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| Boilerpipe Text | From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
NBA playoffs
Most recent season or competition:
2025 NBA playoffs
Sport
Basketball
Founded
1946
No. of teams
16 (postseason), 20 (including
play-in tournament
)
Most recent
champion
Oklahoma City Thunder
(2025)
Most titles
Boston Celtics
(18)
Broadcasters
United States:
ABC
/
ESPN
/
ESPN+
NBC
/
Peacock
Amazon Prime Video
Canada:
TSN
/
TSN2
Sportsnet
/
Sportsnet One
NBA TV Canada
International:
Broadcasters
Official website
National Basketball Association
The
NBA playoffs
is the annual
postseason
tournament
of the
National Basketball Association
(NBA) held after the league's regular season to determine the league champion. The playoffs date back to
1947
when the NBA was then known as the
Basketball Association of America
, and eventually expanded to the present-day four-round,
best-of-seven
tournament in
2003
. Since
2020
, it has been held after the preliminary postseason tournament, the
NBA play-in tournament
. Under the current postseason format since
2021
, six teams from each of the two conferences automatically advance to the playoffs based on regular season winning percentage, while those teams finishing seventh through tenth from each conference first compete in the play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff
seeds
. The playoffs culminate with the
NBA Finals
, where both conference champions from the
NBA conference finals
play each other.
The top six teams in both the
Eastern Conference
and
Western Conference
, ranked by winning percentage, directly advance to the playoffs. Teams ranked seventh through tenth compete in the
NBA play-in tournament
for the seventh and eighth seeds.
Officially considered separate from the NBA playoffs, the NBA play-in tournament uses a modified
Page playoff
format in which the seventh- and eighth-place teams play each other in a qualification game, with the winner being given the opportunity to play as the seventh seed of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the ninth- and tenth-place teams play each other in an elimination game, with the loser being eliminated and the winner playing the loser of the seven-eight game in a final game to determine who earns the eighth playoff seed.
[
1
]
Both conferences conduct the playoffs in the traditional bracket format. All rounds are
best-of-seven
series. Series are played in the 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, 6 and 7 being played if needed. This format has been used since
2014
, after NBA team owners unanimously voted to change the format of the NBA Finals from the 2–3–2 format on October 23, 2013. Once the playoffs start, the bracket is fixed; teams are never "
reseeded
."
[
2
]
Tiebreaker criteria
[
edit
]
If at least two teams within the same conference are tied in overall winning percentage, tiebreaker criteria are used to determine final rankings.
The tiebreaker criteria are as follows, with coin tosses (two teams) or draw of lots (at least three teams) if all of those fail:
[
3
]
Head-to-head record; better record in games with the tied teams.
Division record; better record in games against teams in its own division (Only if the teams are in the same division).
Conference record; better record in games against teams in its own conference.
Winning percentage against playoff teams in its own conference.
Winning percentage against playoff teams in the opposing conference.
Point differential in all games.
Should at least three teams tie, division leaders are given higher seeds regardless of any other criteria. Plus, once any team is eliminated from a tiebreaker, the evaluation goes back to the first step for the remaining teams. Prior to
2016
, this rule was also used for two-team ties, but only applied if the two teams have the same head-to-head record.
[
4
]
The National Basketball Association was established in 1949 by merger of the
Basketball Association of America
(BAA) and
National Basketball League
but it recognizes the three BAA seasons as part of its own history. In all of its three years the BAA champion was finally determined in a best-of-seven series but its first two tournaments, the
1947
and
1948 BAA playoffs
, were otherwise quite different from the third, which 21st-century NBA playoffs nearly match. In 1947 and 1948, the Eastern and Western Division champions were matched in a
best-of-seven
series following the regular season, whose winner advanced to the championship round. Meanwhile, four runners-up played best-of-three series to determine the other finalist: the two second-place teams were matched in one short series and the two third-place teams in another; the winners of those two series played another one. In 1947, the
Philadelphia Warriors
won the runners-up bracket and beat the Western champion
Chicago Stags
four games to one, which the NBA recognizes as its first championship; in 1948 Baltimore won the runners-up and beat Eastern champion Philadelphia in the final. Both tournaments generated one finalist from the Eastern and one from the Western Division, but only by chance.
[
5
]
In 1949, the third and last BAA tournament matched Eastern teams exclusively and Western teams exclusively, necessarily generating Eastern and Western playoff champions to meet in the final. At the same time, the number of playoff teams was increased from three to four from each Division; two rounds of best-of-three series were played, followed by a best-of-seven championship. The main idea was retained by the NBA. Even the
1950 tournament
, following a transitional season with three divisions rather than two, initially determined one playoff champion from each division. The Central champion
Minneapolis Lakers
became the first league champion under the NBA name by defeating Anderson from the West in a best-of-three, with Syracuse from the East idle, and then knocking off the
Syracuse Nationals
in six games.
[
6
]
The 1951 through 1953 playoffs changed the division finals into a
best-of-five playoff
. With only nine league members in 1953–54, the NBA cut its postseason tournament field from eight teams to six (from 1954 through 1966, the period of eight to nine league members).
Round robins
were played in 1954, uniquely in NBA history—a three-team round robin among the three playoff teams in each division. From 1955 to 1966, the first-place team in each division was idle while its two runners-up faced played a best-of-three. Division finals were expanded to best-of-seven in 1958 and division semifinals to best-of-five in 1961.
With ten league members again for the 1966–67 season, eight teams were again admitted to the tournament, providing a simple three-round knockout (8-team bracket). A year later, the division semifinals were changed to best-of-seven playoff. Then, in 1975 and 1977, respectively, a fifth and sixth team were added to each Division, necessitating an additional first round of best-of-three series.
Finally in 1984, the tournament expanded to its present 16-team, four-round knockout, and the now-complete set of first-round series was expanded to a best-of-five. In 2003 the first round was changed to also be best-of-seven.
Beginning with the 2004 season, with the addition of the 30th NBA franchise, the
Charlotte Bobcats
, the NBA realigned its divisions. The result was that each conference would have three divisions of five teams each, and the winner of each division was guaranteed a top-three playoff seed. This would change slightly after the 2005–06 season; while division winners still receive automatic playoff berths, they are guaranteed a top-
four
seed, as described below.
2006 NBA playoffs controversy
[
edit
]
The playoff format in place for the
2005
and
2006 NBA playoffs
created controversy and would be changed prior to the
2006–07 NBA season
.
[
7
]
Prior to 2004, when the NBA was aligned into two conferences with two divisions each, the division champions were guaranteed the top two seeds, and the best non-division winner was seeded third. Because of the NBA playoffs' preset matchups in the second round, this meant that the top two teams in a conference by regular season record cannot meet until the Conference Finals if they get there.
After the NBA realigned its two conferences into three divisions each, the seeding rules remained largely unchanged. The top three seeds would now be reserved for division champions. However, this meant that if the top two teams (by record) in a conference were in the same division, the division runner-up could do no better than the fourth seed. Assuming no first-round upsets, this raised the prospect that the top two teams in the conference would face each other in the conference semifinals, instead of the conference finals. In the second year of this format, the 2005–06 NBA season, the two teams with the best records in the Western Conference (and the second- and third-best records in the entire league), the
San Antonio Spurs
and
Dallas Mavericks
of the
Southwest Division
, did just that. This turn of events led to the playoff format being criticized by many.
[
7
]
In August 2006, the NBA announced a rules change. Beginning in the 2006–07 season, the top four seeds in each conference would be seeded according to their win–loss totals. This assures that the team with the second-best record in the conference will receive the second seed even if it is not a division champion, thus "guaranteeing that the top two teams in each conference cannot meet until the conference finals".
[
7
]
1947
: The playoffs were instituted with a three-stage tournament, similar to the
Stanley Cup playoffs
of the 1930s; the two first-place teams qualified directly to one semifinal where they played each other in a best-of-7 series. Teams finishing second & third qualified for the best-of-3 quarterfinals, where the two second-placed teams were paired in one quarterfinal, as were the two third-placed teams, and the two quarterfinal winners played each other in a best-of-three semifinal. The two semifinal winners played each other in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) best-of-7 final series.
Quarterfinals
Best-of-3
Semifinals
Best-of-3 (one series)
Best-of-7 (one series)
BAA finals
Best-of-7
E3
W3
W2
E2
W1
E1
There were no
byes
, or idle time, for the division champions—as there would be for higher-seeded playoff teams 1955–66 and 1975–83. All six 1947 participants played their first tournament games on Wednesday, April 2; in 1948 the two Eastern runners-up (E2, E3 in the figure) were idle for a few days only because there was a three-way Western tie to break. Both winners of the runners-up bracket, Philadelphia in 1947 and Baltimore in 1948, reached the final series having played fewer tournament games than their final opponents, Chicago in 1947 and Philadelphia in 1948, had played in the best-of-7 pairings of division champions. And both winners of the runners-up bracket won the final series. The "postseason" actually comprised 11 games played in a span of 21 days for the 1947 Chicago Stags and 13 games in 30 days for 1948 Philadelphia Warriors, the finalists who emerged from the pairing of division champions.
[
5
]
1949
: The playoffs were reorganized to match Eastern Division teams exclusively, and Western Division teams exclusively in two halves of the bracket. Thus the BAA tournament generated a playoff champion in each Division. (So did the NBA in each of three 1950 divisions, and so it has done in each half of the league since then.) The top four teams from each of the two divisions qualified. The quarterfinals and semifinals were renamed division semifinals and division finals, respectively, and both rounds were best-of-3. Thus, any playoff team might be eliminated in two games, one home game. The best-of-7 final was unchanged.
Division Semifinals
Best-of-3
Division Finals
Best-of-3
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1
E4
Eastern Division
E3
E2
W1
W4
Western Division
W2
W3
1950
: The BAA was renamed as the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a three-division setup, 12 teams now qualified for the playoffs, with the top four teams from each division meeting in the best-of-3 division semifinals. The winners met in the best-of-3 division finals. With three teams remaining, the surviving team with the best regular season record qualified directly for the finals while the other two teams met in a best-of-3 NBA semifinals.
Division Semifinals
Best-of-3
Division Finals
Best-of-3
NBA Semifinals
Best-of-3
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
C1
C4
Central Division
C3
C2
E1
E4
1
Eastern Division
3
E3
2
E2
W1
W4
Western Division
W3
W2
1951
: With the NBA reverting to a two-division setup; the division semifinals reverted to its original 1949 format with only eight teams qualifying. The division finals was extended to a best-of-5 format.
Division Semifinals
Best-of-3
Division Finals
Best-of-5
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1
E4
Eastern Division
E2
E3
W1
W4
Western Division
W2
W3
1954
: With only nine league members (soon to be eight), the number of playoff teams was cut down to six. The division semifinals was changed to a double
round-robin
format within the division, with the top three teams from each division qualifying (each team played four games). Following the round-robin games, the top two teams qualified for the best-of-three division finals, followed by the best-of-seven finals.
Division Round Robin Semifinals
Division Finals
Best-of-3
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
Eastern Division
E1
E1
E2
E2
E3
Western Division
W1
W1
W2
W2
W3
1955
: The number of playoff teams remained at six, but the initial round-robin was dropped after one year in favor of giving the first-place team in each division a bye to the best-of-five division finals. Teams which placed second and third played a best-of-three division semifinal. In 1955 the byes provided five and six extra days idle for the first-place teams.
[
8
]
1958
: The division finals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
1961
: The division semifinals were extended to a best-of-five format.
Division Semifinals
Best-of-3 (1955–1960),
Best-of-5 (1961–1966)
Division Finals
Best-of-5 (1955–1957),
Best-of-7 (1958–1966)
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
Eastern Division
E1
E2
E3
Western Division
W1
W2
W3
The 1961 to 1966 tournaments alone combined initial byes for the top seeded teams in each division with best-of-five initial series for second and third seeded teams in both divisions. The 1961 byes provided five and seven extra days idle for the first-place teams. By 1966 the schedule provided more rest for the first-round participants with byes of 11 and eight extra days idle.
[
9
]
1967
: The number of playoff teams was expanded to eight once more. The division semifinals now included the fourth-best team in each conference. The first-placed teams no longer received a bye. They were matched against the third-placed teams in the best-of-5 division semifinals, while the second-placed teams were now matched against the fourth-placed teams.
1968
: The division semifinals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
Division Semifinals
Best-of-5 (1967),
Best-of-7 (1968–1970)
Division Finals
Best-of-7 (1968–1970)
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1
E3
Eastern Division
E2
E4
W1
W3
Western Division
W2
W4
1971
: With an increased number of teams, the divisions were upgraded into conferences, which were then split into two divisions. Eight teams still qualified, four from each conference. Hence, the division semifinals and division finals came to be known as conference semifinals and conference finals, respectively. The top two teams in each division qualified as the Eastern Conference, comprising the Atlantic and Central divisions, while the Western Conference consisted of the Midwest and Pacific divisions. The first place team from one division would face the second place team of the other division within their conference. In the conference playoffs, a division winner always held home-court advantage over a second place team regardless of record.
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
A1
C2
Eastern Conference
C1
A2
M1
P2
Western Conference
P1
M2
1973
: The playoff format was modified, as only the divisional champions qualified automatically; two wild-cards were also added from each conference. Once qualification was determined, the four qualifiers were seeded 1–4 based on record; divisional position no longer mattered. The No. 1 seed then played No. 4, and No. 2 played No. 3.
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1
E4
Eastern Conference
E3
E2
W1
W4
Western Conference
W3
W2
1975
: The number of playoff teams was expanded from eight to ten. A first round was introduced which matched the fourth and fifth seeds in each conference in a best-of-3 first-round series, while the top three seeds received a bye. A similar system was used in the
MLB Playoffs
from
2012
-
2021
. Division winners did not automatically receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals.
First Round
Best-of-3
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1
E4
E5
Eastern Conference
E2
E3
W1
W4
W5
Western Conference
W2
W3
1977
: The number of playoff teams was expanded from 10 to 12. The first round now included the sixth best team in each conference, which was matched against the third seed. Only the division winners received byes to the next round.
First Round
Best-of-3
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E4
E5
Eastern Conference
E2*
E3
E6
W1*
W4
W5
Western Conference
W2*
W3
W6
The 1983 tournament is the latest to incorporate first-round byes for seeded teams. The first-round best-of-three series tapped off on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19 and 20; the second-round best-of-sevens on Sunday to the following Wednesday, April 27. Counting from Tuesday the byes provided five to eight extra days idle.
[
10
]
1984
: The playoffs were expanded from 12 teams to 16 teams. All teams now participated in the first round, which was extended to a best-of-five series.
First Round
Best-of-5
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E8
E4
E5
Eastern Conference
E3
E6
E2*
E7
W1*
W8
W4
W5
Western Conference
W3
W6
W2*
W7
2003
: The first round was extended to a best-of-seven series. This change arguably benefitted the higher seeds as it reduced the likelihood of an upset by a lower seed. It also meant that a team that swept their series 4–0 might have to wait up to two weeks to play their next series against a team that had won 4–3.
First Round
Best-of-7
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E8
E4
E5
Eastern Conference
E3
E6
E2*
E7
W1*
W8
W4
W5
Western Conference
W3
W6
W2*
W7
2005
: Each conference was realigned into three divisions with each division winner qualifying for a top-three seed regardless of record. The next best five teams from each conference also qualify for the playoffs.
First Round
Best-of-7
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E8
E4
E5
Eastern Conference
E3*
E6
E2*
E7
W1*
W8
W4
W5
Western Conference
W3*
W6
W2*
W7
2007
: To address the criticisms of having each division champion guaranteed a top-three seed, regardless of record, the rules were changed such that the division winners are now only guaranteed a top-four seed. The team with the second-best record in the conference is now guaranteed the second seed, even if it finishes second in its own division. This ensures that the two best teams in the conference will not meet until the conference finals at the earliest. The previous system raised the prospect of the two best teams in the conference being seeded 1 and 4 if they play in the same division, thus forcing them to play each other in the second round (given no upsets).
Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 2 seed and the West's No. 3 seed are not division champions.
First Round
Best-of-7
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E8
E5
E4*
Eastern Conference
E3*
E6
E2
E7
W1*
W8
W5
W4*
Western Conference
W3
W6
W2*
W7
2016
: While the playoff bracketing did not change, qualification criteria were changed. The teams with the eight best records in each conference receive playoff berths, with no automatic berths or guaranteed top-four seed placement for division champions.
Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 7 seed and the West's No. 5 seed are division champions.
First Round
Best-of-7
Conference Semifinals
Best-of-7
Conference Finals
Best-of-7
NBA Finals
Best-of-7
E1*
E8
E5
E4
Eastern Conference
E3
E6
E2*
E7*
W1*
W8
W4
W5*
Western Conference
W3
W6
W2*
W7
2020
: Beginning in 2020,
play-in games
were used to determine the final qualified team(s) in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
In the 2020 play-in format, if the ninth-place team within a conference finished the regular season within four games of the eighth-place team, they would compete in a postseason play-in series.
[
11
]
This format was used only in the Western Conference, as the No. 9
Memphis Grizzlies
finished within a half-game of the No. 8
Portland Trail Blazers
.
[
12
]
[
13
]
[
14
]
[
15
]
[
16
]
Described as a best-of-two series, the Trail Blazers, needing only one win as the higher seed, eliminated the Grizzlies in game one to advance to the playoffs.
[
17
]
2021
: In 2021, the format for the play-in games was finalized.
In 2021, the top six teams in each conference advance to the playoffs, while seventh- through tenth-placed teams qualified for a play-in tournament. The seventh- and eighth-place teams got up to two chances to win one game to qualify for the playoffs, while the ninth- and tenth-place teams needed to win two consecutive games to advance.
[
18
]
The play-in games would become a permanent part of the postseason starting in 2023.
[
19
]
No. 7 Seed and Elimination
No. 8 Seed
Final Seeds
7
W1
No. 7 Seed
8
W3
No. 8 Seed
L1
W2
9
10
W1 is Winner of 7/8 game
L1 is Loser of 7/8 game
W2 is Winner of 9/10 game
W3 is Winner of W2 / L1 game.
