query: how many games are in round 1 of nba playoffs

pos: NBA playoffs seedings are used to create a bracket that determines the match-ups throughout the series. Once the playoffs start, the bracket is fixed; teams are never "reseeded", unlike in the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) where the strongest remaining teams face the weakest teams in subsequent rounds. The first round of the NBA playoffs, or conference quarterfinals, consists of four match-ups in each conference based on the seedings (1–8, 2–7, 3–6, and 4–5). The four winners advance to the second round, or conference semifinals, with a match-up between the 1–8 and 4–5 winners and a match-up between

pos: 2018 NBA Playoffs 2018 NBA Playoffs The 2018 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2017–18 season. The playoffs began on April 14, 2018 and ended on June 8 at the conclusion of the 2018 NBA Finals. Within each conference, the eight teams with the most wins qualify for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record. Each conference's bracket is fixed; there is no reseeding. All rounds are best-of-seven series; the team that has four wins advances to the next round. All rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. Home court advantage in

pos: NBA on TBS CBS) did not carry Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, relegating the broadcast of that game to television stations in the team's designated market areas; this would be the last time that an NBA Conference Finals game was not televised on a national network. During the 1989 NBA Playoffs, only 13 of the 24 games (comprising Games 1-3 of each series) in the first round aired on TBS or CBS. For example, none of the four games from the Seattle-Houston first round series appeared on national television. Beginning in 1986, TBS televised the various contests from the NBA All-Star

pos: 2014 NBA Playoffs Dallas Mavericks, and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. The 24 road wins is an NBA playoffs record for the first round. In addition, the 2014 playoffs featured a record eight first-round games that went into overtime, including four straight between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder (Games 2–5), another NBA record. Five of the eight first-round series were extended to game sevens. Three of the series, Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers, were played on May 3, which marked the first time in NBA history that three

pos: 1986–87 Houston Rockets season "SuperSonics win series 4-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1982 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 2-1) 1986–87 Houston Rockets season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Rockets' 20th season in the NBA and 16th season in the city of Houston. The Rockets entered the season as runner-ups in the 1986 NBA Finals, having lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs.(6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-1"

pos: Tim Duncan round of the 2000 NBA Playoffs, losing 3–1 to the Phoenix Suns. Nonetheless, Duncan rebounded in the next season, and with strong regular-season averages of 22.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 blocks, earned himself yet another pair of All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team call-ups. In the 2001 NBA Playoffs, the Spurs eliminated the Timberwolves 3–1, defeated the Dallas Mavericks 4–1, but then bowed out against the Lakers led by superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, losing in four straight games. "Sports Illustrated" described the series as a "[m]erciless mismatch", and Duncan was criticized as "silent when the Spurs

pos: 2004–05 Washington Wizards season 25.5 points per game and was selected along with Jamison for the 2005 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, the Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls in six games after losing the first two games, but were swept in the semifinals by the Miami Heat in four straight games. Following the season, Larry Hughes signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. !No.||Player||Pos||Ht||Wt||Birth Date||Exp||College (4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards Last Playoffs meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference First Round (Chicago won 3–0) (1) Miami Heat vs. (5) Washington Wizards Last Playoffs meeting: This is the first

pos: 1986–87 Atlanta Hawks season Not available (first playoff series) (2) Atlanta Hawks vs. (3) Detroit Pistons: "Pistons win series 4-1 Last Playoff Meeting: 1986 Eastern Conference First Round (Atlanta won 3-1) 1986–87 Atlanta Hawks season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Hawks' 38th season in the NBA and their 19th season in the city of Atlanta. The Hawks finished first place in the Central Division with a franchise-best record of 57–25. Dominique Wilkins made the All-NBA Second Team, and was selected for the 1987 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, the Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers in four games, but

pos: 2000–01 Sacramento Kings season NBA All-Star Game, while first round draft pick Hedo Türkoğlu made the All-Rookie Second Team. In the first round of the playoffs, the Kings would win their first playoff series in 20 years by beating the Phoenix Suns in four games after losing Game 1. However, they were swept by the defending and eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals in four straight games. Following the season, Jason Williams was traded along with Nick Anderson to the Memphis Grizzlies, and Jon Barry was traded to the Detroit Pistons. In the NBA draft, the Kings drafted Hedo Türkoğlu and

pos: 1953 NBA Finals Friday. Meanwhile, two mid-week games were played in New York City. The entire postseason tournament spanned 25 days in which Minneapolis played 12 games, New York 11. "Lakers win series 4–1" 1953 NBA Finals The 1953 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1953 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1952–53 season. The Western Division champion Minneapolis Lakers faced the Eastern Division champion New York Knicks in a best-of-seven series with Minneapolis having home-court advantage. By winning four games to one, the Lakers won their fifth title in six years dating from 1948, the club's

pos: 1994–95 Seattle SuperSonics season a 57–25 record. Three members of the team, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Detlef Schrempf were all selected for the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. However, after a shocking first round exit in the 1994 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, the Seattle franchise would once again exit early in the 1995 Playoffs, losing in four games to the 5th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round after winning Game 1. Following the season, Kendall Gill was traded back to the Charlotte Hornets, and Marčiulionis was dealt to the Sacramento Kings. (4) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (5) Los Angeles Lakers: "Lakers win

pos: Jordan Rules Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals 4 games to 1. The Pistons qualified for the playoffs again in 1992, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2000, not advancing to the second round until 2002. This strategy was later used by the New York Knicks from 1992 to 1998. However, the Knicks were not as successful as Detroit in containing Jordan and the Bulls. Jordan faced New York in the NBA Playoffs in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1996. The Bulls eliminated the Knicks and captured NBA titles in all four of those seasons. In an interview with "Sports Illustrated", then Detroit Pistons coach

