Through Thursday, coverage of the 2011-12* NBA regular season has averaged a 1.9 U.S. rating and 2.930 million viewers on TNT, up 27% in ratings and 26% in viewership from last season (1.5, 2.325M, 32 telecasts), and up 58% and 65%, respectively, from the 2009-10 season (1.2, 1.774M, 29 telecasts). Keep in mind this season started on Christmas Day due to the owners’ lockout of players. TNT’s numbers are up 46% in ratings and 50% in viewership from the comparable time period — December 30 to January 27 — last year (12 telecasts), according to Sports Media Watch.