Playoff teams must identify their postseason rosters before the playoffs begin. They are allowed up to 15 players each and can designate two players as inactive for each game.
[
20
]
Players are eligible to be on a team's playoff roster as long as they were on the team for at least one regular season game, and were not on another NBA team's roster after March 1.
[
21
]
Prior to the 2005–06 season,
[
citation needed
]
playoff rosters were limited to 12 players who were named before the playoffs began.
[
20
]
[
22
]
Records and statistics
[
edit
]
Only six eighth-seeded teams have managed to win a series versus the number 1 seeded team:
1994 – The
Denver Nuggets
eliminated the
Seattle SuperSonics
3–2.
[
23
]
1999 – The
New York Knicks
eliminated the
Miami Heat
3–2.
[
24
]
2007 – The
Golden State Warriors
defeated the
Dallas Mavericks
4–2 in the Western Conference First Round, becoming the first 8 seed to beat a 1 seed in the best of 7 format.
[
25
]
2011 – The
Memphis Grizzlies
beat the
San Antonio Spurs
4–2.
[
26
]
2012 – The
Philadelphia 76ers
beat the
Chicago Bulls
4–2, following a torn ACL to star
Derrick Rose
.
[
27
]
2023 – The
Miami Heat
beat the
Milwaukee Bucks
4–1, becoming the first eight seed to win a playoff series after qualifying for the
NBA play-in tournament
. The Heat finished the regular season 7th in the Eastern Conference but were relegated to the eighth seed following the play-in tournament. They are also the first team to win their division but qualify for the play-in games, having won the
Southeast Division
title with the worst record, and they eventually became the lowest-seed division winner in playoff history.
[
28
]
The 1998–99 Knicks and the 2022–23 Heat are the only eighth-seeded teams to reach the NBA Finals;
[
29
]
[
30
]
no eighth-seeded team has won the NBA championship as of 2025. In addition, the Heat are the first team to reach the Finals after qualifying for the play-in tournament.
Seven seventh-seeded teams have beaten a number 2 seeded team:
1987 – The
Seattle SuperSonics
defeated the
Dallas Mavericks
3–1.
[
31
]
1989 – The
Golden State Warriors
defeated the
Utah Jazz
3–0.
[
32
]
1991 – The
Golden State Warriors
defeated the
San Antonio Spurs
3–1.
[
33
]
1998 – The
New York Knicks
defeated the
Miami Heat
3–2.
[
34
]
2010 – The
San Antonio Spurs
defeated the
Dallas Mavericks
4–2.
[
35
]
2023 – The
Los Angeles Lakers
defeated the
Memphis Grizzlies
4–2.
[
36
]
2025 – The
Golden State Warriors
defeated the
Houston Rockets
4–3.
[
37
]
[
38
]
Of the seven teams, only the 1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics and the 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers made it as far as the Conference Finals; no seventh-seeded team has advanced to the NBA Finals.
The 2022–23 Miami Heat, 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2024-2025 Golden State Warriors are the only teams to win a playoff series after qualifying for the play-in tournament. The 2023 playoffs also marked the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower won a playoff series in a single postseason, and the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower reached the Conference Finals.
The
2024–25 Miami Heat
became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after finishing 10th in their conference during the regular season. The Heat defeated the 9th-place
Chicago Bulls
109–90 and the 8th-place
Atlanta Hawks
123–114 in overtime of the play-in tournament to earn the 8th and final playoff spot.
Five teams have made the playoffs despite losing 50 or more games in a season:
1953 –
Baltimore Bullets
(16–54, .229)
1960 –
Minneapolis Lakers
(25–50, .333)
1968 –
Chicago Bulls
(29–53, .354)
1986 –
Chicago Bulls
(30–52, .366)
1988 –
San Antonio Spurs
(31–51, .378)
Of these teams, only the 1959–60 Minneapolis Lakers made it as far as the Division/Conference Finals.
The
1956–57 St. Louis Hawks
,
1958–59 Minneapolis Lakers
and the
1980–81 Houston Rockets
are the only teams with losing records (34–38, 33–39 and 40–42, respectively) to make it to the NBA Finals. All three lost to the
Boston Celtics
. In 1981, the Houston Rockets' opponent in the Western Conference Finals, the
Kansas City Kings
, also had a losing record (40–42).
The
1977–78 Washington Bullets
own the lowest win total and win percentage of any NBA championship team. The Bullets finished the season with a 44–38 (.538) record, and earned the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the Finals, they defeated the 47-win
Seattle SuperSonics
, which remain the most recent NBA Finals not to feature at least one team with 50 or more wins.
The
1994–95 Houston Rockets
, a sixth seed with a record of 47–35, are the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Finals.
[
39
]
In the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the
Orlando Magic
(57–25) in four games; in doing so, the Rockets defeated four teams that had won 50 or more games during the regular season (the
Utah Jazz
at 60–22, the
Phoenix Suns
at 59–23, the
San Antonio Spurs
at 62–20 and Orlando at 57–25), the first time a team had done so. As of now, the 1994–95 Rockets are the only team to have won an NBA title without having home-court advantage during any round of the playoffs.
There have been 17 instances in which a team won 60 or more games but failed to advance to the Conference Finals. Nine of those teams finished as the top seed in their conference.
1973 –
Milwaukee Bucks
(60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to
Golden State Warriors
)
1981 –
Milwaukee Bucks
(60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to
Philadelphia 76ers
)
1990 –
Los Angeles Lakers
(63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to
Phoenix Suns
)
1994 –
Seattle SuperSonics
(63–19, .768; lost in first round to
Denver Nuggets
)
1995 –
Utah Jazz
(60–22, .732; lost in first round to
Houston Rockets
)
1998 –
Seattle SuperSonics
(61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to
Los Angeles Lakers
)
2006 –
San Antonio Spurs
(63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to
Dallas Mavericks
)
2007 –
Dallas Mavericks
(67–15, .817; lost in first round to
Golden State Warriors
)
2007 –
Phoenix Suns
(61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to
San Antonio Spurs
)
2009 –
Boston Celtics
(62–20, .756; lost in conference semifinals to
Orlando Magic
)
2010 –
Cleveland Cavaliers
(61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to
Boston Celtics
)
2011 –
San Antonio Spurs
(61–21, .744; lost in first round to
Memphis Grizzlies
)
2013 –
Oklahoma City Thunder
(60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to
Memphis Grizzlies
)
2016 –
San Antonio Spurs
(67–15, .817; lost in conference semifinals to
Oklahoma City Thunder
)
2022 –
Phoenix Suns
(64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to
Dallas Mavericks
)
2025 –
Cleveland Cavaliers
(64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to
Indiana Pacers
)
2025 –
Boston Celtics
(61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to
New York Knicks
)
The Golden State Warriors own the longest NBA playoff winning streak for a single postseason with 15 straight wins in the 2017 playoffs.
[
40
]
Of all the teams with multiple NBA Finals appearances, the
Chicago Bulls
are the only team to have never lost in the Finals, winning six.
The
Boston Celtics
possess the most overall NBA Finals series wins with 18. The Celtics have played in 23 NBA Finals series, with an overall record of 18–5.
The longest active playoff appearance streak currently belongs to the Boston Celtics with 11 consecutive appearances in the playoffs, beginning in the 2014–15 NBA season.
[
41
]
The longest streak of playoffs appearances in a row is currently tied at 22 seasons between the San Antonio Spurs, who made it from 1997–98 season until the 2018–19 season, and the
Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers
, who made it from the 1949–50 season to the 1970–71 season.
[
42
]
As of the 2024–25 season, the longest active playoff drought belongs to the
Charlotte Hornets
, who have not made the playoffs since the 2015–16 season. The longest all-time playoff drought belongs to the
Sacramento Kings
, who went 16 seasons without making the playoffs (2006–07 through 2021–22).
The Charlotte Hornets and
New Orleans Pelicans
are the only franchises to have never played in the Conference Finals.
In
1983
, under the best of 3(bye)–7–7–7 system, the
Philadelphia 76ers
, who had a bye in the first round, attained the best record of 12–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the
Milwaukee Bucks
.
In
2001
, under the best of 5–7–7–7 system, the
Los Angeles Lakers
attained the best record of 15–1, having only lost in Game 1 of the
Finals
against the
Philadelphia 76ers
.
In
2017
, under the best of 7–7–7–7 system, the
Golden State Warriors
attained the best record of 16–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the
Finals
against the
Cleveland Cavaliers
. The Warriors and Cavaliers came into the Finals with a combined record of 24–1, with the Cavaliers having only lost in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the
Boston Celtics
.
The top four seeded teams all advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in
1980
,
1986
,
1997
,
2002
,
2004
,
2008
,
2019
and
2022
.
Every seed number from 1 to 8 advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in
2023
.
Playoff appearances
[
edit
]
Current as of the
2025 NBA playoffs
Appearances by active teams
[
edit
]
Team
Appearances
[
43
]
Los Angeles Lakers
65
[
A
]
Boston Celtics
62
Philadelphia 76ers
54
[
B
]
Atlanta Hawks
49
[
C
]
New York Knicks
46
Detroit Pistons
43
[
D
]
San Antonio Spurs
39
[
E
]
Golden State Warriors
38
[
F
]
Portland Trail Blazers
37
Milwaukee Bucks
37
Chicago Bulls
36
Houston Rockets
35
[
G
]
Oklahoma City Thunder
34
[
H
]
Phoenix Suns
33
Utah Jazz
31
[
I
]
Denver Nuggets
31
[
E
]
Washington Wizards
30
[
J
]
Sacramento Kings
30
[
K
]
Indiana Pacers
29
[
E
]
Miami Heat
26
Dallas Mavericks
25
Cleveland Cavaliers
25
Brooklyn Nets
24
[
E
]
[
L
]
Los Angeles Clippers
19
[
M
]
Orlando Magic
18
Memphis Grizzlies
14
Toronto Raptors
13
Minnesota Timberwolves
13
Charlotte Hornets
10
[
N
]
New Orleans Pelicans
9
[
N
]
^
Includes appearances as the Minneapolis Lakers (1947–1960).
^
Includes appearances as the Syracuse Nationals (1946–1963).
^
Includes appearances as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1946–1951), the Milwaukee Hawks (1951–1955), and the St. Louis Hawks (1955–1968).
^
Includes appearances as the Fort Wayne Pistons (1949–1957).
^
a
b
c
d
Does not include appearances in the
American Basketball Association
(ABA) playoffs. Per the conditions of the
ABA–NBA merger
, the NBA does not officially recognize the ABA history, playoffs and records.
^
Includes appearances as the Philadelphia Warriors (1946–1962) and the San Francisco Warriors (1962–1971).
^
Includes appearances as the San Diego Rockets (1967–1971).
^
As part of the 2008 relocation settlement with the
City of Seattle
, the Thunder officially shares its history with that of the
Seattle SuperSonics
(1967–2008).
[
44
]
^
Includes appearances as the New Orleans Jazz (1974–1979).
^
Includes appearances as the Chicago Packers (1961–1962), the Chicago Zephyrs (1962–1963), the Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973), the Capital Bullets (1973–1974), and the Washington Bullets (1974–1997).
^
Includes appearances as the Rochester Royals (1948–1957), the Cincinnati Royals (1957–1972), the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1972–1975), and the Kansas City Kings (1975–1985).
^
Includes appearances as the New Jersey Nets (1977–2012).
^
Includes appearances as the
Buffalo Braves
(1970–1978).
^
a
b
The New Orleans Pelicans were originally the Charlotte Hornets, and moved to
New Orleans
in
2002
. A new team, the Charlotte Bobcats, was then established in
2004
. The New Orleans team kept the Hornets nickname from its relocation from Charlotte until
2013
. When the Charlotte team reclaimed the Hornets name in a 2014 agreement, it also reclaimed the history and records of the original Charlotte Hornets; as such, the New Orleans Pelicans are considered established in 2002, and the Bobcats/Hornets are considered a linear franchise that was inactive from 2002 to
2004
.
[
45
]
All-time NBA playoffs table
[
edit
]
The all-time NBA playoffs table is an overall record of all match results of every team that has played in playoffs since the
1946–47 season
. The table is accurate as of the end of the
2024 NBA playoffs
.
[
46
]
Bold indicates the highest number.
Franchise
Pld
W
L
PTS
OPP PTS
DIFF PTS
CH
CT
Atlanta Hawks
390
170
220
39,190
40,314
-1,124
1
0
Boston Celtics
738
423
315
77,635
75,851
1,784
18
11
Brooklyn Nets
171
70
101
16,674
16,996
-322
2
2
Charlotte Hornets
63
23
40
5,853
6,035
-182
0
0
Chicago Bulls
349
187
162
34,079
33,716
363
6
6
Cleveland Cavaliers
246
131
115
24,191
23,884
307
1
5
Dallas Mavericks
249
118
131
25,729
25,987
-258
1
3
Denver Nuggets
242
105
137
26,025
26,475
-450
1
1
Detroit Pistons
372
189
183
35,551
35,418
133
3
5
Golden State Warriors
384
212
172
40,471
39,782
689
7
7
Houston Rockets
322
158
164
32,833
32,975
-142
2
4
Indiana Pacers
258
123
135
24,457
24,456
1
3
2
Los Angeles Clippers
153
66
87
15,999
16,161
-162
0
0
Los Angeles Lakers
782
467
315
81,308
79,460
1,848
17
19
Memphis Grizzlies
98
38
60
9,598
9,997
-399
0
0
Miami Heat
295
163
132
28,315
28,089
226
3
7
Milwaukee Bucks
312
152
160
32,595
32,387
208
2
3
Minnesota Timberwolves
79
30
49
7,715
7,962
-247
0
0
New Orleans Pelicans
59
22
37
5,647
5,909
-262
0
0
New York Knicks
404
200
204
38,489
38,932
-443
2
4
Oklahoma City Thunder
341
170
171
34,638
34,655
-17
1
4
Orlando Magic
140
62
78
13,420
13,533
-113
0
2
Philadelphia 76ers
488
251
237
50,092
50,178
-86
3
5
Phoenix Suns
324
160
164
34,340
34,395
-55
0
3
Portland Trail Blazers
274
119
155
28,112
28,769
-657
1
3
Sacramento Kings
194
83
111
19,031
19,396
-365
1
0
San Antonio Spurs
403
222
181
40,210
39,484
726
5
6
Toronto Raptors
123
57
66
12,164
12,361
-197
1
1
Utah Jazz
292
135
157
28,928
29,128
-200
0
2
Washington Wizards
237
99
138
24,097
24,426
-329
1
4
From the
2003 playoffs
to the
2025 playoffs
, coverage of the NBA playoffs have been aired nationally across
ABC
,
ESPN
,
TNT
, and
NBA TV
. Generally during the first two rounds, ABC broadcasts Sunday afternoon games, TNT has Sunday through Wednesday night games, and ESPN televises Friday night games. For Thursday night games, TNT airs games in the first round and ESPN in the second round. NBA TV generally televises selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports. Saturday first-and second-round games are split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Each team's regional broadcaster televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of weekend games on ABC. From 2024,
TruTV
aired simulcasts or alternate broadcasts of select TNT games.
The
NBA conference finals
are rotated annually, with TNT airing the Eastern Conference Finals in odd-numbered years and the Western Conference Finals in even-numbered years. ESPN then broadcasts the other conference finals series, with at least one of its weekend games airing instead on ABC. ABC has been the exclusive broadcaster of the
NBA Finals
.
As part of the new 11-year media deals that will begin with the 2026 playoffs, ABC/ESPN would broadcast about 18 games in the first two rounds each year.
NBC Sports
would have between 22 and 34 first and second-round games, either televised on NBC or streamed on Peacock. And
Amazon Prime Video
would stream between 14 and 26 first and second-round games. Under the new deals, all first round playoff games will be exclusive to the NBA's national TV partners, whereas in previous years,
regional sports networks
were allowed to broadcast preliminary round playoff games alongside the national broadcaster (except for games on over-the-air television). For the conference finals, ABC/ESPN would have one series in the first 10 years of the deal, while the other series would be rotated between NBC and Prime Video; in 2036 (the final year of the deal), NBC and Amazon would have the conference finals instead of ABC/ESPN. ABC will continue to exclusively broadcast the NBA Finals, which, dating back to
2003
, would extend the network's consecutive streak of airing the series to over 30 years.
^
"NBA play-in tournament officially returning in 2022"
.
sportsnet.ca
. Associated Press
. Retrieved
22 September
2021
.
^
"NBA owners change Finals format to 2-2-1-1-1"
.
NBA.com
. October 23, 2013. Archived from
the original
on October 30, 2013
. Retrieved
October 23,
2013
.
^
Cato, Tim (2017-04-10).
"How do NBA playoff tiebreakers work?"
.
SBNation.com
. Retrieved
2023-01-17
.
^
Griffith, Eric (2020-08-18).
"NBA Clarifies Home-Court Advantage Tiebreaker"
.
Blazer's Edge
. Retrieved
2023-01-17
.
^
a
b
"1946–47 BAA Season Summary"
.
"1947–48 BAA Season Summary"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
Select "Next Season" from the heading for 1947–48, and so on. Select "Finals" from League Playoffs for the daily schedule of the final series, and so on.
^
"1948–49 BAA Season Summary"
.
"1949–50 NBA Season Summary"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
^
a
b
c
"ESPN – NBA announces postseason seeding format change – NBA"
.
ESPN.com
. August 2, 2006
. Retrieved
January 30,
2014
.
^
"1954-55 NBA Season Summary"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
^
"1960-61 NBA Season Summary"
.
"1966-66 NBA Season Summary"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
^
"1982–83 NBA Season Summary"
. Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
^
"NBPA reps vote to approve 22-team format to finish season"
. Retrieved
June 5,
2020
.
^
"Dame, Blazers survive Nets to nab play-in berth"
.
ESPN.com
. August 14, 2020
. Retrieved
August 15,
2020
.
^
"Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies: Everything you need to know about the NBA's first ever play-in tournament"
.
CBSSports.com
. 14 August 2020
. Retrieved
2023-02-25
.
^
Loop, Nate.