pos: 1987–88 Utah Jazz season (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Utah Jazz: "Lakers win series 4–3" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) 1987–88 Utah Jazz season The 1987–88 Utah Jazz season was the team's 14th in the NBA. The Jazz finished third in the Midwest Division with a record of 47–35, and qualified for the playoffs for the fifth straight season. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games, but then lost in seven games to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals. Karl Malone was selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star

pos: 1987–88 Utah Jazz season 1987–88 Utah Jazz season The 1987–88 Utah Jazz season was the team's 14th in the NBA. The Jazz finished third in the Midwest Division with a record of 47–35, and qualified for the playoffs for the fifth straight season. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games, but then lost in seven games to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals. Karl Malone was selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star Game. (4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Utah Jazz:"Jazz win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series)

pos: 2015 NBA Playoffs fourth, regardless of record. Each conference's bracket is fixed; there is no reseeding. All rounds are best-of-seven series; the team that has four wins advances to the next round. As stated above, all rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. Home court advantage in any round does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead to the team with the better regular season record. If two teams with the same record meet in a round, standard tiebreaker rules are used. The rule for determining home court advantage in the NBA Finals is winning percentage, then head

pos: 2016 NBA Playoffs fixed; there is no reseeding. All rounds are best-of-seven series; the team that has four wins advances to the next round. As stated above, all rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. Home court advantage in any round does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead to the team with the better regular season record. If two teams with the same record meet in a round, standard tiebreaker rules are used. The rule for determining home court advantage in the NBA Finals is winning percentage, then head to head record, followed by record vs. opposite

pos: 2014 NBA Playoffs that has four wins advances to the next round. As stated above, all rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format. Home court advantage in any round does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead to the team with the better regular season record. If two teams with the same record meet in a round, standard tiebreaker rules are used. The rule for determining home court advantage in the NBA Finals is winning percentage, then head to head record, followed by record vs. opposite conference. The tiebreakers that determine seedings are: If there were more than

pos: 2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers season ultimately won Game 7, 93–89, for the first NBA championship in franchise history. No team had ever before recovered from a 3–1 deficit in an NBA Finals series. James was named the unanimous NBA Finals MVP, receiving the award for the third time in his career. 2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers season The 2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers season was the 46th season of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the playoffs, the Cavaliers swept the Detroit Pistons in four games in the First Round, then swept the Atlanta Hawks in four games in the Semifinals, before finally defeating

pos: 1986–87 Houston Rockets season 1986–87 Houston Rockets season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Rockets' 20th season in the NBA and 16th season in the city of Houston. The Rockets entered the season as runner-ups in the 1986 NBA Finals, having lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs.(6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-1" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) (6) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Seattle SuperSonics:

pos: 2006–07 Chicago Bulls season 2006–07 Chicago Bulls season The 2006-07 Chicago Bulls finished with a record of 49-33 in the regular season and reached the second round of the NBA playoffs, making it, at the time, their most successful season since the retirement of Michael Jordan, but nevertheless leaving some doubt amongst fans as to whether the team could compete for an NBA championship in the near future. In the playoffs, the Bulls swept the defending NBA champion Miami Heat in four games in the First Round, before losing to the Detroit Pistons in six games in the Semifinals. Whereas previous seasons under General

neg: NBA playoffs the 2–7 and 3–6 winners. The two winners advance to the third round, or conference finals. The winner from each conference will advance to the final round, or the NBA Finals. All rounds are best-of-seven series. Series are played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format, meaning the team with home-court advantage hosts games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while their opponent hosts games 3, 4, and 6, with games 5–7 being played if needed. This format has been used since 2014, after NBA team owners unanimously voted to change from a 2–3–2 format on October 23, 2013. The most common criticism of

neg: 2009 NBA Playoffs 2009 NBA Playoffs The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant was named NBA Finals MVP. The Boston Celtics lost a best-of-7 series after leading 3–2 for the first time to the Magic in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Before that, their first round series with the Chicago Bulls set an NBA Playoff record for the most overtime games (4) and periods (7) played. The Houston

neg: 1954 NBA Playoffs (1) Syracuse Nationals: "Lakers win series 4–3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1950 NBA Finals (Minneapolis won 4–2) 1954 NBA Playoffs The 1954 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1953–54 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Minneapolis Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Syracuse Nationals 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. For the Lakers, it was their third straight NBA title, and fifth in the last six years. With the folding of the Indianapolis Olympians after the previous year's playoffs, leaving the NBA with nine teams, they resorted to a round-robin playoff

neg: 2004 NBA Playoffs 2004 NBA Playoffs The 2004 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP. The Minnesota Timberwolves, after missing the playoffs their first seven seasons and losing in the first round the next seven, won their first two playoff series in 2004 before losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves would not make the playoffs again until 2018. The

neg: 1980–81 Portland Trail Blazers season NBA game. (4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Kansas City Kings: "Kings win series 2-1" 1980–81 Portland Trail Blazers season The 1980–81 season was the 11th season of the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Blazers won seven more games than the previous season, ending with a record of 45–37 and making the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Blazers were eliminated from the 1980 NBA Playoffs after losing their best-of-three first-round series to the Kansas City Kings, two games to one. Note: This is not a complete list; only the first two rounds are

neg: 2015 NBA Playoffs TV broadcast the NBA Playoffs nationally. In the first round the regional sports networks affiliated with the teams can also broadcast the games. Throughout the first two rounds, TNT televises games Saturday through Thursday, ESPN televises games on Friday and Sunday, and ABC televises select games on Saturday and Sunday, usually in the afternoon. NBA TV televises select games in the first round. TNT televises the Eastern Conference Finals and ESPN the Western Conference Finals. ABC televises the NBA Finals for the thirteenth consecutive year. ESPN Radio has exclusive national radio rights to broadcast the playoffs in the United States.

