The NBA playoffs is the most exciting and intense time of the year for basketball fans. It’s when the best teams in the league battle it out for the championship title. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the NBA playoffs.
Structure of the Playoffs
The NBA playoffs consist of 16 teams – eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. The teams are seeded according to their regular season record, with the top team in each conference earning the #1 seed. The playoffs are divided into four rounds:
First Round
The first round of the playoffs is a best-of-seven series. The #1 seed plays the #8 seed, the #2 seed plays the #7 seed, the #3 seed plays the #6 seed, and the #4 seed plays the #5 seed. The first round is where upsets can happen, and lower-seeded teams can knock off the higher-seeded teams.
Conference Semifinals
The conference semifinals are also a best-of-seven series. The winners of the first round advance to the conference semifinals, with the #1 seed playing the lowest remaining seed, and the other two series featuring the remaining teams.
Conference Finals
The conference finals are the best-of-seven series between the two remaining teams in each conference. The winners of the conference finals advance to the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is a best-of-seven series between the Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions. The team that wins four games first is crowned the NBA champion.
Key Players to Watch
The NBA playoffs are where the stars shine brightest. There are several key players to watch during the postseason:
LeBron James
LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history and has won four championships. He’s led his team to the NBA Finals in nine of the last ten seasons.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is a former league MVP and has won two championships. He’s one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is a two-time league MVP and has won three championships. He’s one of the best shooters in NBA history and can take over a game at any moment.
Recent Champions
Here are the last five NBA champions:
2020: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers won their 17th championship in 2020, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
2019: Toronto Raptors
The Raptors won their first championship in 2019, led by Kawhi Leonard.
2018: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors won their third championship in four years in 2018, led by Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
2017: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors won their second championship in three years in 2017, led by Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers won their first championship in 2016, led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
Conclusion
The NBA playoffs are the most exciting time of the year for basketball fans. The intensity and competition are unmatched, and the stakes are high. With this guide, you’ll be able to follow along with the playoffs and know everything you need to know to enjoy the games. Who will be crowned the next NBA champion? Only time will tell.