"NBA Playoffs 2020: Grizzlies vs. Blazers Play-In Game Schedule, Live Stream"
.
Bleacher Report
. Retrieved
2023-02-25
.
^
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-13).
"NBA Play-in Game Rules: How Does Playoff Tournament Work in Bubble?"
.
Heavy.com
. Retrieved
2023-02-25
.
^
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-15).
"NBA Play-in Game: What Happens if Blazers-Grizzlies Win or Lose?"
.
Heavy.com
. Retrieved
2023-02-25
.
^
"Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers - Game Recap - August 15, 2020 - ESPN"
.
ESPN.com
. August 15, 2020
. Retrieved
August 15,
2020
.
^
"FAQ: NBA Play-In Tournament"
.
NBA.com
. Retrieved
April 22,
2021
.
^
"NBA adopts Play-In Tournament on full-time basis"
.
NBA.com
. Retrieved
2023-01-09
.
^
a
b
Pastuszek, Jon (April 9, 2013).
"Pastuszek: Could Yi Jianlian Help an NBA Playoff Team?"
.
SheridanHoops.com
. Archived from
the original
on July 2, 2017
. Retrieved
April 16,
2013
.
^
Helin, Kurt (March 21, 2011).
"Winderman: Still time to add good player (or Eddy Curry) to playoff roster"
.
NBCSports.com
. Archived from
the original
on August 23, 2011
. Retrieved
April 16,
2013
.
^
NBA RULES HISTORY
Archived
February 7, 2018, at the
Wayback Machine
^
"Denver Nuggets Legendary Moments: 1994 upset of Seattle SuperSonics"
.
Denver Nuggets
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"1999 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2007 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Mavericks"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2011 NBA Western Conference First Round - Grizzlies vs. Spurs"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2012 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - 76ers vs. Bulls"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2023 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Heat vs. Bucks"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
April 27,
2023
.
^
"History on This Day: Knicks become first No. 8 seed to reach NBA Finals"
.
The Rookie Wire
. June 11, 2021
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2023 NBA Eastern Conference Finals - Heat vs. Celtics"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
May 30,
2023
.
^
"1987 NBA Western Conference First Round - SuperSonics vs. Mavericks"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
April 20,
2024
.
^
"1989 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Jazz"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
April 20,
2024
.
^
"1991 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Spurs"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
April 20,
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.
^
"1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
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.
^
"2010 NBA Western Conference First Round - Spurs vs. Mavericks"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
June 22,
2021
.
^
"2023 NBA Western Conference First Round - Lakers vs. Grizzlies"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
April 20,
2024
.
^
"2025 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Rockets"
.
Basketball Reference
. Retrieved
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2025
.
^
"Warriors Advance to West Semis After Game 7 Win Over Rockets"
.
www.ussportingnews.com
. 2025-05-05
. Retrieved
2025-05-07
.
^
"ESPN.com - Page2 - Worst championship teams"
.
ESPN.com
. Retrieved
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2021
.
^
Feldman, Dan (June 5, 2017).
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.
ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
. Retrieved
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.
^
"Active Playoff Streaks for each NBA Team"
.
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. Retrieved
June 22,
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.
^
"Longest Playoffs Made Streaks in NBA History"
.
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. Retrieved
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.
^
"Franchise History"
.
NBA.com
. March 13, 2022
. Retrieved
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.
^
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.
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. August 20, 2008
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.
^
"Charlotte Hornets Name Returns to Carolinas"
. Charlotte Hornets. May 20, 2014
. Retrieved
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2014
.
^
"NBA Teams Playoffs Most Wins and Looses"
.
NBA
official website
Playoff Seeding Criteria
NBA.com
NBA Playoffs
InsideHoops.com coverage
Basketball-Reference.com
Index of NBA playoffs seasons |
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## Contents
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# NBA playoffs
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elimination tournament in the National Basketball Association
| | |
|---|---|
| **Most recent season or competition:** *[2025 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs")* | |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NBA_Playoffs_logo_\(2018\).svg) | |
| Sport | [Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball "Basketball") |
| Founded | 1946 |
| No. of teams | 16 (postseason), 20 (including [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament")) |
| Most recent champion | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") (2025) |
| Most titles | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") (18) |
| Broadcasters | **United States:** [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC")/[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN")/[ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") [NBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC "NBA on NBC")/[Peacock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacock_\(streaming_service\) "Peacock (streaming service)") [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") **Canada:** [TSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sports_Network "The Sports Network")/[TSN2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSN2 "TSN2") [Sportsnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet "Sportsnet")/[Sportsnet One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet_One "Sportsnet One") [NBA TV Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV_Canada "NBA TV Canada") **International:** [Broadcasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_broadcasters#International_broadcasters "List of current NBA broadcasters") |
| Official website | [National Basketball Association](https://www.nba.com/) |
The **NBA playoffs** is the annual [postseason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoffs "Playoffs") [tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tournament#Knockout_tournaments "Tournament") of the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA) held after the league's regular season to determine the league champion. The playoffs date back to [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") when the NBA was then known as the [Basketball Association of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Association_of_America "Basketball Association of America"), and eventually expanded to the present-day four-round, [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven "Best-of-seven") tournament in [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs"). Since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), it has been held after the preliminary postseason tournament, the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament"). Under the current postseason format since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs"), six teams from each of the two conferences automatically advance to the playoffs based on regular season winning percentage, while those teams finishing seventh through tenth from each conference first compete in the play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff [seeds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)"). The playoffs culminate with the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals"), where both conference champions from the [NBA conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") play each other.
## Format
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=1 "Edit section: Format")\]
The top six teams in both the [Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)") and [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)"), ranked by winning percentage, directly advance to the playoffs. Teams ranked seventh through tenth compete in the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") for the seventh and eighth seeds.
Officially considered separate from the NBA playoffs, the NBA play-in tournament uses a modified [Page playoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Page_playoff "Page playoff") format in which the seventh- and eighth-place teams play each other in a qualification game, with the winner being given the opportunity to play as the seventh seed of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the ninth- and tenth-place teams play each other in an elimination game, with the loser being eliminated and the winner playing the loser of the seven-eight game in a final game to determine who earns the eighth playoff seed.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-1)
Both conferences conduct the playoffs in the traditional bracket format. All rounds are [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven_playoff "Best-of-seven playoff") series. Series are played in the 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, 6 and 7 being played if needed. This format has been used since [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_NBA_season "2013–14 NBA season"), after NBA team owners unanimously voted to change the format of the NBA Finals from the 2–3–2 format on October 23, 2013. Once the playoffs start, the bracket is fixed; teams are never "[reseeded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reseeding "Reseeding")."[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-2)
### Tiebreaker criteria
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Tiebreaker criteria")\]
If at least two teams within the same conference are tied in overall winning percentage, tiebreaker criteria are used to determine final rankings.
The tiebreaker criteria are as follows, with coin tosses (two teams) or draw of lots (at least three teams) if all of those fail:[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-3)
1. Head-to-head record; better record in games with the tied teams.
2. Division record; better record in games against teams in its own division (Only if the teams are in the same division).
3. Conference record; better record in games against teams in its own conference.
4. Winning percentage against playoff teams in its own conference.
5. Winning percentage against playoff teams in the opposing conference.
6. Point differential in all games.
Should at least three teams tie, division leaders are given higher seeds regardless of any other criteria. Plus, once any team is eliminated from a tiebreaker, the evaluation goes back to the first step for the remaining teams. Prior to [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs"), this rule was also used for two-team ties, but only applied if the two teams have the same head-to-head record.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-4)
## History
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: History")\]
The National Basketball Association was established in 1949 by merger of the [Basketball Association of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Association_of_America "Basketball Association of America") (BAA) and [National Basketball League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_League_\(United_States\) "National Basketball League (United States)") but it recognizes the three BAA seasons as part of its own history. In all of its three years the BAA champion was finally determined in a best-of-seven series but its first two tournaments, the [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") and [1948 BAA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_BAA_playoffs "1948 BAA playoffs"), were otherwise quite different from the third, which 21st-century NBA playoffs nearly match. In 1947 and 1948, the Eastern and Western Division champions were matched in a [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven_playoff "Best-of-seven playoff") series following the regular season, whose winner advanced to the championship round. Meanwhile, four runners-up played best-of-three series to determine the other finalist: the two second-place teams were matched in one short series and the two third-place teams in another; the winners of those two series played another one. In 1947, the [Philadelphia Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Warriors "Philadelphia Warriors") won the runners-up bracket and beat the Western champion [Chicago Stags](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Stags "Chicago Stags") four games to one, which the NBA recognizes as its first championship; in 1948 Baltimore won the runners-up and beat Eastern champion Philadelphia in the final. Both tournaments generated one finalist from the Eastern and one from the Western Division, but only by chance.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR-5)
In 1949, the third and last BAA tournament matched Eastern teams exclusively and Western teams exclusively, necessarily generating Eastern and Western playoff champions to meet in the final. At the same time, the number of playoff teams was increased from three to four from each Division; two rounds of best-of-three series were played, followed by a best-of-seven championship. The main idea was retained by the NBA. Even the [1950 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs"), following a transitional season with three divisions rather than two, initially determined one playoff champion from each division. The Central champion [Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Lakers "Minneapolis Lakers") became the first league champion under the NBA name by defeating Anderson from the West in a best-of-three, with Syracuse from the East idle, and then knocking off the [Syracuse Nationals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_Nationals "Syracuse Nationals") in six games.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR2-6)
The 1951 through 1953 playoffs changed the division finals into a [best-of-five playoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-five_playoff "Best-of-five playoff"). With only nine league members in 1953–54, the NBA cut its postseason tournament field from eight teams to six (from 1954 through 1966, the period of eight to nine league members). [Round robins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round-robin_tournament "Round-robin tournament") were played in 1954, uniquely in NBA history—a three-team round robin among the three playoff teams in each division. From 1955 to 1966, the first-place team in each division was idle while its two runners-up faced played a best-of-three. Division finals were expanded to best-of-seven in 1958 and division semifinals to best-of-five in 1961.
With ten league members again for the 1966–67 season, eight teams were again admitted to the tournament, providing a simple three-round knockout (8-team bracket). A year later, the division semifinals were changed to best-of-seven playoff. Then, in 1975 and 1977, respectively, a fifth and sixth team were added to each Division, necessitating an additional first round of best-of-three series.
Finally in 1984, the tournament expanded to its present 16-team, four-round knockout, and the now-complete set of first-round series was expanded to a best-of-five. In 2003 the first round was changed to also be best-of-seven.
Beginning with the 2004 season, with the addition of the 30th NBA franchise, the [Charlotte Bobcats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bobcats "Charlotte Bobcats"), the NBA realigned its divisions. The result was that each conference would have three divisions of five teams each, and the winner of each division was guaranteed a top-three playoff seed. This would change slightly after the 2005–06 season; while division winners still receive automatic playoff berths, they are guaranteed a top-*four* seed, as described below.
### 2006 NBA playoffs controversy
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: 2006 NBA playoffs controversy")\]
The playoff format in place for the [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs") and [2006 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs "2006 NBA playoffs") created controversy and would be changed prior to the [2006–07 NBA season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
Prior to 2004, when the NBA was aligned into two conferences with two divisions each, the division champions were guaranteed the top two seeds, and the best non-division winner was seeded third. Because of the NBA playoffs' preset matchups in the second round, this meant that the top two teams in a conference by regular season record cannot meet until the Conference Finals if they get there.
After the NBA realigned its two conferences into three divisions each, the seeding rules remained largely unchanged. The top three seeds would now be reserved for division champions. However, this meant that if the top two teams (by record) in a conference were in the same division, the division runner-up could do no better than the fourth seed. Assuming no first-round upsets, this raised the prospect that the top two teams in the conference would face each other in the conference semifinals, instead of the conference finals. In the second year of this format, the 2005–06 NBA season, the two teams with the best records in the Western Conference (and the second- and third-best records in the entire league), the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") of the [Southwest Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Southwest Division (NBA)"), did just that. This turn of events led to the playoff format being criticized by many.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
In August 2006, the NBA announced a rules change. Beginning in the 2006–07 season, the top four seeds in each conference would be seeded according to their win–loss totals. This assures that the team with the second-best record in the conference will receive the second seed even if it is not a division champion, thus "guaranteeing that the top two teams in each conference cannot meet until the conference finals".[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
### Timeline
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Timeline")\]
- [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs"): The playoffs were instituted with a three-stage tournament, similar to the [Stanley Cup playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cup_playoffs "Stanley Cup playoffs") of the 1930s; the two first-place teams qualified directly to one semifinal where they played each other in a best-of-7 series. Teams finishing second & third qualified for the best-of-3 quarterfinals, where the two second-placed teams were paired in one quarterfinal, as were the two third-placed teams, and the two quarterfinal winners played each other in a best-of-three semifinal. The two semifinal winners played each other in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) best-of-7 final series.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Quarterfinals Best-of-3 | | | Semifinals Best-of-3 (one series) Best-of-7 (one series) | | | BAA finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | | W1 | | | | | | |
| | | | E1 | | | | | |
There were no [byes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bye_\(sports\) "Bye (sports)"), or idle time, for the division champions—as there would be for higher-seeded playoff teams 1955–66 and 1975–83. All six 1947 participants played their first tournament games on Wednesday, April 2; in 1948 the two Eastern runners-up (E2, E3 in the figure) were idle for a few days only because there was a three-way Western tie to break. Both winners of the runners-up bracket, Philadelphia in 1947 and Baltimore in 1948, reached the final series having played fewer tournament games than their final opponents, Chicago in 1947 and Philadelphia in 1948, had played in the best-of-7 pairings of division champions. And both winners of the runners-up bracket won the final series. The "postseason" actually comprised 11 games played in a span of 21 days for the 1947 Chicago Stags and 13 games in 30 days for 1948 Philadelphia Warriors, the finalists who emerged from the pairing of division champions.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR-5)
- [1949](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_BAA_playoffs "1949 BAA playoffs"): The playoffs were reorganized to match Eastern Division teams exclusively, and Western Division teams exclusively in two halves of the bracket. Thus the BAA tournament generated a playoff champion in each Division. (So did the NBA in each of three 1950 divisions, and so it has done in each half of the league since then.) The top four teams from each of the two divisions qualified. The quarterfinals and semifinals were renamed division semifinals and division finals, respectively, and both rounds were best-of-3. Thus, any playoff team might be eliminated in two games, one home game. The best-of-7 final was unchanged.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs"): The BAA was renamed as the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a three-division setup, 12 teams now qualified for the playoffs, with the top four teams from each division meeting in the best-of-3 division semifinals. The winners met in the best-of-3 division finals. With three teams remaining, the surviving team with the best regular season record qualified directly for the finals while the other two teams met in a best-of-3 NBA semifinals.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | | |
| | C1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | **Central Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | |
| | **Eastern Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | **Western Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
- [1951](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs "1951 NBA playoffs"): With the NBA reverting to a two-division setup; the division semifinals reverted to its original 1949 format with only eight teams qualifying. The division finals was extended to a best-of-5 format.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-5 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1954](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs "1954 NBA playoffs"): With only nine league members (soon to be eight), the number of playoff teams was cut down to six. The division semifinals was changed to a double [round-robin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round-robin_tournament "Round-robin tournament") format within the division, with the top three teams from each division qualifying (each team played four games). Following the round-robin games, the top two teams qualified for the best-of-three division finals, followed by the best-of-seven finals.
| | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Round Robin Semifinals | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 |
| | **[Eastern Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Division_\(NBA\) "Eastern Division (NBA)")** | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | |
| | **[Western Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Division_\(NBA\) "Western Division (NBA)")** | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | |
- [1955](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs "1955 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams remained at six, but the initial round-robin was dropped after one year in favor of giving the first-place team in each division a bye to the best-of-five division finals. Teams which placed second and third played a best-of-three division semifinal. In 1955 the byes provided five and six extra days idle for the first-place teams.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-8)
- [1958](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_NBA_playoffs "1958 NBA playoffs"): The division finals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
- [1961](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961_NBA_playoffs "1961 NBA playoffs"): The division semifinals were extended to a best-of-five format.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 (1955–1960), Best-of-5 (1961–1966) | | | Division Finals Best-of-5 (1955–1957), Best-of-7 (1958–1966) | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | | | | |
| | | Eastern Division | | | | | | | | | |
| | | E1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Western Division | | | | | | | | | |
| | | W1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
The 1961 to 1966 tournaments alone combined initial byes for the top seeded teams in each division with best-of-five initial series for second and third seeded teams in both divisions. The 1961 byes provided five and seven extra days idle for the first-place teams. By 1966 the schedule provided more rest for the first-round participants with byes of 11 and eight extra days idle.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-9)
- [1967](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs "1967 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded to eight once more. The division semifinals now included the fourth-best team in each conference. The first-placed teams no longer received a bye. They were matched against the third-placed teams in the best-of-5 division semifinals, while the second-placed teams were now matched against the fourth-placed teams.