neg: 2006 NBA Playoffs 2006 NBA Playoffs The 2006 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeating the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP. The Clippers were the biggest surprise, as they not only made the playoffs for the first time since 1997, but advanced to the second round for the first time since 1976, when they were the Buffalo Braves. They came within 1 game of making the conference finals for the first

neg: 2006 NBA Playoffs 1971, when the Milwaukee Bucks met the Baltimore Bullets. 2006 NBA Playoffs The 2006 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat defeating the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP. The Clippers were the biggest surprise, as they not only made the playoffs for the first time since 1997, but advanced to the second round for the first time since 1976, when they were the Buffalo Braves. They came within 1

neg: 1990 NBA Playoffs 1990 NBA Playoffs The 1990 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1989–90 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons defeating the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP. It was the Blazers' first trip to the NBA Finals since their stunning victory in the 1977 NBA Finals. The New York Knicks fell behind 2–0 to the Boston Celtics in their first round matchup, but took the series 3–2 by winning Game 5 124–117 in Boston Garden. The

neg: 2017 NBA Playoffs the United States. In the first round, regional sports networks affiliated with the teams can also broadcast the games, except for games televised on ABC. Throughout the first two rounds, TNT televised games Saturday through Thursday, ESPN televised games Friday and Saturday, and ABC televised selected games on Saturday and Sunday, usually in the afternoon. NBA TV has aired select weekday games in the first round. TNT televised the Eastern Conference Finals. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was televised on ABC, while Games 2 through 4 were televised on ESPN. ABC had exclusive television rights to the NBA

neg: 2009 NBA Playoffs first playoff meeting between the Lakers and the Magic. 2009 NBA Playoffs The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant was named NBA Finals MVP. The Boston Celtics lost a best-of-7 series after leading 3–2 for the first time to the Magic in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Before that, their first round series with the Chicago Bulls set an NBA Playoff record for the most

neg: 1993 NBA Playoffs 1993 NBA Playoffs The 1993 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1992–93 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This was the Suns' second Western Conference title; they made their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976, losing to the Boston Celtics. The Knicks–Pacers rivalry started in their first-round encounter, which New York won, 3–1. But it wasn't until the next two meetings (1994 and

neg: 2004–05 Seattle SuperSonics season were both voted to play in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game in Denver. In the first round of the playoffs, the Sonics defeated the Sacramento Kings in five games, but would lose in the second round to the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in six games. This would be their final playoff appearance as the Sonics. Following the season, head coach Nate McMillan was fired, and Antonio Daniels signed as a free agent with the Washington Wizards. (3) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (6) Sacramento Kings Last Playoffs meeting: 1996 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 3–1) (2) San Antonio Spurs

neg: 2016 NBA Playoffs second meeting in the NBA Finals between the Warriors and Cavaliers, with the Warriors winning the first meeting last season. ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV broadcast the NBA playoffs nationally in the United States. In the first round, regional sports networks affiliated with the teams can also broadcast the games, except for games televised on ABC. Throughout the first two rounds, TNT televised games Saturday through Thursday, ESPN televised games Friday and Saturday, and ABC televised select games on Saturday and Sunday, usually in the afternoon. NBA TV aired select weekday games in the first round. TNT televised the

neg: 1984–85 Denver Nuggets season Playoff Meeting: 1984 Western Conference First Round (Utah won 3-2) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Denver Nuggets: "Lakers win series 4-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1979 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 2-1) 1984–85 Denver Nuggets season The 1984-85 Denver Nuggets season was their 18th season, and their ninth in the NBA. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the First Round, then defeated the Utah Jazz in five games in the Semifinals, before losing to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Conference Finals. Notes (2)

neg: 1979–80 Seattle SuperSonics season win series 2-1" (2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Sonics win series 4-3" (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Lakers win series 4-1" 1979–80 Seattle SuperSonics season The 1979–80 NBA season was the SuperSonics' 13th season in the NBA. The SuperSonics entered the season as the defending NBA champions, having defeated the Washington Bullets in five games in the 1979 NBA Finals, winning their first and only NBA championship. In the playoffs, the SuperSonics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games in the Semifinals,

neg: Cotton Fitzsimmons sorry that you booed this young man." In 1989, he won his second NBA Coach of the Year Award. After another successful season, the Suns returned to the NBA playoffs in 1990. This time around, they returned the favor on the Lakers, beating them 4 games to 1 at the Western Conference's Semi-Finals, but once again, Fitzsimmons' team fell short at the NBA's Western Conference Finals, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers, 4 games to 2. In 1991, the Suns lost to the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Playoffs' first round, 3 games to 1. During the rest of

neg: History of the New York Knicks retirement from basketball prior to the 1993–94 season, many saw this as an opportunity for the Knicks to finally make it to the NBA Finals. The team, who acquired Derek Harper in a midseason trade with the Dallas Mavericks, once again won the Atlantic Division with a 57–25 record. In the playoffs, the team played a then NBA-record 25 games (the Boston Celtics played 26 games in the 2008 playoffs); they started by defeating the New Jersey Nets in the first round before finally getting past the Bulls, defeating them in the second round in seven games. In the Eastern

neg: 2014 NBA Playoffs 2014 NBA Playoffs The 2014 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2013–14 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. Kawhi Leonard was named NBA Finals MVP. For the first time since 1984, the NBA Finals were played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format (the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6). They were also the first playoffs overseen by Commissioner Adam Silver. The Spurs continued the

