Through 27 telecasts, TNT has averaged a 1.8 U.S. rating and 2.729 million viewers for coverage of the 2011-12 NBA regular season, up 20% in ratings and 14% in viewership from last year’s season-to-date average (1.5, 2.389M, 42 games), and up 50% and 47%, respectively, from the season-to-date average two years ago (1.2, 1.852M, 41 games). Keep in mind the 2011-12 NBA season began on Christmas Day due to the owners’ five-month lockout of players, the fourth work stoppage in NBA history (all owner-imposed lockouts). Versus the comparable December-March time period last year, this year’s averages are up 20% and 21%, respectively, from a 1.5 and 2.247 million viewers, reports Sports Media Watch.