- [1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_NBA_playoffs "1968 NBA playoffs"): The division semifinals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-5 (1967), Best-of-7 (1968–1970) | | | Division Finals Best-of-7 (1968–1970) | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
- [1971](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_NBA_playoffs "1971 NBA playoffs"): With an increased number of teams, the divisions were upgraded into conferences, which were then split into two divisions. Eight teams still qualified, four from each conference. Hence, the division semifinals and division finals came to be known as conference semifinals and conference finals, respectively. The top two teams in each division qualified as the Eastern Conference, comprising the Atlantic and Central divisions, while the Western Conference consisted of the Midwest and Pacific divisions. The first place team from one division would face the second place team of the other division within their conference. In the conference playoffs, a division winner always held home-court advantage over a second place team regardless of record.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | A1 | | | | | | | |
| | C2 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | |
| | C1 | | | | | | | |
| | A2 | | | | | | | |
| | M1 | | | | | | | |
| | P2 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | |
| | P1 | | | | | | | |
| | M2 | | | | | | | |
- [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs "1973 NBA playoffs"): The playoff format was modified, as only the divisional champions qualified automatically; two wild-cards were also added from each conference. Once qualification was determined, the four qualifiers were seeded 1–4 based on record; divisional position no longer mattered. The No. 1 seed then played No. 4, and No. 2 played No. 3.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
- [1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_NBA_playoffs "1975 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded from eight to ten. A first round was introduced which matched the fourth and fifth seeds in each conference in a best-of-3 first-round series, while the top three seeds received a bye. A similar system was used in the [MLB Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_postseason "Major League Baseball postseason") from [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Major_League_Baseball_season "2012 Major League Baseball season")\-[2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Major_League_Baseball_season "2021 Major League Baseball season"). Division winners did not automatically receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-3 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | | | | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | Eastern Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | Western Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1977](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_NBA_playoffs "1977 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded from 10 to 12. The first round now included the sixth best team in each conference, which was matched against the third seed. Only the division winners received byes to the next round.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-3 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | | | | E1\* | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | Eastern Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | E2\* | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W1\* | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | Western Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | W2\* | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
The 1983 tournament is the latest to incorporate first-round byes for seeded teams. The first-round best-of-three series tapped off on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19 and 20; the second-round best-of-sevens on Sunday to the following Wednesday, April 27. Counting from Tuesday the byes provided five to eight extra days idle.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-10)
- [1984](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs "1984 NBA playoffs"): The playoffs were expanded from 12 teams to 16 teams. All teams now participated in the first round, which was extended to a best-of-five series.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-5 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs"): The first round was extended to a best-of-seven series. This change arguably benefitted the higher seeds as it reduced the likelihood of an upset by a lower seed. It also meant that a team that swept their series 4–0 might have to wait up to two weeks to play their next series against a team that had won 4–3.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs"): Each conference was realigned into three divisions with each division winner qualifying for a top-three seed regardless of record. The next best five teams from each conference also qualify for the playoffs.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs"): To address the criticisms of having each division champion guaranteed a top-three seed, regardless of record, the rules were changed such that the division winners are now only guaranteed a top-four seed. The team with the second-best record in the conference is now guaranteed the second seed, even if it finishes second in its own division. This ensures that the two best teams in the conference will not meet until the conference finals at the earliest. The previous system raised the prospect of the two best teams in the conference being seeded 1 and 4 if they play in the same division, thus forcing them to play each other in the second round (given no upsets).
- Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 2 seed and the West's No. 3 seed are not division champions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs"): While the playoff bracketing did not change, qualification criteria were changed. The teams with the eight best records in each conference receive playoff berths, with no automatic berths or guaranteed top-four seed placement for division champions.
- Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 7 seed and the West's No. 5 seed are division champions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"): Beginning in 2020, [play-in games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play-in_game "Play-in game") were used to determine the final qualified team(s) in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
In the 2020 play-in format, if the ninth-place team within a conference finished the regular season within four games of the eighth-place team, they would compete in a postseason play-in series.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-nbapa-11) This format was used only in the Western Conference, as the No. 9 [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2019–20 Memphis Grizzlies season") finished within a half-game of the No. 8 [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2019–20 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-13)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-14)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-16) Described as a best-of-two series, the Trail Blazers, needing only one win as the higher seed, eliminated the Grizzlies in game one to advance to the playoffs.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-17)
- [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%E2%80%9321_NBA_season "2020–21 NBA season"): In 2021, the format for the play-in games was finalized.
In 2021, the top six teams in each conference advance to the playoffs, while seventh- through tenth-placed teams qualified for a play-in tournament. The seventh- and eighth-place teams got up to two chances to win one game to qualify for the playoffs, while the ninth- and tenth-place teams needed to win two consecutive games to advance.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-18) The play-in games would become a permanent part of the postseason starting in 2023.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-19)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **No. 7 Seed and Elimination** | | | **No. 8 Seed** | | | **Final Seeds** | | | | |
| | 7 | | | | W1 | | No. 7 Seed | | | | |
| | 8 | | | | | | | | W3 | | No. 8 Seed |
| | | L1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | W2 | | | | | | | | |
| | 9 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 10 | | | | | | | | | | |
W1 is Winner of 7/8 game
L1 is Loser of 7/8 game
W2 is Winner of 9/10 game
W3 is Winner of W2 / L1 game.
## Team rosters
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: Team rosters")\]
Playoff teams must identify their postseason rosters before the playoffs begin. They are allowed up to 15 players each and can designate two players as inactive for each game.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-pastuszek-20) Players are eligible to be on a team's playoff roster as long as they were on the team for at least one regular season game, and were not on another NBA team's roster after March 1.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-21) Prior to the 2005–06 season,\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] playoff rosters were limited to 12 players who were named before the playoffs began.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-pastuszek-20)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-22)
## Records and statistics
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Records and statistics")\]
- Only six eighth-seeded teams have managed to win a series versus the number 1 seeded team:
- 1994 – The [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Denver_Nuggets_season "1993–94 Denver Nuggets season") eliminated the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1993–94 Seattle SuperSonics season") 3–2.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-23)
- 1999 – The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_New_York_Knicks_season "1998–99 New York Knicks season") eliminated the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Miami_Heat_season "1998–99 Miami Heat season") 3–2.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-24)
- 2007 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2006–07 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2006–07 Dallas Mavericks season") 4–2 in the Western Conference First Round, becoming the first 8 seed to beat a 1 seed in the best of 7 format.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-25)
- 2011 – The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season") beat the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season") 4–2.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-26)
- 2012 – The [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2011–12 Philadelphia 76ers season") beat the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Chicago_Bulls_season "2011–12 Chicago Bulls season") 4–2, following a torn ACL to star [Derrick Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Rose "Derrick Rose").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-27)
- 2023 – The [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Miami_Heat_season "2022–23 Miami Heat season") beat the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2022–23 Milwaukee Bucks season") 4–1, becoming the first eight seed to win a playoff series after qualifying for the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament"). The Heat finished the regular season 7th in the Eastern Conference but were relegated to the eighth seed following the play-in tournament. They are also the first team to win their division but qualify for the play-in games, having won the [Southeast Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Division_\(NBA\) "Southeast Division (NBA)") title with the worst record, and they eventually became the lowest-seed division winner in playoff history.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-28)
- The 1998–99 Knicks and the 2022–23 Heat are the only eighth-seeded teams to reach the NBA Finals;[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-29)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-30) no eighth-seeded team has won the NBA championship as of 2025. In addition, the Heat are the first team to reach the Finals after qualifying for the play-in tournament.
- Seven seventh-seeded teams have beaten a number 2 seeded team:
- 1987 – The [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Dallas_Mavericks_season "1986–87 Dallas Mavericks season") 3–1.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-31)
- 1989 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988%E2%80%9389_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1988–89 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988%E2%80%9389_Utah_Jazz_season "1988–89 Utah Jazz season") 3–0.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-32)
- 1991 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990%E2%80%9391_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1990–91 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990%E2%80%9391_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1990–91 San Antonio Spurs season") 3–1.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-33)
- 1998 – The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_New_York_Knicks_season "1997–98 New York Knicks season") defeated the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Miami_Heat_season "1997–98 Miami Heat season") 3–2.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-34)
- 2010 – The [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2009–10 San Antonio Spurs season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2009–10 Dallas Mavericks season") 4–2.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-35)
- 2023 – The [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season") defeated the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2022–23 Memphis Grizzlies season") 4–2.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-36)
- 2025 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") 4–3.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-37)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-38)
- Of the seven teams, only the 1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics and the 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers made it as far as the Conference Finals; no seventh-seeded team has advanced to the NBA Finals.
- The 2022–23 Miami Heat, 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2024-2025 Golden State Warriors are the only teams to win a playoff series after qualifying for the play-in tournament. The 2023 playoffs also marked the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower won a playoff series in a single postseason, and the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower reached the Conference Finals.
- The [2024–25 Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after finishing 10th in their conference during the regular season. The Heat defeated the 9th-place [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") 109–90 and the 8th-place [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") 123–114 in overtime of the play-in tournament to earn the 8th and final playoff spot.
- Five teams have made the playoffs despite losing 50 or more games in a season:
- 1953 – [Baltimore Bullets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952%E2%80%9353_Baltimore_Bullets_season "1952–53 Baltimore Bullets season") (16–54, .229)
- 1960 – [Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1959%E2%80%9360_Minneapolis_Lakers_season "1959–60 Minneapolis Lakers season") (25–50, .333)
- 1968 – [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967%E2%80%9368_Chicago_Bulls_season "1967–68 Chicago Bulls season") (29–53, .354)
- 1986 – [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985%E2%80%9386_Chicago_Bulls_season "1985–86 Chicago Bulls season") (30–52, .366)
- 1988 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987%E2%80%9388_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1987–88 San Antonio Spurs season") (31–51, .378)
- Of these teams, only the 1959–60 Minneapolis Lakers made it as far as the Division/Conference Finals.
- The [1956–57 St. Louis Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956%E2%80%9357_St._Louis_Hawks_season "1956–57 St. Louis Hawks season"), [1958–59 Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958%E2%80%9359_Minneapolis_Lakers_season "1958–59 Minneapolis Lakers season") and the [1980–81 Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Houston_Rockets_season "1980–81 Houston Rockets season") are the only teams with losing records (34–38, 33–39 and 40–42, respectively) to make it to the NBA Finals. All three lost to the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics"). In 1981, the Houston Rockets' opponent in the Western Conference Finals, the [Kansas City Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Kansas_City_Kings_season "1980–81 Kansas City Kings season"), also had a losing record (40–42).
- The [1977–78 Washington Bullets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_Washington_Bullets_season "1977–78 Washington Bullets season") own the lowest win total and win percentage of any NBA championship team. The Bullets finished the season with a 44–38 (.538) record, and earned the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the Finals, they defeated the 47-win [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1977–78 Seattle SuperSonics season"), which remain the most recent NBA Finals not to feature at least one team with 50 or more wins.
- The [1994–95 Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Houston_Rockets_season "1994–95 Houston Rockets season"), a sixth seed with a record of 47–35, are the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Finals.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-39) In the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Orlando_Magic_season "1994–95 Orlando Magic season") (57–25) in four games; in doing so, the Rockets defeated four teams that had won 50 or more games during the regular season (the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Utah_Jazz_season "1994–95 Utah Jazz season") at 60–22, the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Phoenix_Suns_season "1994–95 Phoenix Suns season") at 59–23, the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1994–95 San Antonio Spurs season") at 62–20 and Orlando at 57–25), the first time a team had done so. As of now, the 1994–95 Rockets are the only team to have won an NBA title without having home-court advantage during any round of the playoffs.
- There have been 17 instances in which a team won 60 or more games but failed to advance to the Conference Finals. Nine of those teams finished as the top seed in their conference.
- 1973 – [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972%E2%80%9373_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1972–73 Milwaukee Bucks season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972%E2%80%9373_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1972–73 Golden State Warriors season"))
- 1981 – [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1980–81 Milwaukee Bucks season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Philadelphia_76ers_season "1980–81 Philadelphia 76ers season"))
- 1990 – [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1989–90 Los Angeles Lakers season") (63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Phoenix_Suns_season "1989–90 Phoenix Suns season"))
- 1994 – [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1993–94 Seattle SuperSonics season") (63–19, .768; lost in first round to [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Denver_Nuggets_season "1993–94 Denver Nuggets season"))
- 1995 – [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Utah_Jazz_season "1994–95 Utah Jazz season") (60–22, .732; lost in first round to [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Houston_Rockets_season "1994–95 Houston Rockets season"))
- 1998 – [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1997–98 Seattle SuperSonics season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season"))
- 2006 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2005–06 San Antonio Spurs season") (63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2005–06 Dallas Mavericks season"))
- 2007 – [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2006–07 Dallas Mavericks season") (67–15, .817; lost in first round to [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2006–07 Golden State Warriors season"))
- 2007 – [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Phoenix_Suns_season "2006–07 Phoenix Suns season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season"))
- 2009 – [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Boston_Celtics_season "2008–09 Boston Celtics season") (62–20, .756; lost in conference semifinals to [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Orlando_Magic_season "2008–09 Orlando Magic season"))
- 2010 – [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2009–10 Cleveland Cavaliers season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season"))
- 2011 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season") (61–21, .744; lost in first round to [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season"))
- 2013 – [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2012–13 Oklahoma City Thunder season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2012–13 Memphis Grizzlies season"))
- 2016 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2015–16 San Antonio Spurs season") (67–15, .817; lost in conference semifinals to [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder season"))
- 2022 – [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Phoenix_Suns_season "2021–22 Phoenix Suns season") (64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2021–22 Dallas Mavericks season"))
- 2025 – [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") (64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season"))
- 2025 – [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season"))
- The Golden State Warriors own the longest NBA playoff winning streak for a single postseason with 15 straight wins in the 2017 playoffs.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-40)
- Of all the teams with multiple NBA Finals appearances, the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls") are the only team to have never lost in the Finals, winning six.
- The [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") possess the most overall NBA Finals series wins with 18. The Celtics have played in 23 NBA Finals series, with an overall record of 18–5.
- The longest active playoff appearance streak currently belongs to the Boston Celtics with 11 consecutive appearances in the playoffs, beginning in the 2014–15 NBA season.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-41) The longest streak of playoffs appearances in a row is currently tied at 22 seasons between the San Antonio Spurs, who made it from 1997–98 season until the 2018–19 season, and the [Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers"), who made it from the 1949–50 season to the 1970–71 season.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-42)
- As of the 2024–25 season, the longest active playoff drought belongs to the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets"), who have not made the playoffs since the 2015–16 season. The longest all-time playoff drought belongs to the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings"), who went 16 seasons without making the playoffs (2006–07 through 2021–22).
- The Charlotte Hornets and [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans") are the only franchises to have never played in the Conference Finals.
- In [1983](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_NBA_playoffs "1983 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 3(bye)–7–7–7 system, the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982%E2%80%9383_Philadelphia_76ers_season "1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season"), who had a bye in the first round, attained the best record of 12–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982%E2%80%9383_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1982–83 Milwaukee Bucks season").
- In [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 5–7–7–7 system, the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season") attained the best record of 15–1, having only lost in Game 1 of the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals") against the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2000–01 Philadelphia 76ers season").
- In [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 7–7–7–7 system, the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2016–17 Golden State Warriors season") attained the best record of 16–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_Finals "2017 NBA Finals") against the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2016–17 Cleveland Cavaliers season"). The Warriors and Cavaliers came into the Finals with a combined record of 24–1, with the Cavaliers having only lost in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Boston_Celtics_season "2016–17 Boston Celtics season").
- The top four seeded teams all advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in [1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_NBA_playoffs "1980 NBA playoffs"), [1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_NBA_playoffs "1986 NBA playoffs"), [1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_playoffs "1997 NBA playoffs"), [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs"), [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs"), [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs") and [2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_playoffs "2022 NBA playoffs").
- Every seed number from 1 to 8 advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs").
## Playoff appearances
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: Playoff appearances")\]
*Current as of the [2025 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs")*
### Appearances by active teams
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Appearances by active teams")\]
| Team | Appearances[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-43) |
|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") | 65[\[A\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-b-44) |
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") | 62 |
| [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers") | 54[\[B\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-c-45) |
| [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Hawks "Atlanta Hawks") | 49[\[C\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-d-46) |
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") | 46 |
| [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") | 43[\[D\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-e-47) |
| [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") | 39[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") | 38[\[F\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-f-49) |
| [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers") | 37 |
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") | 37 |
| [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls") | 36 |
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") | 35[\[G\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-h-50) |
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") | 34[\[H\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-i-52) |
| [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns "Phoenix Suns") | 33 |
| [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Jazz "Utah Jazz") | 31[\[I\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-k-53) |
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") | 31[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") | 30[\[J\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-j-54) |
| [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings") | 30[\[K\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-g-55) |
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") | 29[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") | 26 |
| [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") | 25 |
| [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") | 25 |
| [Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets "Brooklyn Nets") | 24[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48)[\[L\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-l-56) |
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") | 19[\[M\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-m-57) |
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") | 18 |
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") | 14 |
| [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors") | 13 |
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") | 13 |
| [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets") | 10[\[N\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-n-59) |
| [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans") | 9[\[N\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-n-59) |
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-b_44-0)** Includes appearances as the Minneapolis Lakers (1947–1960).
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-c_45-0)** Includes appearances as the Syracuse Nationals (1946–1963).
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-d_46-0)** Includes appearances as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1946–1951), the Milwaukee Hawks (1951–1955), and the St. Louis Hawks (1955–1968).
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-e_47-0)** Includes appearances as the Fort Wayne Pistons (1949–1957).
5. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-3) Does not include appearances in the [American Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Basketball_Association "American Basketball Association") (ABA) playoffs. Per the conditions of the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger"), the NBA does not officially recognize the ABA history, playoffs and records.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-f_49-0)** Includes appearances as the Philadelphia Warriors (1946–1962) and the San Francisco Warriors (1962–1971).
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-h_50-0)** Includes appearances as the San Diego Rockets (1967–1971).
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-i_52-0)** As part of the 2008 relocation settlement with the [City of Seattle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Seattle "City of Seattle"), the Thunder officially shares its history with that of the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics") (1967–2008).[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-51)
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-k_53-0)** Includes appearances as the New Orleans Jazz (1974–1979).
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-j_54-0)** Includes appearances as the Chicago Packers (1961–1962), the Chicago Zephyrs (1962–1963), the Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973), the Capital Bullets (1973–1974), and the Washington Bullets (1974–1997).
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-g_55-0)** Includes appearances as the Rochester Royals (1948–1957), the Cincinnati Royals (1957–1972), the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1972–1975), and the Kansas City Kings (1975–1985).
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-l_56-0)** Includes appearances as the New Jersey Nets (1977–2012).
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-m_57-0)** Includes appearances as the [Buffalo Braves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Braves "Buffalo Braves") (1970–1978).
14. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-n_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-n_59-1) The New Orleans Pelicans were originally the Charlotte Hornets, and moved to [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans") in [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"). A new team, the Charlotte Bobcats, was then established in [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NBA_season "2004–05 NBA season"). The New Orleans team kept the Hornets nickname from its relocation from Charlotte until [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_NBA_season "2013–14 NBA season"). When the Charlotte team reclaimed the Hornets name in a 2014 agreement, it also reclaimed the history and records of the original Charlotte Hornets; as such, the New Orleans Pelicans are considered established in 2002, and the Bobcats/Hornets are considered a linear franchise that was inactive from 2002 to [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season").[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-58)
## All-time NBA playoffs table
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: All-time NBA playoffs table")\]
The all-time NBA playoffs table is an overall record of all match results of every team that has played in playoffs since the [1946–47 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1946%E2%80%9347_BAA_season "1946–47 BAA season"). The table is accurate as of the end of the [2024 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs").[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-60) Bold indicates the highest number.
| Franchise | Pld | W | L | PTS | OPP PTS | DIFF PTS | CH | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **[Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Hawks "Atlanta Hawks")** | 390 | 170 | 220 | 39,190 | 40,314 | \-1,124 | 1 | 0 |
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** | 738 | 423 | 315 | 77,635 | 75,851 | 1,784 | **18** | 11 |
| **[Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets "Brooklyn Nets")** | 171 | 70 | 101 | 16,674 | 16,996 | \-322 | 2 | 2 |
| **[Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets")** | 63 | 23 | 40 | 5,853 | 6,035 | \-182 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls")** | 349 | 187 | 162 | 34,079 | 33,716 | 363 | 6 | 6 |
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** | 246 | 131 | 115 | 24,191 | 23,884 | 307 | 1 | 5 |
| **[Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks")** | 249 | 118 | 131 | 25,729 | 25,987 | \-258 | 1 | 3 |
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** | 242 | 105 | 137 | 26,025 | 26,475 | \-450 | 1 | 1 |
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** | 372 | 189 | 183 | 35,551 | 35,418 | 133 | 3 | 5 |
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** | 384 | 212 | 172 | 40,471 | 39,782 | 689 | 7 | 7 |
| **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** | 322 | 158 | 164 | 32,833 | 32,975 | \-142 | 2 | 4 |
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** | 258 | 123 | 135 | 24,457 | 24,456 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** | 153 | 66 | 87 | 15,999 | 16,161 | \-162 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** | **782** | **467** | **315** | **81,308** | **79,460** | **1,848** | 17 | **19** |
| **[Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies")** | 98 | 38 | 60 | 9,598 | 9,997 | \-399 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat")** | 295 | 163 | 132 | 28,315 | 28,089 | 226 | 3 | 7 |
| **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** | 312 | 152 | 160 | 32,595 | 32,387 | 208 | 2 | 3 |
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** | 79 | 30 | 49 | 7,715 | 7,962 | \-247 | 0 | 0 |
| **[New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans")** | 59 | 22 | 37 | 5,647 | 5,909 | \-262 | 0 | 0 |
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** | 404 | 200 | 204 | 38,489 | 38,932 | \-443 | 2 | 4 |
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** | 341 | 170 | 171 | 34,638 | 34,655 | \-17 | 1 | 4 |
| **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** | 140 | 62 | 78 | 13,420 | 13,533 | \-113 | 0 | 2 |
| **[Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers")** | 488 | 251 | 237 | 50,092 | 50,178 | \-86 | 3 | 5 |
| **[Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns "Phoenix Suns")** | 324 | 160 | 164 | 34,340 | 34,395 | \-55 | 0 | 3 |
| **[Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers")** | 274 | 119 | 155 | 28,112 | 28,769 | \-657 | 1 | 3 |
| **[Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings")** | 194 | 83 | 111 | 19,031 | 19,396 | \-365 | 1 | 0 |
| **[San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs")** | 403 | 222 | 181 | 40,210 | 39,484 | 726 | 5 | 6 |
| **[Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors")** | 123 | 57 | 66 | 12,164 | 12,361 | \-197 | 1 | 1 |
| **[Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Jazz "Utah Jazz")** | 292 | 135 | 157 | 28,928 | 29,128 | \-200 | 0 | 2 |
| **[Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards")** | 237 | 99 | 138 | 24,097 | 24,426 | \-329 | 1 | 4 |
## Media coverage
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=11 "Edit section: Media coverage")\]
See also: [NBA on television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_television "NBA on television")
| | |
|---|---|
|  | |
| | |
|  | This section **appears to be [slanted towards recent events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Recentism "Wikipedia:Recentism").** Please try to keep recent events in historical perspective and [add more content](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit) related to non-recent events. *(August 2025)* |
| | |
| [![\[icon\]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg/60px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This section **needs expansion** with: more details about the media coverage prior to 2003. You can help by [adding missing information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=). *(August 2025)* |
From the [2003 playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs") to the [2025 playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs"), coverage of the NBA playoffs have been aired nationally across [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV"). Generally during the first two rounds, ABC broadcasts Sunday afternoon games, TNT has Sunday through Wednesday night games, and ESPN televises Friday night games. For Thursday night games, TNT airs games in the first round and ESPN in the second round. NBA TV generally televises selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports. Saturday first-and second-round games are split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Each team's regional broadcaster televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of weekend games on ABC. From 2024, [TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") aired simulcasts or alternate broadcasts of select TNT games.
The [NBA conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") are rotated annually, with TNT airing the Eastern Conference Finals in odd-numbered years and the Western Conference Finals in even-numbered years. ESPN then broadcasts the other conference finals series, with at least one of its weekend games airing instead on ABC. ABC has been the exclusive broadcaster of the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals").
As part of the new 11-year media deals that will begin with the 2026 playoffs, ABC/ESPN would broadcast about 18 games in the first two rounds each year. [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC_Sports "NBA on NBC Sports") would have between 22 and 34 first and second-round games, either televised on NBC or streamed on Peacock. And [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") would stream between 14 and 26 first and second-round games. Under the new deals, all first round playoff games will be exclusive to the NBA's national TV partners, whereas in previous years, [regional sports networks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_sports_network "Regional sports network") were allowed to broadcast preliminary round playoff games alongside the national broadcaster (except for games on over-the-air television). For the conference finals, ABC/ESPN would have one series in the first 10 years of the deal, while the other series would be rotated between NBC and Prime Video; in 2036 (the final year of the deal), NBC and Amazon would have the conference finals instead of ABC/ESPN. ABC will continue to exclusively broadcast the NBA Finals, which, dating back to [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_Finals "2003 NBA Finals"), would extend the network's consecutive streak of airing the series to over 30 years.
## References
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: References")\]
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-1)**
["NBA play-in tournament officially returning in 2022"](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/nba-play-tournament-officially-returning-2022/). *sportsnet.ca*. Associated Press. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-2)**
["NBA owners change Finals format to 2-2-1-1-1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131030061032/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/23/nba-board-of-governors-format-change.ap). *NBA.com*. October 23, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/23/nba-board-of-governors-format-change.ap/) on October 30, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-3)**
Cato, Tim (2017-04-10). ["How do NBA playoff tiebreakers work?"](https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2017/4/10/15246620/nba-playoffs-tiebreaker-rules-how-do-work). *SBNation.com*. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-4)**
Griffith, Eric (2020-08-18). ["NBA Clarifies Home-Court Advantage Tiebreaker"](https://www.blazersedge.com/2020/8/18/21374204/nba-clarifies-home-court-advantage-tiebreaker-rockets-thunder-blazers-grizzlies). *Blazer's Edge*. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
5. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR_5-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR_5-1) ["1946–47 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1947.html).
["1947–48 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1948.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
Select "Next Season" from the heading for 1947–48, and so on. Select "Finals" from League Playoffs for the daily schedule of the final series, and so on.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR2_6-0)** ["1948–49 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1949.html).
["1949–50 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1950.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-2)
["ESPN – NBA announces postseason seeding format change – NBA"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2537369). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. August 2, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-8)** ["1954-55 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1955.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-9)** ["1960-61 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1961.html).
["1966-66 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1966.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-10)** ["1982–83 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1983.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-nbapa_11-0)**
["NBPA reps vote to approve 22-team format to finish season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29272443). Retrieved June 5, 2020.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-12)**
["Dame, Blazers survive Nets to nab play-in berth"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29658229). *ESPN.com*. August 14, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-13)**
["Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies: Everything you need to know about the NBA's first ever play-in tournament"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/trail-blazers-vs-grizzlies-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-nbas-first-ever-play-in-tournament/). *CBSSports.com*. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-14)**
Loop, Nate. ["NBA Playoffs 2020: Grizzlies vs. Blazers Play-In Game Schedule, Live Stream"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2904720-nba-playoffs-2020-grizzlies-vs-blazers-play-in-game-schedule-live-stream). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-15)**
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-13). ["NBA Play-in Game Rules: How Does Playoff Tournament Work in Bubble?"](https://heavy.com/sports/2020/08/nba-play-in-game-tournament-rules-bubble-playoff/). *Heavy.com*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-16)**
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-15). ["NBA Play-in Game: What Happens if Blazers-Grizzlies Win or Lose?"](https://heavy.com/sports/2020/08/nba-play-in-game-grizzlies-blazers-lose-win/). *Heavy.com*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-17)**
["Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers - Game Recap - August 15, 2020 - ESPN"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401236333). *ESPN.com*. August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
18. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-18)**
["FAQ: NBA Play-In Tournament"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-play-in-tournament). *NBA.com*. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-19)**
["NBA adopts Play-In Tournament on full-time basis"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-adopts-play-in-tournament-on-full-time-basis). *NBA.com*. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
20. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-pastuszek_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-pastuszek_20-1)
Pastuszek, Jon (April 9, 2013). ["Pastuszek: Could Yi Jianlian Help an NBA Playoff Team?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170702130352/http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2013/04/09/pastuszek-could-yi-jianlian-help-an-nba-playoff-team/). *SheridanHoops.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2013/04/09/pastuszek-could-yi-jianlian-help-an-nba-playoff-team/) on July 2, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-21)**
Helin, Kurt (March 21, 2011). ["Winderman: Still time to add good player (or Eddy Curry) to playoff roster"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110823043851/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/21/winderman-still-time-to-add-good-player-or-eddy-curry-to-playoff-roster/). *NBCSports.com*. Archived from [the original](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/21/winderman-still-time-to-add-good-player-or-eddy-curry-to-playoff-roster/) on August 23, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-22)** [NBA RULES HISTORY](https://cdn.nba.net/nba-drupal-prod/nba-rules-changes-history.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180207201635/https://cdn.nba.net/nba-drupal-prod/nba-rules-changes-history.pdf) February 7, 2018, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-23)**
["Denver Nuggets Legendary Moments: 1994 upset of Seattle SuperSonics"](https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/nuggets-legendary-moment-1994-sonics-050720). *Denver Nuggets*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-24)**
["1999 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1999-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-knicks-vs-heat.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-25)**
["2007 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Mavericks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2007-nba-western-conference-first-round-warriors-vs-mavericks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-26)**
["2011 NBA Western Conference First Round - Grizzlies vs. Spurs"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2011-nba-western-conference-first-round-grizzlies-vs-spurs.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-27)**
["2012 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - 76ers vs. Bulls"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2012-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-76ers-vs-bulls.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-28)**
["2023 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Heat vs. Bucks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2023-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-heat-vs-bucks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-29)**
["History on This Day: Knicks become first No. 8 seed to reach NBA Finals"](https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2021/06/11/nba-finals-eighth-seed-new-york-knicks/). *The Rookie Wire*. June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-30)**
["2023 NBA Eastern Conference Finals - Heat vs. Celtics"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2023-nba-eastern-conference-finals-heat-vs-celtics.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-31)**
["1987 NBA Western Conference First Round - SuperSonics vs. Mavericks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1987-nba-western-conference-first-round-supersonics-vs-mavericks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-32)**
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33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-33)**
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34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-34)**
["1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-knicks-vs-heat.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-35)**
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36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-36)**
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37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-37)**
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38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-38)**
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39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-39)**
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Feldman, Dan (June 5, 2017). ["Warriors break NBA record for longest playoff winning streak"](https://nba.nbcsports.com/2017/06/05/warriors-break-nba-record-for-longest-playoff-winning-streak/). *ProBasketballTalk \| NBC Sports*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-41)**
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42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-42)**
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43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-43)**
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44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-51)**
["Details of settlement between Bennett, Seattle revealed"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3545175). *ESPN.com*. August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-58)**
["Charlotte Hornets Name Returns to Carolinas"](https://www.nba.com/hornets/charlotte-hornets-name-returns-carolinas). Charlotte Hornets. May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-60)**
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## External links
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: External links")\]
- [NBA](https://www.nba.com/) official website
- [Playoff Seeding Criteria](https://web.archive.org/web/20070517052236/http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html) NBA.com
- [NBA Playoffs](http://www.insidehoops.com/playoffs.shtml) InsideHoops.com coverage
- [Basketball-Reference.com](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/) Index of NBA playoffs seasons
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_playoffs "Template:NBA playoffs") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_playoffs "Template talk:NBA playoffs") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_playoffs "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA playoffs")[NBA playoffs]() | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [List of playoff series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_playoff_series "List of NBA playoff series") [Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") [60 Greatest Playoff Moments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_60_Greatest_Playoff_Moments "NBA 60 Greatest Playoff Moments") [Game sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens") [Streaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_postseason_streaks "List of NBA franchise postseason streaks") [Droughts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_postseason_droughts "List of NBA franchise postseason droughts") [Records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_postseason_records "List of NBA postseason records") [Scoring Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders") [Assists Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_assists_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff assists leaders") [3 Pt Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff 3-point scoring leaders") [Rebound Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_rebounding_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff rebounding leaders") | | | | | | | | | |
| 1940s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") | [1948](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_BAA_playoffs "1948 BAA playoffs") | [1949](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_BAA_playoffs "1949 BAA playoffs") |
| 1950s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs") | [1951](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs "1951 NBA playoffs") | [1952](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_NBA_playoffs "1952 NBA playoffs") | [1953](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_NBA_playoffs "1953 NBA playoffs") | [1954](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs "1954 NBA playoffs") | [1955](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs "1955 NBA playoffs") | [1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_NBA_playoffs "1956 NBA playoffs") | [1957](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_NBA_playoffs "1957 NBA playoffs") | [1958](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_NBA_playoffs "1958 NBA playoffs") | [1959](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1959_NBA_playoffs "1959 NBA playoffs") |
| 1960s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1960](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_NBA_playoffs "1960 NBA playoffs") | [1961](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961_NBA_playoffs "1961 NBA playoffs") | [1962](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1962_NBA_playoffs "1962 NBA playoffs") | [1963](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_NBA_playoffs "1963 NBA playoffs") | [1964](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_NBA_playoffs "1964 NBA playoffs") | [1965](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965_NBA_playoffs "1965 NBA playoffs") | [1966](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_NBA_playoffs "1966 NBA playoffs") | [1967](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs "1967 NBA playoffs") | [1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_NBA_playoffs "1968 NBA playoffs") | [1969](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_playoffs "1969 NBA playoffs") |
| 1970s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1970](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_NBA_playoffs "1970 NBA playoffs") | [1971](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_NBA_playoffs "1971 NBA playoffs") | [1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs "1972 NBA playoffs") | [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs "1973 NBA playoffs") | [1974](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_NBA_playoffs "1974 NBA playoffs") | [1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_NBA_playoffs "1975 NBA playoffs") | [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_NBA_playoffs "1976 NBA playoffs") | [1977](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_NBA_playoffs "1977 NBA playoffs") | [1978](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs "1978 NBA playoffs") | [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_playoffs "1979 NBA playoffs") |
| 1980s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_NBA_playoffs "1980 NBA playoffs") | [1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_NBA_playoffs "1981 NBA playoffs") | [1982](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_NBA_playoffs "1982 NBA playoffs") | [1983](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_NBA_playoffs "1983 NBA playoffs") | [1984](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs "1984 NBA playoffs") | [1985](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_NBA_playoffs "1985 NBA playoffs") | [1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_NBA_playoffs "1986 NBA playoffs") | [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs "1987 NBA playoffs") | [1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs "1988 NBA playoffs") | [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs") |
| 1990s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs "1990 NBA playoffs") | [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs") | [1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs "1992 NBA playoffs") | [1993](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_NBA_playoffs "1993 NBA playoffs") | [1994](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs "1994 NBA playoffs") | [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs "1995 NBA playoffs") | [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_playoffs "1996 NBA playoffs") | [1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_playoffs "1997 NBA playoffs") | [1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs") | [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs "1999 NBA playoffs") |
| 2000s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs "2000 NBA playoffs") | [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs") | [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs") | [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs") | [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs") | [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs") | [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs "2006 NBA playoffs") | [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs") | [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs") | [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs") |
| 2010s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs") | [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs "2011 NBA playoffs") | [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_playoffs "2012 NBA playoffs") | [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs "2013 NBA playoffs") | [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs") | [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs "2015 NBA playoffs") | [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs") | [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs") | [2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs "2018 NBA playoffs") | [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs") |
| 2020s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") | [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs") | [2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_playoffs "2022 NBA playoffs") | [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs") | [2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") | [2025](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs") | [2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_playoffs "2026 NBA playoffs") | | | |
| See also: [WNBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNBA_playoffs "WNBA playoffs") | | | | | | | | | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:National_Basketball_Association "Template:National Basketball Association") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:National_Basketball_Association "Template talk:National Basketball Association") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:National_Basketball_Association "Special:EditPage/Template:National Basketball Association")[National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") | |
|---|---|
| [Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)") | |
| | |
| [Atlantic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Division_\(NBA\) "Atlantic Division (NBA)") | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") [Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets "Brooklyn Nets") [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers") [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors") |
| [Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Division_\(NBA\) "Central Division (NBA)") | [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls") [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") |
| [Southeast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Division_\(NBA\) "Southeast Division (NBA)") | [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Hawks "Atlanta Hawks") [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets") [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") |
| [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)") | |
| | |
| [Northwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Northwest Division (NBA)") | [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers") [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Jazz "Utah Jazz") |
| [Pacific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") | [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns "Phoenix Suns") [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings") |
| [Southwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Southwest Division (NBA)") | [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans") [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") |
| Annual events | [Draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_draft "NBA draft") [eligibility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eligibility_for_the_NBA_draft "Eligibility for the NBA draft") [Summer League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Summer_League "NBA Summer League") [Christmas games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games "NBA Christmas games") [All-Star weekend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_weekend "NBA All-Star weekend") [game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game "NBA All-Star Game") [Global Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Global_Games "NBA Global Games") [Cup tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Cup "NBA Cup") [Play-in](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") [Playoffs]() [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_playoff_series "List of NBA playoff series") [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") [champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_champions "List of NBA champions") |