neg: 2014 NBA Playoffs second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Heat winning the first meeting. In the United States, ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV broadcast the 2014 NBA Playoffs nationally in its entirety. In the first round, the regional sports networks affiliated with the teams participating can also broadcast the games. The first round was mostly televised by ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV, with ABC getting select weekend afternoon games. In the second round, ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT continued to air games, while ABC again gets a few weekend afternoon games. TNT televised the Western Conference Finals, and

neg: 2018 NBA Playoffs the NBA Finals between these two teams, with the Warriors winning two of the first three meetings. ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV will broadcast the playoffs nationally in the United States. In the first round, regional sports networks affiliated with the teams can also broadcast the games, except for games televised on ABC. Throughout the first two rounds, TNT televised games Sunday through Thursday, ESPN televised games Thursday and Friday, and ABC televised selected games on Saturday and Sunday, usually in the afternoon. NBA TV has aired select weekday games in the first round. ESPN will be televising the

neg: 1986–87 Boston Celtics season which the Celtics would lose 4 games to 2. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (1) Boston Celtics "Lakers win series 4–2" 1986–87 Boston Celtics season The 1986–87 Boston Celtics season was the 41st season of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Celtics entered the season as the defending NBA Champions, having defeated the Houston Rockets in the 1986 NBA Finals in six games, winning their sixteenth NBA championship. In the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Chicago Bulls in the First Round in three games, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the Semifinals in seven games, and the

neg: History of the Cleveland Cavaliers James during the 2014–15 season, as he ascendance to James' level with a 55-point effort on January 28 against Portland and a 57-point effort on March 12 against San Antonio. The Cavaliers entered the 2015 NBA Playoffs as the second seed in the East with a 53–29 record. They advanced through the first three rounds of the playoffs virtually unchallenged, sweeping Boston in the first round, defeating Chicago in six games in the second round, and sweeping Atlanta in the conference finals to claim the franchise's second ever Eastern Conference championship and a trip to the NBA Finals. Games 1

neg: 1954 NBA Playoffs not been determined. Both teams had won 42 season games and Boston had won by coin flip the edge in case of a tie in the round-robin stage. Five games, Tuesday to Sunday, March 16–21 Six games, Tuesday to Monday, March 16–22 Champion: Minneapolis Lakers Division Finals (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (2) Rochester Royals: "Lakers win series 2–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1952 NBA Western Division Finals (Minneapolis won 2–1) Champion: Syracuse Nationals Division Finals (1) Syracuse Nationals vs. (2) Boston Celtics: "Nationals win series 2–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1953 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals (Boston won 2–0) (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs.

neg: Memphis Grizzlies in Grizz's place. The franchise also launched a program called "Friends of Grizz", with donations and proceedings going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Despite being one of the youngest squads in the NBA, the Grizzlies are rivals with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Grizzlies and Clippers have been rivals since the 2011–12 season, when the Clippers eliminated the Grizzlies in seven games in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. The Grizzlies returned the favor in the 2012–13 season, eliminating the Clippers in six games in the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. There have also been

neg: 1991 NBA Playoffs of the Western Conference. Game 4 ended with some of the Pistons walking off the court before time expired, refusing to shake the Bulls' hands. In the 1989 NBA Finals, the Pistons themselves had swept the two-time defending champion Lakers. Detroit did not reach the conference finals again until 2003. The seventh seeded Golden State Warriors stunned the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, defeating them 3 games to 1. It would be Golden State's last playoff series win until 2007. The 76ers and the Bucks met in the first round of the playoffs where the

neg: Detroit Pistons both overall and road victories (27). In addition, the team set an NBA record by starting the same lineup in 73 consecutive games from the start of the season. The top-seeded Pistons defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4–1 in the first round of the 2006 NBA Playoffs, but struggled in the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling behind 3–2 before winning in seven games. Things did not improve against the second-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami defeated the Pistons in six games en route to the 2006 NBA championship. During the 2006 offseason, the Pistons offered Ben

neg: 1994 NBA Playoffs This would not occur again until 2014. The biggest upset came in the first round, when the Denver Nuggets came back from a 2–0 deficit to beat the Seattle SuperSonics in five games, marking the first time in NBA history that an eighth seed had defeated a #1 seed. Denver stretched their improbable playoff run with the Utah Jazz to seven games after being down 0–3, but Utah defeated them in Game 7 91–81. The playoffs also featured the very first playoff series victory for the Indiana Pacers in their 18-year NBA existence, as they swept the Orlando Magic (who

neg: 1950 NBA Playoffs 1950 NBA Playoffs The 1950 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the inaugural National Basketball Association 1949–50 season. The tournament concluded with the Central Division champion Minneapolis Lakers defeating the Eastern Division champion Syracuse Nationals 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Twelve teams qualified for the playoffs. Including tiebreaker games that preceded two of the six first-round series, they began play on Monday to Wednesday, March 20 to 22, and the best-of-seven Finals concluded in game six on Sunday, April 23. The champions played the greatest number of games, 13 in a span of 34 days, on

neg: 2008 NBA Playoffs and the Lakers and Celtics' revitalization of their franchises, most especially after key trades during the preseason and regular season. The Celtics ended up playing 26 playoff games (2 games short of a full length postseason of 28), breaking the 25 game record of the 1994 Knicks and 2005 Pistons by 1 game for the most playoff games in a single season played by 1 NBA team. The Knicks, however, only played a Best-of-5 First Round, and so had 2 fewer games to accomplish that feat. Also, the top seeds from each Conference met in the NBA Finals for the

neg: 1966 NBA Playoffs 1966 NBA Playoffs The 1966 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1965–66 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. The Celtics won their eighth consecutive NBA title and ninth overall, defeating the Lakers in the Finals for a fifth straight time. This was the last NBA playoffs under the "top team in each division gets a first-round bye" format established in the 1955 NBA Playoffs; the 1967 NBA Playoffs featured an eight-team tournament with no

