With the Knicks briefly becoming a national sensation and the Rangers leading the Eastern Conference, ratings for both teams have unsurprisingly increased on MSG Network. Through 33 telecasts, MSG Network has averaged a 3.03 rating for New York Knicks coverage this season, up a whopping 103% from the comparable date last year (1.49). The Knicks earned their two largest regular season audiences ever on MSG earlier this season. Keep in mind the 2011-12 NBA regular 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). Though not as spectacular as the Knicks’ increase, the Rangers have put up solid numbers this season as well. Through 57 games, MSG Network averaged a 0.96 rating for Rangers coverage, up 26% from last year (0.76), reports Sports Media Watch.