| History | Predecessors [BAA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Association_of_America "Basketball Association of America") [NBL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_League_\(United_States\) "National Basketball League (United States)") [ABA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Basketball_Association "American Basketball Association") [merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Basketball_Association%E2%80%93National_Basketball_Association_merger "American Basketball Association–National Basketball Association merger") [dispersal draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_ABA_dispersal_draft "1976 ABA dispersal draft") [Walter A. Brown Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_A._Brown_Trophy "Walter A. Brown Trophy") [Criticisms and controversies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_criticisms_and_controversies "NBA criticisms and controversies") [Malice at the Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malice_at_the_Palace "Malice at the Palace") [Donaghy betting scandal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_betting_scandal "2007 NBA betting scandal") [2025 gambling prosecution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_illegal_gambling_prosecution "2025 NBA illegal gambling prosecution") Antitrust cases *[Haywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haywood_v._National_Basketball_Association "Haywood v. National Basketball Association")* *[Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_v._National_Basketball_Ass%27n "Robertson v. National Basketball Ass'n")* [Lockouts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_lockout "NBA lockout") Former divisions [Eastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Division_\(NBA\) "Eastern Division (NBA)") [Midwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Midwest Division (NBA)") [Western](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Division_\(NBA\) "Western Division (NBA)") Teams [defunct](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_NBA_teams "List of defunct NBA teams") [expansion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_of_the_NBA "Expansion of the NBA") [relocated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_relocated_NBA_teams "List of relocated NBA teams") [timeline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_NBA "Timeline of the NBA") [Seasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_seasons "List of NBA seasons") [2019–20 suspension](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_of_the_2019%E2%80%9320_NBA_season "Suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season") and [bubble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Bubble "2020 NBA Bubble") Records [regular season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_regular_season_records "List of NBA regular season records") [postseason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_post-season_records "List of NBA post-season records") [All-Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_All-Star_Game_records "List of NBA All-Star Game records") [win–loss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_all-time_NBA_win%E2%80%93loss_records "List of all-time NBA win–loss records") |
| People | [Players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_NBA_players "Lists of NBA players") current rosters [Eastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_Eastern_Conference_team_rosters "List of current NBA Eastern Conference team rosters") [Western](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_Western_Conference_team_rosters "List of current NBA Western Conference team rosters") [foreign players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_players_born_outside_the_United_States "List of NBA players born outside the United States") [race and ethnicity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_and_ethnicity_in_the_NBA "Race and ethnicity in the NBA") [first overall draft picks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_first_overall_NBA_draft_picks "List of first overall NBA draft picks") [highest paid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-paid_NBA_players_by_season "List of highest-paid NBA players by season") [banned or suspended](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_banned_or_suspended_by_the_NBA "List of people banned or suspended by the NBA") [NBPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Players_Association "National Basketball Players Association") [Head coaches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_head_coaches_with_500_games_coached "List of NBA head coaches with 500 games coached") [current](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_head_coaches "List of current NBA head coaches") [player-coaches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_player-coaches "List of NBA player-coaches") [champions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_championship_head_coaches "List of NBA championship head coaches") [foreign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_NBA_coaches "List of foreign NBA coaches") [female](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_female_NBA_coaches "List of female NBA coaches") [NBCA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Coaches_Association "National Basketball Coaches Association") [Owners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_team_owners "List of NBA team owners") [Referees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_referees "List of NBA referees") [NBRA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Referees_Association "National Basketball Referees Association") [Commissioner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commissioner_of_the_NBA "Commissioner of the NBA") [Broadcasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_broadcasters "List of current NBA broadcasters") |
| [Awards and honors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_awards "List of NBA awards") | [Larry O'Brien Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_O%27Brien_Championship_Trophy "Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy") [Maurice Podoloff Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Podoloff_Trophy "Maurice Podoloff Trophy") [All-NBA Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-NBA_Team "All-NBA Team") [MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") [Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") [All-Star MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_All-Star_Game_Kobe_Bryant_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player") [Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naismith_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame") [Members](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_members_of_the_Naismith_Memorial_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame "List of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame") [Anniversary teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_anniversary_teams "NBA anniversary teams") [Retired numbers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_retired_numbers "List of NBA retired numbers") |
| Others | Arenas [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_arenas "List of NBA arenas") [ABA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_Basketball_Association_arenas "List of American Basketball Association arenas") Business [collective bargaining agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_collective_bargaining_agreement "NBA collective bargaining agreement") [jersey sponsors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_jersey_sponsors "List of NBA jersey sponsors") [*Motorola* lawsuit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Ass%27n_v._Motorola,_Inc. "National Basketball Ass'n v. Motorola, Inc.") [salary cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_salary_cap "NBA salary cap") [NBA Store](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Store "NBA Store") [team valuations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_teams_by_valuation "List of NBA teams by valuation") Culture [mascots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_mascots "List of National Basketball Association mascots") [rivalries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_rivalries "List of NBA rivalries") [cheerleading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_cheerleading "NBA cheerleading") [dress code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_dress_code "NBA dress code") [sleep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_in_the_NBA "Sleep in the NBA") [superteams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superteams_in_the_NBA "Superteams in the NBA") [Pride Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Night#National_Basketball_Association "Pride Night") [G League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_G_League "NBA G League") Media [TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_television "NBA on television") [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") [NBA Academy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Academy "NBA Academy") [NBA Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Africa "NBA Africa") [Rivalries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_rivalries "List of NBA rivalries") [WNBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_National_Basketball_Association "Women's National Basketball Association") |
|  [Basketball portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Basketball "Portal:Basketball")  [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_Basketball_Association "Category:National Basketball Association") [2025–26 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season "2025–26 NBA season") | |
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[Categories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category "Help:Category"):
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NBA playoffs
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| Readable Markdown | From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| | |
|---|---|
| **Most recent season or competition:** *[2025 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs")* | |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NBA_Playoffs_logo_\(2018\).svg) | |
| Sport | [Basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball "Basketball") |
| Founded | 1946 |
| No. of teams | 16 (postseason), 20 (including [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament")) |
| Most recent champion | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") (2025) |
| Most titles | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") (18) |
| Broadcasters | **United States:** [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC")/[ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN")/[ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") [NBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC "NBA on NBC")/[Peacock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacock_\(streaming_service\) "Peacock (streaming service)") [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") **Canada:** [TSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sports_Network "The Sports Network")/[TSN2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSN2 "TSN2") [Sportsnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet "Sportsnet")/[Sportsnet One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet_One "Sportsnet One") [NBA TV Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV_Canada "NBA TV Canada") **International:** [Broadcasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NBA_broadcasters#International_broadcasters "List of current NBA broadcasters") |
| Official website | [National Basketball Association](https://www.nba.com/) |
The **NBA playoffs** is the annual [postseason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoffs "Playoffs") [tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tournament#Knockout_tournaments "Tournament") of the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") (NBA) held after the league's regular season to determine the league champion. The playoffs date back to [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") when the NBA was then known as the [Basketball Association of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Association_of_America "Basketball Association of America"), and eventually expanded to the present-day four-round, [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven "Best-of-seven") tournament in [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs"). Since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), it has been held after the preliminary postseason tournament, the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament"). Under the current postseason format since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs"), six teams from each of the two conferences automatically advance to the playoffs based on regular season winning percentage, while those teams finishing seventh through tenth from each conference first compete in the play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff [seeds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)"). The playoffs culminate with the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals"), where both conference champions from the [NBA conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") play each other.
The top six teams in both the [Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)") and [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)"), ranked by winning percentage, directly advance to the playoffs. Teams ranked seventh through tenth compete in the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") for the seventh and eighth seeds.
Officially considered separate from the NBA playoffs, the NBA play-in tournament uses a modified [Page playoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Page_playoff "Page playoff") format in which the seventh- and eighth-place teams play each other in a qualification game, with the winner being given the opportunity to play as the seventh seed of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the ninth- and tenth-place teams play each other in an elimination game, with the loser being eliminated and the winner playing the loser of the seven-eight game in a final game to determine who earns the eighth playoff seed.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-1)
Both conferences conduct the playoffs in the traditional bracket format. All rounds are [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven_playoff "Best-of-seven playoff") series. Series are played in the 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, 6 and 7 being played if needed. This format has been used since [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_NBA_season "2013–14 NBA season"), after NBA team owners unanimously voted to change the format of the NBA Finals from the 2–3–2 format on October 23, 2013. Once the playoffs start, the bracket is fixed; teams are never "[reseeded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reseeding "Reseeding")."[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-2)
### Tiebreaker criteria
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Tiebreaker criteria")\]
If at least two teams within the same conference are tied in overall winning percentage, tiebreaker criteria are used to determine final rankings.
The tiebreaker criteria are as follows, with coin tosses (two teams) or draw of lots (at least three teams) if all of those fail:[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-3)
1. Head-to-head record; better record in games with the tied teams.
2. Division record; better record in games against teams in its own division (Only if the teams are in the same division).
3. Conference record; better record in games against teams in its own conference.
4. Winning percentage against playoff teams in its own conference.
5. Winning percentage against playoff teams in the opposing conference.
6. Point differential in all games.
Should at least three teams tie, division leaders are given higher seeds regardless of any other criteria. Plus, once any team is eliminated from a tiebreaker, the evaluation goes back to the first step for the remaining teams. Prior to [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs"), this rule was also used for two-team ties, but only applied if the two teams have the same head-to-head record.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-4)
The National Basketball Association was established in 1949 by merger of the [Basketball Association of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_Association_of_America "Basketball Association of America") (BAA) and [National Basketball League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_League_\(United_States\) "National Basketball League (United States)") but it recognizes the three BAA seasons as part of its own history. In all of its three years the BAA champion was finally determined in a best-of-seven series but its first two tournaments, the [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") and [1948 BAA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_BAA_playoffs "1948 BAA playoffs"), were otherwise quite different from the third, which 21st-century NBA playoffs nearly match. In 1947 and 1948, the Eastern and Western Division champions were matched in a [best-of-seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-seven_playoff "Best-of-seven playoff") series following the regular season, whose winner advanced to the championship round. Meanwhile, four runners-up played best-of-three series to determine the other finalist: the two second-place teams were matched in one short series and the two third-place teams in another; the winners of those two series played another one. In 1947, the [Philadelphia Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Warriors "Philadelphia Warriors") won the runners-up bracket and beat the Western champion [Chicago Stags](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Stags "Chicago Stags") four games to one, which the NBA recognizes as its first championship; in 1948 Baltimore won the runners-up and beat Eastern champion Philadelphia in the final. Both tournaments generated one finalist from the Eastern and one from the Western Division, but only by chance.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR-5)
In 1949, the third and last BAA tournament matched Eastern teams exclusively and Western teams exclusively, necessarily generating Eastern and Western playoff champions to meet in the final. At the same time, the number of playoff teams was increased from three to four from each Division; two rounds of best-of-three series were played, followed by a best-of-seven championship. The main idea was retained by the NBA. Even the [1950 tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs"), following a transitional season with three divisions rather than two, initially determined one playoff champion from each division. The Central champion [Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Lakers "Minneapolis Lakers") became the first league champion under the NBA name by defeating Anderson from the West in a best-of-three, with Syracuse from the East idle, and then knocking off the [Syracuse Nationals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_Nationals "Syracuse Nationals") in six games.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR2-6)
The 1951 through 1953 playoffs changed the division finals into a [best-of-five playoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best-of-five_playoff "Best-of-five playoff"). With only nine league members in 1953–54, the NBA cut its postseason tournament field from eight teams to six (from 1954 through 1966, the period of eight to nine league members). [Round robins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round-robin_tournament "Round-robin tournament") were played in 1954, uniquely in NBA history—a three-team round robin among the three playoff teams in each division. From 1955 to 1966, the first-place team in each division was idle while its two runners-up faced played a best-of-three. Division finals were expanded to best-of-seven in 1958 and division semifinals to best-of-five in 1961.
With ten league members again for the 1966–67 season, eight teams were again admitted to the tournament, providing a simple three-round knockout (8-team bracket). A year later, the division semifinals were changed to best-of-seven playoff. Then, in 1975 and 1977, respectively, a fifth and sixth team were added to each Division, necessitating an additional first round of best-of-three series.
Finally in 1984, the tournament expanded to its present 16-team, four-round knockout, and the now-complete set of first-round series was expanded to a best-of-five. In 2003 the first round was changed to also be best-of-seven.
Beginning with the 2004 season, with the addition of the 30th NBA franchise, the [Charlotte Bobcats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Bobcats "Charlotte Bobcats"), the NBA realigned its divisions. The result was that each conference would have three divisions of five teams each, and the winner of each division was guaranteed a top-three playoff seed. This would change slightly after the 2005–06 season; while division winners still receive automatic playoff berths, they are guaranteed a top-*four* seed, as described below.
### 2006 NBA playoffs controversy
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: 2006 NBA playoffs controversy")\]
The playoff format in place for the [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs") and [2006 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs "2006 NBA playoffs") created controversy and would be changed prior to the [2006–07 NBA season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_NBA_season "2006–07 NBA season").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
Prior to 2004, when the NBA was aligned into two conferences with two divisions each, the division champions were guaranteed the top two seeds, and the best non-division winner was seeded third. Because of the NBA playoffs' preset matchups in the second round, this meant that the top two teams in a conference by regular season record cannot meet until the Conference Finals if they get there.
After the NBA realigned its two conferences into three divisions each, the seeding rules remained largely unchanged. The top three seeds would now be reserved for division champions. However, this meant that if the top two teams (by record) in a conference were in the same division, the division runner-up could do no better than the fourth seed. Assuming no first-round upsets, this raised the prospect that the top two teams in the conference would face each other in the conference semifinals, instead of the conference finals. In the second year of this format, the 2005–06 NBA season, the two teams with the best records in the Western Conference (and the second- and third-best records in the entire league), the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") of the [Southwest Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Southwest Division (NBA)"), did just that. This turn of events led to the playoff format being criticized by many.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
In August 2006, the NBA announced a rules change. Beginning in the 2006–07 season, the top four seeds in each conference would be seeded according to their win–loss totals. This assures that the team with the second-best record in the conference will receive the second seed even if it is not a division champion, thus "guaranteeing that the top two teams in each conference cannot meet until the conference finals".[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Seeding-7)
- [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs"): The playoffs were instituted with a three-stage tournament, similar to the [Stanley Cup playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cup_playoffs "Stanley Cup playoffs") of the 1930s; the two first-place teams qualified directly to one semifinal where they played each other in a best-of-7 series. Teams finishing second & third qualified for the best-of-3 quarterfinals, where the two second-placed teams were paired in one quarterfinal, as were the two third-placed teams, and the two quarterfinal winners played each other in a best-of-three semifinal. The two semifinal winners played each other in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) best-of-7 final series.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Quarterfinals Best-of-3 | | | Semifinals Best-of-3 (one series) Best-of-7 (one series) | | | BAA finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | | W1 | | | | | | |
| | | | E1 | | | | | |
There were no [byes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bye_\(sports\) "Bye (sports)"), or idle time, for the division champions—as there would be for higher-seeded playoff teams 1955–66 and 1975–83. All six 1947 participants played their first tournament games on Wednesday, April 2; in 1948 the two Eastern runners-up (E2, E3 in the figure) were idle for a few days only because there was a three-way Western tie to break. Both winners of the runners-up bracket, Philadelphia in 1947 and Baltimore in 1948, reached the final series having played fewer tournament games than their final opponents, Chicago in 1947 and Philadelphia in 1948, had played in the best-of-7 pairings of division champions. And both winners of the runners-up bracket won the final series. The "postseason" actually comprised 11 games played in a span of 21 days for the 1947 Chicago Stags and 13 games in 30 days for 1948 Philadelphia Warriors, the finalists who emerged from the pairing of division champions.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BBR-5)
- [1949](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_BAA_playoffs "1949 BAA playoffs"): The playoffs were reorganized to match Eastern Division teams exclusively, and Western Division teams exclusively in two halves of the bracket. Thus the BAA tournament generated a playoff champion in each Division. (So did the NBA in each of three 1950 divisions, and so it has done in each half of the league since then.) The top four teams from each of the two divisions qualified. The quarterfinals and semifinals were renamed division semifinals and division finals, respectively, and both rounds were best-of-3. Thus, any playoff team might be eliminated in two games, one home game. The best-of-7 final was unchanged.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs"): The BAA was renamed as the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a three-division setup, 12 teams now qualified for the playoffs, with the top four teams from each division meeting in the best-of-3 division semifinals. The winners met in the best-of-3 division finals. With three teams remaining, the surviving team with the best regular season record qualified directly for the finals while the other two teams met in a best-of-3 NBA semifinals.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | | |
| | C1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | **Central Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | C2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | |
| | **Eastern Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | **Western Division** | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | | | | | |
- [1951](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs "1951 NBA playoffs"): With the NBA reverting to a two-division setup; the division semifinals reverted to its original 1949 format with only eight teams qualifying. The division finals was extended to a best-of-5 format.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 | | | Division Finals Best-of-5 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1954](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs "1954 NBA playoffs"): With only nine league members (soon to be eight), the number of playoff teams was cut down to six. The division semifinals was changed to a double [round-robin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round-robin_tournament "Round-robin tournament") format within the division, with the top three teams from each division qualifying (each team played four games). Following the round-robin games, the top two teams qualified for the best-of-three division finals, followed by the best-of-seven finals.
| | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Round Robin Semifinals | | | Division Finals Best-of-3 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 |
| | **[Eastern Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Division_\(NBA\) "Eastern Division (NBA)")** | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | |
| | E1 | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | |
| | **[Western Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Division_\(NBA\) "Western Division (NBA)")** | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | |
- [1955](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs "1955 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams remained at six, but the initial round-robin was dropped after one year in favor of giving the first-place team in each division a bye to the best-of-five division finals. Teams which placed second and third played a best-of-three division semifinal. In 1955 the byes provided five and six extra days idle for the first-place teams.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-8)
- [1958](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_NBA_playoffs "1958 NBA playoffs"): The division finals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
- [1961](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961_NBA_playoffs "1961 NBA playoffs"): The division semifinals were extended to a best-of-five format.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-3 (1955–1960), Best-of-5 (1961–1966) | | | Division Finals Best-of-5 (1955–1957), Best-of-7 (1958–1966) | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | | | | |
| | | Eastern Division | | | | | | | | | |
| | | E1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Western Division | | | | | | | | | |
| | | W1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
The 1961 to 1966 tournaments alone combined initial byes for the top seeded teams in each division with best-of-five initial series for second and third seeded teams in both divisions. The 1961 byes provided five and seven extra days idle for the first-place teams. By 1966 the schedule provided more rest for the first-round participants with byes of 11 and eight extra days idle.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-9)
- [1967](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs "1967 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded to eight once more. The division semifinals now included the fourth-best team in each conference. The first-placed teams no longer received a bye. They were matched against the third-placed teams in the best-of-5 division semifinals, while the second-placed teams were now matched against the fourth-placed teams.