neg: 2006–07 Los Angeles Lakers season 2006–07 Los Angeles Lakers season The 2006-07 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 59th in the NBA and 61st overall. The season ended with the Lakers being eliminated in five games in a rematch against the Phoenix Suns from the 2006 playoffs in the First Round, where the Lakers lost to the Suns in seven games despite having a 3-1 series lead. The Lakers finished in second place in the Pacific Division, 7th seed in the playoffs. Ultimately, even though team captain Kobe Bryant was the leading NBA scorer with 31.6 PPG, the Lakers were defeated in five games by

neg: 1976 NBA Finals 1976 NBA Finals The 1976 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round for the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1975–76 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeated the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2. Celtics point guard Jo Jo White was named as the series MVP. The Phoenix Suns entered the NBA as an expansion team in the 1968–69 season. Prior to 1976, they only made the playoffs once, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1970 NBA Playoffs. Before that the Suns lost

neg: 1988–89 Atlanta Hawks season 1989 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost to the 5th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in five games after winning Game 1. Following the season, Theus left in the 1989 NBA Expansion Draft. (4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks: "Bucks win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Eastern Conference First Round (Atlanta won 3-2) 1988–89 Atlanta Hawks season The 1988–89 NBA season was the Hawks' 40th season in the NBA and 21st season in Atlanta. After falling into the second round for two straight seasons, the Hawks acquired Reggie Theus from the Sacramento Kings, and signed

neg: 2000 NBA Playoffs 2000 NBA Playoffs The 2000 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1999-2000 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers 4 games to 2. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP. The San Antonio Spurs were the champions going into the playoffs, but were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round, marking the first time since 1987 that a title-winning team did not repeat. They were also the first defending champion to be eliminated in the first round since the Philadelphia 76ers

neg: 1999 NBA Playoffs other in the opening round that year), and it was also the 76ers’ first appearance since drafting Allen Iverson with the #1 overall pick in 1996. Iverson later led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals. The Bulls, despite being defending champions, missed the playoffs for the first time since 1984 (mostly due to the second retirement of Michael Jordan and the departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman). They also became the first defending champion since the 1969–70 Boston Celtics to miss the playoffs. Although the Spurs had home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, they played more road games (9)

neg: NBA on ABC during the season to 19. In a 2002 interview with Jim Rome, NBA commissioner David Stern commented about the number of league games broadcast on ABC: By contrast to Stern's assessment, media analysts and many fans found that the cable-heavy television deal made many games unavailable and, in addition, devalued the league. Starting with the second round of the playoffs, TNT's NBA coverage becomes exclusive, meaning that no locally produced league broadcasts can compete against the TNT telecasts (though commensurate with the move to sports rights to cable, few over-the-air local stations currently carry NBA coverage). Because of this, fans

neg: 2016 NBA Playoffs the NBA Finals. In Canada, the playoffs were carried on TSN Radio. 2016 NBA Playoffs The 2016 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 2015–16 season. The tournament ended with the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors 4 games to 3 after the Warriors led the series 3 games to 1. In the NBA Finals, LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP. The Cavaliers swept their first two series and won the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Raptors to become the fourth team

neg: 1950 NBA Playoffs between the Lakers and Packers. This was the first playoff meeting between the Nationals and Lakers. 1950 NBA Playoffs The 1950 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the inaugural National Basketball Association 1949–50 season. The tournament concluded with the Central Division champion Minneapolis Lakers defeating the Eastern Division champion Syracuse Nationals 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Twelve teams qualified for the playoffs. Including tiebreaker games that preceded two of the six first-round series, they began play on Monday to Wednesday, March 20 to 22, and the best-of-seven Finals concluded in game six on Sunday, April 23.

neg: 1985–86 Houston Rockets season 1981 Western Conference First Round (Houston won 2–1) "Boston beats Houston 4–2" 1985–86 Houston Rockets season The 1985–86 Houston Rockets season saw the Rockets lose the 1986 NBA Finals to the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets swept the Sacramento Kings in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Denver Nuggets in six games in the Semifinals, before dethroning the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Conference Finals after Ralph Sampson hit a 20-foot jumper as time expired in game five at The Forum to reach the

neg: 2003 NBA Playoffs was swept in a first-round series. From 1984 to 2002, the first-round series were best-of-five. This is the first time that the NBA Playoffs carried more games on cable television than regular broadcast television, and marks the debut for the NBA Playoffs to be aired on NBA TV, and the return broadcast on ESPN and ABC after the NBA departed from NBC and TBS. The Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars-led team was swept by the Chicago Bulls in 1991, ending the Pistons' quest for a third

neg: 1965 NBA Playoffs first-round bye. (2) St. Louis Hawks vs. (3) Baltimore Bullets: "Bullets win series 3-1" Division Finals (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Baltimore Bullets: "Lakers win series 4-2" Champion: Boston Celtics Division Semifinals (1) Boston Celtics received a first-round bye. (2) Cincinnati Royals vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "76ers win series 3-1" Division Finals (1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "Celtics win series 4-3" (1) Boston Celtics vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers: "Celtics win series 4-1" 1965 NBA Playoffs The 1965 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1964–65 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern

neg: 2009 NBA Playoffs the first round for the first time since 2000. The Pistons were swept by the Cavs, while the Spurs lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-1. The Portland Trail Blazers made the playoffs for the first time since 2003, but for the fourth straight time, they were eliminated in the first round, courtesy of Houston in 6 games. The Cleveland Cavaliers became only the second team in NBA History (after the Miami Heat) to go 8-0 through the first two rounds by sweeping the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks (they would duplicate this feat in 2016, against the same two teams).

