team locally. He will also attend the Heat's home opener against the Orlando Magic later that night, which could eclipse even Tuesday's ratings.
By the way, did we mention the Heat lost the game and looked like they were in pre-season form? Imagine how many will tune in when the beat downs start pouring in like viewers.