- [1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_NBA_playoffs "1968 NBA playoffs"): The division semifinals was extended to a best-of-seven format.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Division Semifinals Best-of-5 (1967), Best-of-7 (1968–1970) | | | Division Finals Best-of-7 (1968–1970) | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Division | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Division | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
- [1971](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_NBA_playoffs "1971 NBA playoffs"): With an increased number of teams, the divisions were upgraded into conferences, which were then split into two divisions. Eight teams still qualified, four from each conference. Hence, the division semifinals and division finals came to be known as conference semifinals and conference finals, respectively. The top two teams in each division qualified as the Eastern Conference, comprising the Atlantic and Central divisions, while the Western Conference consisted of the Midwest and Pacific divisions. The first place team from one division would face the second place team of the other division within their conference. In the conference playoffs, a division winner always held home-court advantage over a second place team regardless of record.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | A1 | | | | | | | |
| | C2 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | |
| | C1 | | | | | | | |
| | A2 | | | | | | | |
| | M1 | | | | | | | |
| | P2 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | |
| | P1 | | | | | | | |
| | M2 | | | | | | | |
- [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs "1973 NBA playoffs"): The playoff format was modified, as only the divisional champions qualified automatically; two wild-cards were also added from each conference. Once qualification was determined, the four qualifiers were seeded 1–4 based on record; divisional position no longer mattered. The No. 1 seed then played No. 4, and No. 2 played No. 3.
| | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | |
| | W2 | | | | | | | |
- [1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_NBA_playoffs "1975 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded from eight to ten. A first round was introduced which matched the fourth and fifth seeds in each conference in a best-of-3 first-round series, while the top three seeds received a bye. A similar system was used in the [MLB Playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_postseason "Major League Baseball postseason") from [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Major_League_Baseball_season "2012 Major League Baseball season")\-[2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Major_League_Baseball_season "2021 Major League Baseball season"). Division winners did not automatically receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-3 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | | | | E1 | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | Eastern Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | E2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | E3 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W1 | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | Western Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | W2 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W3 | | | | | | | |
- [1977](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_NBA_playoffs "1977 NBA playoffs"): The number of playoff teams was expanded from 10 to 12. The first round now included the sixth best team in each conference, which was matched against the third seed. Only the division winners received byes to the next round.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-3 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | | | | E1\* | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | Eastern Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | E2\* | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | W1\* | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | Western Conference | | | | | |
| | | | | W2\* | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
The 1983 tournament is the latest to incorporate first-round byes for seeded teams. The first-round best-of-three series tapped off on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19 and 20; the second-round best-of-sevens on Sunday to the following Wednesday, April 27. Counting from Tuesday the byes provided five to eight extra days idle.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-10)
- [1984](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs "1984 NBA playoffs"): The playoffs were expanded from 12 teams to 16 teams. All teams now participated in the first round, which was extended to a best-of-five series.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-5 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs"): The first round was extended to a best-of-seven series. This change arguably benefitted the higher seeds as it reduced the likelihood of an upset by a lower seed. It also meant that a team that swept their series 4–0 might have to wait up to two weeks to play their next series against a team that had won 4–3.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs"): Each conference was realigned into three divisions with each division winner qualifying for a top-three seed regardless of record. The next best five teams from each conference also qualify for the playoffs.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs"): To address the criticisms of having each division champion guaranteed a top-three seed, regardless of record, the rules were changed such that the division winners are now only guaranteed a top-four seed. The team with the second-best record in the conference is now guaranteed the second seed, even if it finishes second in its own division. This ensures that the two best teams in the conference will not meet until the conference finals at the earliest. The previous system raised the prospect of the two best teams in the conference being seeded 1 and 4 if they play in the same division, thus forcing them to play each other in the second round (given no upsets).
- Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 2 seed and the West's No. 3 seed are not division champions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs"): While the playoff bracketing did not change, qualification criteria were changed. The teams with the eight best records in each conference receive playoff berths, with no automatic berths or guaranteed top-four seed placement for division champions.
- Note: In the example below, both the East's No. 7 seed and the West's No. 5 seed are division champions.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | First Round Best-of-7 | | | Conference Semifinals Best-of-7 | | | Conference Finals Best-of-7 | | | NBA Finals Best-of-7 | |
| | E1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Eastern Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | E7\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W1\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W4 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W5\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Western Conference | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W3 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W2\* | | | | | | | | | | |
| | W7 | | | | | | | | | | |
- [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"): Beginning in 2020, [play-in games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play-in_game "Play-in game") were used to determine the final qualified team(s) in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
In the 2020 play-in format, if the ninth-place team within a conference finished the regular season within four games of the eighth-place team, they would compete in a postseason play-in series.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-nbapa-11) This format was used only in the Western Conference, as the No. 9 [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2019–20 Memphis Grizzlies season") finished within a half-game of the No. 8 [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2019–20 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-13)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-14)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-16) Described as a best-of-two series, the Trail Blazers, needing only one win as the higher seed, eliminated the Grizzlies in game one to advance to the playoffs.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-17)
- [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%E2%80%9321_NBA_season "2020–21 NBA season"): In 2021, the format for the play-in games was finalized.
In 2021, the top six teams in each conference advance to the playoffs, while seventh- through tenth-placed teams qualified for a play-in tournament. The seventh- and eighth-place teams got up to two chances to win one game to qualify for the playoffs, while the ninth- and tenth-place teams needed to win two consecutive games to advance.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-18) The play-in games would become a permanent part of the postseason starting in 2023.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-19)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **No. 7 Seed and Elimination** | | | **No. 8 Seed** | | | **Final Seeds** | | | | |
| | 7 | | | | W1 | | No. 7 Seed | | | | |
| | 8 | | | | | | | | W3 | | No. 8 Seed |
| | | L1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | W2 | | | | | | | | |
| | 9 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 10 | | | | | | | | | | |
W1 is Winner of 7/8 game
L1 is Loser of 7/8 game
W2 is Winner of 9/10 game
W3 is Winner of W2 / L1 game.
Playoff teams must identify their postseason rosters before the playoffs begin. They are allowed up to 15 players each and can designate two players as inactive for each game.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-pastuszek-20) Players are eligible to be on a team's playoff roster as long as they were on the team for at least one regular season game, and were not on another NBA team's roster after March 1.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-21) Prior to the 2005–06 season,\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] playoff rosters were limited to 12 players who were named before the playoffs began.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-pastuszek-20)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-22)
## Records and statistics
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Records and statistics")\]
- Only six eighth-seeded teams have managed to win a series versus the number 1 seeded team:
- 1994 – The [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Denver_Nuggets_season "1993–94 Denver Nuggets season") eliminated the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1993–94 Seattle SuperSonics season") 3–2.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-23)
- 1999 – The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_New_York_Knicks_season "1998–99 New York Knicks season") eliminated the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_Miami_Heat_season "1998–99 Miami Heat season") 3–2.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-24)
- 2007 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2006–07 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2006–07 Dallas Mavericks season") 4–2 in the Western Conference First Round, becoming the first 8 seed to beat a 1 seed in the best of 7 format.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-25)
- 2011 – The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season") beat the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season") 4–2.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-26)
- 2012 – The [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2011–12 Philadelphia 76ers season") beat the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Chicago_Bulls_season "2011–12 Chicago Bulls season") 4–2, following a torn ACL to star [Derrick Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Rose "Derrick Rose").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-27)
- 2023 – The [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Miami_Heat_season "2022–23 Miami Heat season") beat the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2022–23 Milwaukee Bucks season") 4–1, becoming the first eight seed to win a playoff series after qualifying for the [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament"). The Heat finished the regular season 7th in the Eastern Conference but were relegated to the eighth seed following the play-in tournament. They are also the first team to win their division but qualify for the play-in games, having won the [Southeast Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Division_\(NBA\) "Southeast Division (NBA)") title with the worst record, and they eventually became the lowest-seed division winner in playoff history.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-28)
- The 1998–99 Knicks and the 2022–23 Heat are the only eighth-seeded teams to reach the NBA Finals;[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-29)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-30) no eighth-seeded team has won the NBA championship as of 2025. In addition, the Heat are the first team to reach the Finals after qualifying for the play-in tournament.
- Seven seventh-seeded teams have beaten a number 2 seeded team:
- 1987 – The [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Dallas_Mavericks_season "1986–87 Dallas Mavericks season") 3–1.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-31)
- 1989 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988%E2%80%9389_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1988–89 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988%E2%80%9389_Utah_Jazz_season "1988–89 Utah Jazz season") 3–0.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-32)
- 1991 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990%E2%80%9391_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1990–91 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990%E2%80%9391_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1990–91 San Antonio Spurs season") 3–1.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-33)
- 1998 – The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_New_York_Knicks_season "1997–98 New York Knicks season") defeated the [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Miami_Heat_season "1997–98 Miami Heat season") 3–2.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-34)
- 2010 – The [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2009–10 San Antonio Spurs season") defeated the [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2009–10 Dallas Mavericks season") 4–2.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-35)
- 2023 – The [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season") defeated the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2022–23 Memphis Grizzlies season") 4–2.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-36)
- 2025 – The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") defeated the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") 4–3.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-37)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-38)
- Of the seven teams, only the 1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics and the 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers made it as far as the Conference Finals; no seventh-seeded team has advanced to the NBA Finals.
- The 2022–23 Miami Heat, 2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2024-2025 Golden State Warriors are the only teams to win a playoff series after qualifying for the play-in tournament. The 2023 playoffs also marked the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower won a playoff series in a single postseason, and the first time two teams seeded 7th or lower reached the Conference Finals.
- The [2024–25 Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after finishing 10th in their conference during the regular season. The Heat defeated the 9th-place [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") 109–90 and the 8th-place [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") 123–114 in overtime of the play-in tournament to earn the 8th and final playoff spot.
- Five teams have made the playoffs despite losing 50 or more games in a season:
- 1953 – [Baltimore Bullets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952%E2%80%9353_Baltimore_Bullets_season "1952–53 Baltimore Bullets season") (16–54, .229)
- 1960 – [Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1959%E2%80%9360_Minneapolis_Lakers_season "1959–60 Minneapolis Lakers season") (25–50, .333)
- 1968 – [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967%E2%80%9368_Chicago_Bulls_season "1967–68 Chicago Bulls season") (29–53, .354)
- 1986 – [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985%E2%80%9386_Chicago_Bulls_season "1985–86 Chicago Bulls season") (30–52, .366)
- 1988 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987%E2%80%9388_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1987–88 San Antonio Spurs season") (31–51, .378)
- Of these teams, only the 1959–60 Minneapolis Lakers made it as far as the Division/Conference Finals.
- The [1956–57 St. Louis Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956%E2%80%9357_St._Louis_Hawks_season "1956–57 St. Louis Hawks season"), [1958–59 Minneapolis Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958%E2%80%9359_Minneapolis_Lakers_season "1958–59 Minneapolis Lakers season") and the [1980–81 Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Houston_Rockets_season "1980–81 Houston Rockets season") are the only teams with losing records (34–38, 33–39 and 40–42, respectively) to make it to the NBA Finals. All three lost to the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics"). In 1981, the Houston Rockets' opponent in the Western Conference Finals, the [Kansas City Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Kansas_City_Kings_season "1980–81 Kansas City Kings season"), also had a losing record (40–42).
- The [1977–78 Washington Bullets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_Washington_Bullets_season "1977–78 Washington Bullets season") own the lowest win total and win percentage of any NBA championship team. The Bullets finished the season with a 44–38 (.538) record, and earned the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the Finals, they defeated the 47-win [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1977–78 Seattle SuperSonics season"), which remain the most recent NBA Finals not to feature at least one team with 50 or more wins.
- The [1994–95 Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Houston_Rockets_season "1994–95 Houston Rockets season"), a sixth seed with a record of 47–35, are the lowest-seeded team to win the NBA Finals.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-39) In the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Orlando_Magic_season "1994–95 Orlando Magic season") (57–25) in four games; in doing so, the Rockets defeated four teams that had won 50 or more games during the regular season (the [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Utah_Jazz_season "1994–95 Utah Jazz season") at 60–22, the [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Phoenix_Suns_season "1994–95 Phoenix Suns season") at 59–23, the [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1994–95 San Antonio Spurs season") at 62–20 and Orlando at 57–25), the first time a team had done so. As of now, the 1994–95 Rockets are the only team to have won an NBA title without having home-court advantage during any round of the playoffs.
- There have been 17 instances in which a team won 60 or more games but failed to advance to the Conference Finals. Nine of those teams finished as the top seed in their conference.
- 1973 – [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972%E2%80%9373_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1972–73 Milwaukee Bucks season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972%E2%80%9373_Golden_State_Warriors_season "1972–73 Golden State Warriors season"))
- 1981 – [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1980–81 Milwaukee Bucks season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Philadelphia_76ers_season "1980–81 Philadelphia 76ers season"))
- 1990 – [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1989–90 Los Angeles Lakers season") (63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Phoenix_Suns_season "1989–90 Phoenix Suns season"))
- 1994 – [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1993–94 Seattle SuperSonics season") (63–19, .768; lost in first round to [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993%E2%80%9394_Denver_Nuggets_season "1993–94 Denver Nuggets season"))
- 1995 – [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Utah_Jazz_season "1994–95 Utah Jazz season") (60–22, .732; lost in first round to [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_Houston_Rockets_season "1994–95 Houston Rockets season"))
- 1998 – [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1997–98 Seattle SuperSonics season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997%E2%80%9398_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season"))
- 2006 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2005–06 San Antonio Spurs season") (63–19, .768; lost in conference semifinals to [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2005–06 Dallas Mavericks season"))
- 2007 – [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2006–07 Dallas Mavericks season") (67–15, .817; lost in first round to [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2006–07 Golden State Warriors season"))
- 2007 – [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_Phoenix_Suns_season "2006–07 Phoenix Suns season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006%E2%80%9307_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season"))
- 2009 – [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Boston_Celtics_season "2008–09 Boston Celtics season") (62–20, .756; lost in conference semifinals to [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_Orlando_Magic_season "2008–09 Orlando Magic season"))
- 2010 – [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2009–10 Cleveland Cavaliers season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009%E2%80%9310_Boston_Celtics_season "2009–10 Boston Celtics season"))
- 2011 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season") (61–21, .744; lost in first round to [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season"))
- 2013 – [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2012–13 Oklahoma City Thunder season") (60–22, .732; lost in conference semifinals to [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012%E2%80%9313_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2012–13 Memphis Grizzlies season"))
- 2016 – [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2015–16 San Antonio Spurs season") (67–15, .817; lost in conference semifinals to [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2015–16 Oklahoma City Thunder season"))
- 2022 – [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Phoenix_Suns_season "2021–22 Phoenix Suns season") (64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021%E2%80%9322_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2021–22 Dallas Mavericks season"))
- 2025 – [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") (64–18, .780; lost in conference semifinals to [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season"))
- 2025 – [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") (61–21, .744; lost in conference semifinals to [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season"))
- The Golden State Warriors own the longest NBA playoff winning streak for a single postseason with 15 straight wins in the 2017 playoffs.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-40)
- Of all the teams with multiple NBA Finals appearances, the [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls") are the only team to have never lost in the Finals, winning six.
- The [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") possess the most overall NBA Finals series wins with 18. The Celtics have played in 23 NBA Finals series, with an overall record of 18–5.
- The longest active playoff appearance streak currently belongs to the Boston Celtics with 11 consecutive appearances in the playoffs, beginning in the 2014–15 NBA season.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-41) The longest streak of playoffs appearances in a row is currently tied at 22 seasons between the San Antonio Spurs, who made it from 1997–98 season until the 2018–19 season, and the [Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers"), who made it from the 1949–50 season to the 1970–71 season.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-42)
- As of the 2024–25 season, the longest active playoff drought belongs to the [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets"), who have not made the playoffs since the 2015–16 season. The longest all-time playoff drought belongs to the [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings"), who went 16 seasons without making the playoffs (2006–07 through 2021–22).
- The Charlotte Hornets and [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans") are the only franchises to have never played in the Conference Finals.
- In [1983](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_NBA_playoffs "1983 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 3(bye)–7–7–7 system, the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982%E2%80%9383_Philadelphia_76ers_season "1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season"), who had a bye in the first round, attained the best record of 12–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982%E2%80%9383_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "1982–83 Milwaukee Bucks season").
- In [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 5–7–7–7 system, the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season") attained the best record of 15–1, having only lost in Game 1 of the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals") against the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000%E2%80%9301_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2000–01 Philadelphia 76ers season").
- In [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs"), under the best of 7–7–7–7 system, the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2016–17 Golden State Warriors season") attained the best record of 16–1, having only lost in Game 4 of the [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_Finals "2017 NBA Finals") against the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2016–17 Cleveland Cavaliers season"). The Warriors and Cavaliers came into the Finals with a combined record of 24–1, with the Cavaliers having only lost in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Boston_Celtics_season "2016–17 Boston Celtics season").