neg: 1994 NBA Playoffs were making their first playoff appearance in franchise history) in the first round, then eliminated the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks 4–2 in the second round. The Pacers advanced within one game of the NBA Finals, but lost Games 6 and 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Knicks. This was the first time since the ABA–NBA merger prior to the 1976–77 season that all former ABA teams (Pacers, Nuggets, Spurs, and Nets) made the playoffs in the same year. The Chicago Bulls, who made the playoffs despite the retirement of Michael Jordan, swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round,

neg: 2016 NBA Playoffs matched the 2012 San Antonio Spurs, though the 1989 and 2001 Los Angeles Lakers had won their first eleven games en route to sweeping the first three rounds of the playoffs. Cleveland wound up repeating this feat the next year, when they swept the conference opening round, semifinal round, and winning the first 2 conference final games. However, this feat would be surpassed by the 2017 Golden State Warriors, who won 15 straight games. Within each conference, the eight teams with the most wins qualify for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record. Each conference's bracket is

neg: 1986–87 Golden State Warriors season 4-3) 1986–87 Golden State Warriors season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Warriors' 41st season in the NBA and 24th in the San Francisco Bay Area.\ In the playoffs, the Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz in five games in the First Round, before losing to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Semifinals. (4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Golden State Warriors: "Warriors win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Golden State Warriors: "Lakers win series 4-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles

neg: 1986–87 Golden State Warriors season 1986–87 Golden State Warriors season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Warriors' 41st season in the NBA and 24th in the San Francisco Bay Area.\ In the playoffs, the Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz in five games in the First Round, before losing to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Semifinals. (4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Golden State Warriors: "Warriors win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Golden State Warriors: "Lakers win series 4-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won

neg: Atlanta Hawks 2011 NBA playoffs. The Magic beat the Hawks in the second round of the 1996 playoffs in five games and swept their 2010 playoff matchup. The Hawks eliminated the Magic 4–2 in the first round of the 2011 playoffs. The Hawks hold the draft rights to the following unsigned draft picks who have been playing outside the NBA. A drafted player, either an international draftee or a college draftee who is not signed by the team that drafted him, is allowed to sign with any non-NBA teams. In this case, the team retains the player's draft rights in the NBA

neg: 2002 NBA Playoffs 2002 NBA Playoffs The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA Playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This year marked the return of playoff success for the Boston Celtics, who had last made the playoffs in 1995, won their last playoff

neg: 2017 NBA Playoffs Finals for the 15th consecutive year. 2017 NBA Playoffs The 2017 NBA Playoffs began on April 15, 2017. It concluded with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals, their third consecutive meeting at the Finals. Kevin Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP in his first year on the team. The Warriors set the record for the longest playoff winning streak (15) and the best record (16-1) in NBA playoff history. The Golden State Warriors began the finals with a playoff record of 12–0. The first two finals' games were blowouts

neg: 2017 NBA Playoffs 2017 NBA Playoffs The 2017 NBA Playoffs began on April 15, 2017. It concluded with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals, their third consecutive meeting at the Finals. Kevin Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP in his first year on the team. The Warriors set the record for the longest playoff winning streak (15) and the best record (16-1) in NBA playoff history. The Golden State Warriors began the finals with a playoff record of 12–0. The first two finals' games were blowouts by Golden State, game three was

neg: 2001 NBA Playoffs previous records set by their 1989 team by winning their first 11 post-season games and sweeping three series in the post-season. Their playoff dominance would be bested after the first round of playoffs was extended to a best of seven format instead of the best of five in the 2003 NBA Playoffs by the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors who would go 16-1 on their way to their fifth championship. The Milwaukee Bucks won their first playoff series since 1989, made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1986 and won the division for the first time since that

neg: 2013 NBA Playoffs seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Home court advantage for the playoffs does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead the team with the better regular season record. Teams with home court advantage are shown in italics. If two teams with the same record meet in a round, standard tiebreaker rules are used. The doodle rule for determining home court advantage in the NBA Finals is head to head record followed by record vs. opposite

neg: 2012 NBA Playoffs the 1st-seeded Spurs, this marked the first time in straight seasons an 8th-seed upset a #1 seed. The 76ers suffered the same fate as the Grizzlies, forcing the next series to a Game 7 but losing on the road. Game 7 of the Lakers–Nuggets series ensured a 13th straight postseason with at least one Game 7 played. The last without one was the 1999 NBA Playoffs. The Spurs became the fourth team and first from the West to go 8–0 through the playoffs' first two rounds following the 2003 change in the first round format to 7 games. The Heat

neg: Chicago Bulls years. They finished the season with a 41–41 record. Their record was good enough to secure a No. 7 seed in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, playing a tough series against the Boston Celtics. In Game 1, Derrick Rose scored 36 points, along with 11 assists, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for most points scored by a rookie in a playoff debut. After breaking the record for most overtimes played in an NBA Playoffs Series, the Boston Celtics managed to overcome the Bulls after 7 games and 7 overtimes played. The Bulls had two first round picks in the 2009 NBA draft

neg: 1954 NBA Playoffs 1954 NBA Playoffs The 1954 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1953–54 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Minneapolis Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Syracuse Nationals 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. For the Lakers, it was their third straight NBA title, and fifth in the last six years. With the folding of the Indianapolis Olympians after the previous year's playoffs, leaving the NBA with nine teams, they resorted to a round-robin playoff format in 1954 for the only time in league history. Although the Minneapolis Lakers, Fort Wayne

neg: 2007 NBA Playoffs left of each team indicate the team's original playoffs seeding in their respective conferences. Numbers to the right of each team indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions possess an asterisk (*) This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece. The Orlando Magic's first playoff trip in 4 seasons was short lived as the top ranked Detroit Pistons dispatched the upstart Magic in 4 games. The Pistons recorded their first series sweep since sweeping Indiana in the first round of the 1990 NBA Playoffs.

neg: 2001 NBA Finals 2001 NBA Finals The 2001 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 2000–01 season. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers took on the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers for the championship, with the Lakers holding home-court advantage in a best-of-seven format. The Lakers won the series 4 games to 1. Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal was named the Most Valuable Player of the series. Allen Iverson scored 48 points in his only NBA Finals victory, as the 76ers took Game 1 107–101 in overtime, handing the Lakers their only loss of the playoffs. However, the

neg: 2016 NBA Playoffs 2016 NBA Playoffs The 2016 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 2015–16 season. The tournament ended with the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors 4 games to 3 after the Warriors led the series 3 games to 1. In the NBA Finals, LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP. The Cavaliers swept their first two series and won the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Raptors to become the fourth team in NBA history to open a post-season with 10 straight victories. They

neg: 1999 NBA Playoffs 1999 NBA Playoffs The 1999 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association’s 1998-99 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeating the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks 4 games to 1. Tim Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP. The 1999 Playoffs are memorable in that a #8 seed (the Knicks) made it to the Finals for the only time in history, and that it came after a lockout-shortened 50-game season. It also featured the Philadelphia 76ers’ and Milwaukee Bucks’ first trip to the playoffs since 1991 (coincidentally they faced each

neg: Bulls–Heat rivalry hard-fought battles featuring many fouls and ejections. The first meeting occurred in the first round of the 1992 NBA Playoffs. The Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and coached by Phil Jackson, were the defending champions and had accumulated a 67–15 record, the Central Division title, and the top seed in the East. The Heat, with Glen Rice, Steve Smith, and Rony Seikaly, reached the NBA Playoffs for the first time in franchise history with a 38–44 record, which made them the 8th seed. The Bulls swept Miami in three games en route to their second straight NBA

neg: 2006 NBA Playoffs they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Semifinals, Dallas had home court advantage in the Western Conference Finals. The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West: Teams that advanced to the next round are boldfaced; those with home court advantage are in italics. First and second-round games were televised on ABC, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2 and NBA TV in the United States and on TSN, Rogers Sportsnet, The Score, and Raptors NBA TV in Canada; some games were also televised on local or regional TV networks. The Eastern Conference finals aired exclusively on ESPN and ABC, and

neg: 1985–86 Boston Celtics season 88 combined wins). The 1985 NBA Draft took place on June 18, 1985. It was also the first NBA Draft of the "Lottery" era. The lottery was put into place so teams could not intentionally lose games to receive the number one pick. "Note: GP= Games played; REB= Rebounds; AST= Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points; AVG = Average" (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Chicago Bulls: "Celtics win series 3–0" The Celtics steamrolled through the Eastern Conference Playoffs, sweeping the Chicago Bulls 3–0 in the first round. The highlight of the first round was the second

neg: 1950–51 Minneapolis Lakers season 1950–51 Minneapolis Lakers season The 1950-51 NBA season was the franchise's third season in the NBA. In 1950–51, the NBA reduced the number of teams to 11. The Lakers continued to dominate by winning the Western Division with a 44–24 record. In the playoffs, the Lakers needed 3 games to eliminate the Indianapolis Olympians in the first round. In the Western Finals, the Lakers took Game 1, but were defeated by the Rochester Royals, who came back to win the next 3 games. "Note: GP= Games played; REB= Rebounds; AST= Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points;

neg: 2008 NBA Playoffs 2008 NBA Playoffs The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Paul Pierce was named NBA Finals MVP. The playoffs were noted for the Atlanta Hawks' return after 9 years, taking the #1 seed Celtics to 7 games before bowing out. Also notable was the debut of the Chris Paul-led Hornets in the playoffs after Hurricane Katrina and their 7-game series against defending champions San Antonio Spurs,

neg: 1961 NBA Playoffs (1) Boston Celtics vs. (1) St. Louis Hawks: "Celtics win series 4-1" 1961 NBA Playoffs The 1961 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1960-61 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Division champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Division champion St. Louis Hawks 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. The Lakers made the playoffs for the first time after moving to Los Angeles. They were one game away from their first Finals in L.A. as the St. Louis Hawks defeat them. For the Celtics, it was their third straight NBA title and fourth

neg: 1950–51 Minneapolis Lakers season AVG = Average" (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (4) Indianapolis Olympians: "Lakers win series 2-1" (1) Minneapolis Lakers vs. (2) Rochester Royals: "Royals win series 3-1" 1950–51 Minneapolis Lakers season The 1950-51 NBA season was the franchise's third season in the NBA. In 1950–51, the NBA reduced the number of teams to 11. The Lakers continued to dominate by winning the Western Division with a 44–24 record. In the playoffs, the Lakers needed 3 games to eliminate the Indianapolis Olympians in the first round. In the Western Finals, the Lakers took Game 1, but were defeated by the Rochester Royals, who

neg: 2010–11 NBA season games held at London's O2 Arena. Notes The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on Saturday April 16, and concluded on Thursday, May 26. The NBA Finals began on Tuesday, May 31, due to both conference finals ended in five games. ESPN began their playoff broadcast on April 16, and continued every Friday and Saturday thereafter, with the Sunday-Thursday schedule reserved for TNT (some Saturday first-round games apply) and NBA TV. ABC continued broadcasting early-round playoff coverage every Sunday afternoon, with select Saturday afternoon broadcasts. The first round playoff coverage was non-exclusive except for ABC-covered games, in which local sports networks (e.g.