- The top four seeded teams all advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in [1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_NBA_playoffs "1980 NBA playoffs"), [1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_NBA_playoffs "1986 NBA playoffs"), [1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_playoffs "1997 NBA playoffs"), [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs"), [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs"), [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs"), [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs") and [2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_playoffs "2022 NBA playoffs").
- Every seed number from 1 to 8 advanced to the Conference Semifinals round in [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs").
## Playoff appearances
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: Playoff appearances")\]
*Current as of the [2025 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs")*
### Appearances by active teams
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Appearances by active teams")\]
| Team | Appearances[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-43) |
|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") | 65[\[A\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-b-44) |
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") | 62 |
| [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers") | 54[\[B\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-c-45) |
| [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Hawks "Atlanta Hawks") | 49[\[C\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-d-46) |
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") | 46 |
| [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") | 43[\[D\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-e-47) |
| [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs") | 39[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") | 38[\[F\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-f-49) |
| [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers") | 37 |
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") | 37 |
| [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls") | 36 |
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") | 35[\[G\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-h-50) |
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") | 34[\[H\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-i-52) |
| [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns "Phoenix Suns") | 33 |
| [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Jazz "Utah Jazz") | 31[\[I\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-k-53) |
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") | 31[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards") | 30[\[J\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-j-54) |
| [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings") | 30[\[K\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-g-55) |
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") | 29[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48) |
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") | 26 |
| [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks") | 25 |
| [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") | 25 |
| [Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets "Brooklyn Nets") | 24[\[E\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-a-48)[\[L\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-l-56) |
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") | 19[\[M\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-m-57) |
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") | 18 |
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") | 14 |
| [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors") | 13 |
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") | 13 |
| [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets") | 10[\[N\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-n-59) |
| [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans") | 9[\[N\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-n-59) |
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-b_44-0)** Includes appearances as the Minneapolis Lakers (1947–1960).
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-c_45-0)** Includes appearances as the Syracuse Nationals (1946–1963).
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-d_46-0)** Includes appearances as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1946–1951), the Milwaukee Hawks (1951–1955), and the St. Louis Hawks (1955–1968).
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-e_47-0)** Includes appearances as the Fort Wayne Pistons (1949–1957).
5. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-a_48-3) Does not include appearances in the [American Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Basketball_Association "American Basketball Association") (ABA) playoffs. Per the conditions of the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger"), the NBA does not officially recognize the ABA history, playoffs and records.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-f_49-0)** Includes appearances as the Philadelphia Warriors (1946–1962) and the San Francisco Warriors (1962–1971).
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-h_50-0)** Includes appearances as the San Diego Rockets (1967–1971).
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-i_52-0)** As part of the 2008 relocation settlement with the [City of Seattle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Seattle "City of Seattle"), the Thunder officially shares its history with that of the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics") (1967–2008).[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-51)
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-k_53-0)** Includes appearances as the New Orleans Jazz (1974–1979).
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-j_54-0)** Includes appearances as the Chicago Packers (1961–1962), the Chicago Zephyrs (1962–1963), the Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973), the Capital Bullets (1973–1974), and the Washington Bullets (1974–1997).
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-g_55-0)** Includes appearances as the Rochester Royals (1948–1957), the Cincinnati Royals (1957–1972), the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1972–1975), and the Kansas City Kings (1975–1985).
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-l_56-0)** Includes appearances as the New Jersey Nets (1977–2012).
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-m_57-0)** Includes appearances as the [Buffalo Braves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Braves "Buffalo Braves") (1970–1978).
14. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-n_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-n_59-1) The New Orleans Pelicans were originally the Charlotte Hornets, and moved to [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans") in [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002%E2%80%9303_NBA_season "2002–03 NBA season"). A new team, the Charlotte Bobcats, was then established in [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004%E2%80%9305_NBA_season "2004–05 NBA season"). The New Orleans team kept the Hornets nickname from its relocation from Charlotte until [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_NBA_season "2013–14 NBA season"). When the Charlotte team reclaimed the Hornets name in a 2014 agreement, it also reclaimed the history and records of the original Charlotte Hornets; as such, the New Orleans Pelicans are considered established in 2002, and the Bobcats/Hornets are considered a linear franchise that was inactive from 2002 to [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003%E2%80%9304_NBA_season "2003–04 NBA season").[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-58)
## All-time NBA playoffs table
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: All-time NBA playoffs table")\]
The all-time NBA playoffs table is an overall record of all match results of every team that has played in playoffs since the [1946–47 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1946%E2%80%9347_BAA_season "1946–47 BAA season"). The table is accurate as of the end of the [2024 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs").[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_note-60) Bold indicates the highest number.
| Franchise | Pld | W | L | PTS | OPP PTS | DIFF PTS | CH | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **[Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Hawks "Atlanta Hawks")** | 390 | 170 | 220 | 39,190 | 40,314 | \-1,124 | 1 | 0 |
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** | 738 | 423 | 315 | 77,635 | 75,851 | 1,784 | **18** | 11 |
| **[Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nets "Brooklyn Nets")** | 171 | 70 | 101 | 16,674 | 16,996 | \-322 | 2 | 2 |
| **[Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hornets "Charlotte Hornets")** | 63 | 23 | 40 | 5,853 | 6,035 | \-182 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bulls "Chicago Bulls")** | 349 | 187 | 162 | 34,079 | 33,716 | 363 | 6 | 6 |
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** | 246 | 131 | 115 | 24,191 | 23,884 | 307 | 1 | 5 |
| **[Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks "Dallas Mavericks")** | 249 | 118 | 131 | 25,729 | 25,987 | \-258 | 1 | 3 |
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** | 242 | 105 | 137 | 26,025 | 26,475 | \-450 | 1 | 1 |
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** | 372 | 189 | 183 | 35,551 | 35,418 | 133 | 3 | 5 |
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** | 384 | 212 | 172 | 40,471 | 39,782 | 689 | 7 | 7 |
| **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** | 322 | 158 | 164 | 32,833 | 32,975 | \-142 | 2 | 4 |
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** | 258 | 123 | 135 | 24,457 | 24,456 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** | 153 | 66 | 87 | 15,999 | 16,161 | \-162 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** | **782** | **467** | **315** | **81,308** | **79,460** | **1,848** | 17 | **19** |
| **[Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies")** | 98 | 38 | 60 | 9,598 | 9,997 | \-399 | 0 | 0 |
| **[Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat")** | 295 | 163 | 132 | 28,315 | 28,089 | 226 | 3 | 7 |
| **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** | 312 | 152 | 160 | 32,595 | 32,387 | 208 | 2 | 3 |
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** | 79 | 30 | 49 | 7,715 | 7,962 | \-247 | 0 | 0 |
| **[New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Pelicans "New Orleans Pelicans")** | 59 | 22 | 37 | 5,647 | 5,909 | \-262 | 0 | 0 |
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** | 404 | 200 | 204 | 38,489 | 38,932 | \-443 | 2 | 4 |
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** | 341 | 170 | 171 | 34,638 | 34,655 | \-17 | 1 | 4 |
| **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** | 140 | 62 | 78 | 13,420 | 13,533 | \-113 | 0 | 2 |
| **[Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers")** | 488 | 251 | 237 | 50,092 | 50,178 | \-86 | 3 | 5 |
| **[Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns "Phoenix Suns")** | 324 | 160 | 164 | 34,340 | 34,395 | \-55 | 0 | 3 |
| **[Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Trail_Blazers "Portland Trail Blazers")** | 274 | 119 | 155 | 28,112 | 28,769 | \-657 | 1 | 3 |
| **[Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings")** | 194 | 83 | 111 | 19,031 | 19,396 | \-365 | 1 | 0 |
| **[San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs "San Antonio Spurs")** | 403 | 222 | 181 | 40,210 | 39,484 | 726 | 5 | 6 |
| **[Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Raptors "Toronto Raptors")** | 123 | 57 | 66 | 12,164 | 12,361 | \-197 | 1 | 1 |
| **[Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Jazz "Utah Jazz")** | 292 | 135 | 157 | 28,928 | 29,128 | \-200 | 0 | 2 |
| **[Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Wizards "Washington Wizards")** | 237 | 99 | 138 | 24,097 | 24,426 | \-329 | 1 | 4 |
From the [2003 playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs") to the [2025 playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs "2025 NBA playoffs"), coverage of the NBA playoffs have been aired nationally across [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV"). Generally during the first two rounds, ABC broadcasts Sunday afternoon games, TNT has Sunday through Wednesday night games, and ESPN televises Friday night games. For Thursday night games, TNT airs games in the first round and ESPN in the second round. NBA TV generally televises selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports. Saturday first-and second-round games are split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Each team's regional broadcaster televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of weekend games on ABC. From 2024, [TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") aired simulcasts or alternate broadcasts of select TNT games.
The [NBA conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") are rotated annually, with TNT airing the Eastern Conference Finals in odd-numbered years and the Western Conference Finals in even-numbered years. ESPN then broadcasts the other conference finals series, with at least one of its weekend games airing instead on ABC. ABC has been the exclusive broadcaster of the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals").
As part of the new 11-year media deals that will begin with the 2026 playoffs, ABC/ESPN would broadcast about 18 games in the first two rounds each year. [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC_Sports "NBA on NBC Sports") would have between 22 and 34 first and second-round games, either televised on NBC or streamed on Peacock. And [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") would stream between 14 and 26 first and second-round games. Under the new deals, all first round playoff games will be exclusive to the NBA's national TV partners, whereas in previous years, [regional sports networks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_sports_network "Regional sports network") were allowed to broadcast preliminary round playoff games alongside the national broadcaster (except for games on over-the-air television). For the conference finals, ABC/ESPN would have one series in the first 10 years of the deal, while the other series would be rotated between NBC and Prime Video; in 2036 (the final year of the deal), NBC and Amazon would have the conference finals instead of ABC/ESPN. ABC will continue to exclusively broadcast the NBA Finals, which, dating back to [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_Finals "2003 NBA Finals"), would extend the network's consecutive streak of airing the series to over 30 years.
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-1)**
["NBA play-in tournament officially returning in 2022"](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/nba-play-tournament-officially-returning-2022/). *sportsnet.ca*. Associated Press. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-2)**
["NBA owners change Finals format to 2-2-1-1-1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131030061032/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/23/nba-board-of-governors-format-change.ap). *NBA.com*. October 23, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/23/nba-board-of-governors-format-change.ap/) on October 30, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-3)**
Cato, Tim (2017-04-10). ["How do NBA playoff tiebreakers work?"](https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2017/4/10/15246620/nba-playoffs-tiebreaker-rules-how-do-work). *SBNation.com*. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-4)**
Griffith, Eric (2020-08-18). ["NBA Clarifies Home-Court Advantage Tiebreaker"](https://www.blazersedge.com/2020/8/18/21374204/nba-clarifies-home-court-advantage-tiebreaker-rockets-thunder-blazers-grizzlies). *Blazer's Edge*. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
5. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR_5-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR_5-1) ["1946–47 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1947.html).
["1947–48 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1948.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
Select "Next Season" from the heading for 1947–48, and so on. Select "Finals" from League Playoffs for the daily schedule of the final series, and so on.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-BBR2_6-0)** ["1948–49 BAA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/BAA_1949.html).
["1949–50 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1950.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-Seeding_7-2)
["ESPN – NBA announces postseason seeding format change – NBA"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2537369). *[ESPN.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN.com "ESPN.com")*. August 2, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-8)** ["1954-55 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1955.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-9)** ["1960-61 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1961.html).
["1966-66 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1966.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-10)** ["1982–83 NBA Season Summary"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1983.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-nbapa_11-0)**
["NBPA reps vote to approve 22-team format to finish season"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29272443). Retrieved June 5, 2020.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-12)**
["Dame, Blazers survive Nets to nab play-in berth"](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29658229). *ESPN.com*. August 14, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-13)**
["Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies: Everything you need to know about the NBA's first ever play-in tournament"](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/trail-blazers-vs-grizzlies-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-nbas-first-ever-play-in-tournament/). *CBSSports.com*. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-14)**
Loop, Nate. ["NBA Playoffs 2020: Grizzlies vs. Blazers Play-In Game Schedule, Live Stream"](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2904720-nba-playoffs-2020-grizzlies-vs-blazers-play-in-game-schedule-live-stream). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-15)**
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-13). ["NBA Play-in Game Rules: How Does Playoff Tournament Work in Bubble?"](https://heavy.com/sports/2020/08/nba-play-in-game-tournament-rules-bubble-playoff/). *Heavy.com*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-16)**
Adams, Jonathan (2020-08-15). ["NBA Play-in Game: What Happens if Blazers-Grizzlies Win or Lose?"](https://heavy.com/sports/2020/08/nba-play-in-game-grizzlies-blazers-lose-win/). *Heavy.com*. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-17)**
["Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers - Game Recap - August 15, 2020 - ESPN"](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401236333). *ESPN.com*. August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
18. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-18)**
["FAQ: NBA Play-In Tournament"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-play-in-tournament). *NBA.com*. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-19)**
["NBA adopts Play-In Tournament on full-time basis"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-adopts-play-in-tournament-on-full-time-basis). *NBA.com*. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
20. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-pastuszek_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-pastuszek_20-1)
Pastuszek, Jon (April 9, 2013). ["Pastuszek: Could Yi Jianlian Help an NBA Playoff Team?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170702130352/http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2013/04/09/pastuszek-could-yi-jianlian-help-an-nba-playoff-team/). *SheridanHoops.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2013/04/09/pastuszek-could-yi-jianlian-help-an-nba-playoff-team/) on July 2, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-21)**
Helin, Kurt (March 21, 2011). ["Winderman: Still time to add good player (or Eddy Curry) to playoff roster"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110823043851/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/21/winderman-still-time-to-add-good-player-or-eddy-curry-to-playoff-roster/). *NBCSports.com*. Archived from [the original](http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/21/winderman-still-time-to-add-good-player-or-eddy-curry-to-playoff-roster/) on August 23, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-22)** [NBA RULES HISTORY](https://cdn.nba.net/nba-drupal-prod/nba-rules-changes-history.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180207201635/https://cdn.nba.net/nba-drupal-prod/nba-rules-changes-history.pdf) February 7, 2018, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-23)**
["Denver Nuggets Legendary Moments: 1994 upset of Seattle SuperSonics"](https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/nuggets-legendary-moment-1994-sonics-050720). *Denver Nuggets*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-24)**
["1999 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1999-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-knicks-vs-heat.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-25)**
["2007 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Mavericks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2007-nba-western-conference-first-round-warriors-vs-mavericks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-26)**
["2011 NBA Western Conference First Round - Grizzlies vs. Spurs"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2011-nba-western-conference-first-round-grizzlies-vs-spurs.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-27)**
["2012 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - 76ers vs. Bulls"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2012-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-76ers-vs-bulls.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-28)**
["2023 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Heat vs. Bucks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2023-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-heat-vs-bucks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-29)**
["History on This Day: Knicks become first No. 8 seed to reach NBA Finals"](https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2021/06/11/nba-finals-eighth-seed-new-york-knicks/). *The Rookie Wire*. June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-30)**
["2023 NBA Eastern Conference Finals - Heat vs. Celtics"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2023-nba-eastern-conference-finals-heat-vs-celtics.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-31)**
["1987 NBA Western Conference First Round - SuperSonics vs. Mavericks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1987-nba-western-conference-first-round-supersonics-vs-mavericks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-32)**
["1989 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Jazz"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-first-round-warriors-vs-jazz.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-33)**
["1991 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Spurs"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1991-nba-western-conference-first-round-warriors-vs-spurs.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-34)**
["1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round - Knicks vs. Heat"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-knicks-vs-heat.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-35)**
["2010 NBA Western Conference First Round - Spurs vs. Mavericks"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2010-nba-western-conference-first-round-spurs-vs-mavericks.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-36)**
["2023 NBA Western Conference First Round - Lakers vs. Grizzlies"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2023-nba-western-conference-first-round-lakers-vs-grizzlies.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-37)**
["2025 NBA Western Conference First Round - Warriors vs. Rockets"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2025-nba-western-conference-first-round-warriors-vs-rockets.html). *Basketball Reference*. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-38)**
["Warriors Advance to West Semis After Game 7 Win Over Rockets"](https://ussportingnews.com/warriors-advance-to-west-semis-after-game-7-win-over-rockets). *www.ussportingnews.com*. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-39)**
["ESPN.com - Page2 - Worst championship teams"](https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/championteams/worst.html). *ESPN.com*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-40)**
Feldman, Dan (June 5, 2017). ["Warriors break NBA record for longest playoff winning streak"](https://nba.nbcsports.com/2017/06/05/warriors-break-nba-record-for-longest-playoff-winning-streak/). *ProBasketballTalk \| NBC Sports*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-41)**
["Active Playoff Streaks for each NBA Team"](https://www.landofbasketball.com/statistics/playoffs_active_streaks.htm). *Land of Basketball*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-42)**
["Longest Playoffs Made Streaks in NBA History"](https://www.landofbasketball.com/statistics/playoffs_made_streaks.htm). *Land of Basketball*. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-43)**
["Franchise History"](http://stats.nba.com/history/?ls=iref:nba:gnav). *NBA.com*. March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-51)**
["Details of settlement between Bennett, Seattle revealed"](https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3545175). *ESPN.com*. August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-58)**
["Charlotte Hornets Name Returns to Carolinas"](https://www.nba.com/hornets/charlotte-hornets-name-returns-carolinas). Charlotte Hornets. May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-60)**
["NBA Teams Playoffs Most Wins and Looses"](https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-teams-playoffs-most-wins-and-looses).
- [NBA](https://www.nba.com/) official website
- [Playoff Seeding Criteria](https://web.archive.org/web/20070517052236/http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html) NBA.com
- [NBA Playoffs](http://www.insidehoops.com/playoffs.shtml) InsideHoops.com coverage
- [Basketball-Reference.com](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/) Index of NBA playoffs seasons |
| Shard | 152 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 17790707453426894952 |
| Unparsed URL | org,wikipedia!en,/wiki/NBA_playoffs s443 |