neg: 1951–52 New York Knicks season 1951–52 New York Knicks season The 1951–52 New York Knicks season was the sixth season for the team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Knicks finished third in the Eastern Division with a 37–29 record, and advanced to the NBA Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. In the first round of the Eastern Division playoffs, the Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in a best-of-three series, two games to one, to move on to the Eastern Division Finals. New York won 3–1 in a best-of-five series with the Syracuse Nationals to reach its second straight NBA Finals. In the Finals,

neg: 1985–86 Portland Trail Blazers season in their first-round, best-of-five playoff series, three games to one. Note: This is not a complete list; only the first two rounds are covered, as well as notable post-second round picks. (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: "Nuggets win series 3–1" 1985–86 Portland Trail Blazers season The 1985–86 season was the 16th season of the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Blazers finished 40–42, sixth in the Western Conference, qualifying for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Despite their losing record, the Blazers were the only team to defeat the eventual NBA champion

neg: 1951 NBA Playoffs seasons, from 1945–46 to 1954–54 always one of the strong teams in their league. Rochester had played three seasons in the National Basketball League, winning the 1946 NBL championship and losing the Finals in 1947 and 1948. In one BAA and one NBA season, the team had won 75% of its games before losing in the second round, then first round, of the 1949 and 1950 playoffs. The 1950–51 team won more than 60% of its games, as the Royals would do for three more seasons, and participated in the club's only NBA Finals. That remains true more than 60

neg: Baron Davis the 1st No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 seed since the NBA changed the 1st round from a 5-game series to a 7-game series. It was numerically the largest upset in the history of the NBA playoffs, with the 67–15 Mavericks' regular-season win-loss record 25 games better than the 42–40 Warriors'. Davis averaged 25 points per game in the series. Steve Kerr, then television analyst, called Davis' performance in the 2007 NBA Playoffs "outrageous...stunningly athletic and creative and explosive." Davis' playoff highlights included numerous acrobatic layups, a buzzer-beating half-court three-pointer, and a memorable dunk over Andrei Kirilenko. The

neg: 1963–64 NBA season West instead. Three teams in each division made the playoffs, with the second and third place teams meeting in the first round. The division winner then met that winner in the second round to produce NBA Finalists. Only three NBA teams out of nine failed to make those playoffs. Cincinnati edged the 34–46 Philadelphia 76ers three games to two in a surprisingly close series where each team won their home games. Cincinnati, luckily, had three of them. The St. Louis Hawks beat the Lakers 3–2 along the same lines. A rested Boston club sent the Royals a clear message in

neg: Jerry West entire season, winning only 42 games, and were beaten by the Hawks in five games during the first round of the 1964 NBA Playoffs. In the following 1964–65 NBA season, West averaged 31.0 points (at the time, a career-high), only surpassed by perennial scoring champion Wilt Chamberlain. After ending the regular season with 49 wins, L.A. played the Baltimore Bullets in the first round of the 1965 NBA Playoffs, but then team captain Baylor suffered a career-threatening knee injury. West spectacularly took over Baylor's leader role, as he scored 49 points and willed the shocked Lakers to the win. In

neg: 2011–12 Philadelphia 76ers season 2011–12 Philadelphia 76ers season The 2011–12 Philadelphia 76ers season was the 73rd season of the franchise, 63rd in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the 49th in Philadelphia. The Sixers finished the regular season with a 35–31 record, earning the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and a berth in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Philadelphia faced the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the first round and won the series in six games. This marked the first time the Sixers won an NBA playoffs series since 2003, when they defeated the New Orleans Hornets in six games in the First Round. This

neg: Eddie Jones (basketball) the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs but fell to the top seeded Utah Jazz in 5 games in the conference semifinals. Jones struggled in the playoffs, as his scoring average fell to 11.2 in the postseason. In the 1997–1998 season, Jones averaged 16.9 points with 2 steals a game, and scored 15 points with 11 rebounds in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. His pesky defense also earned him a selection to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. The Lakers won 61 games and defeated Portland and Seattle in the first and second round of the playoffs.

neg: 1973 NBA Playoffs 4-1) (2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) New York Knicks: "Knicks win series 4-1" Last playoff meeting: 1972 NBA Finals (Los Angeles won 4-1) 1973 NBA Playoffs The 1973 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1972–73 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. The Knicks won their second (and most recent) NBA title. Willis Reed became the first player to be named NBA Finals MVP twice. The playoff format was modified, as only the

neg: 2009 NBA Playoffs However, they fell in 6 games to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 3 division winners and 5 other teams with the most wins from each conference qualify for the playoffs. The seedings are based on each team's record; however, a division winner is guaranteed to be ranked at least 4th, regardless of record. All series are in a best-of-7 format with the Games 1–2, 5 and 7 on the home court of the team with the better record, regardless of their seed. For the NBA Finals, the team with the better record plays Games 1–2 and

neg: 1984–85 Denver Nuggets season 1984–85 Denver Nuggets season The 1984-85 Denver Nuggets season was their 18th season, and their ninth in the NBA. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the First Round, then defeated the Utah Jazz in five games in the Semifinals, before losing to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Conference Finals. Notes (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs: "Nuggets win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Western Conference Semifinals (San Antonio won 4-1) (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Utah Jazz: "Nuggets win series 4-1" Last

neg: 2002 NBA Playoffs NBA's second three-peat in seven years. This was the first playoff meeting between the Nets and the Lakers. 2002 NBA Playoffs The 2002 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 2001–02 season. This was the final postseason that held a best-of-5 first-round series; the 2003 NBA Playoffs saw those series expand to a best-of-7 format. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets 4 games to 0. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third straight year. This year marked the return of