So, the other day, I was watching the NBA playoffs, you know, the 2023 ones, and I started wondering about how they set up the games after each round. I mean, I’ve heard of reseeding in other sports, but I wasn’t sure if the NBA did the same thing.
So, I grabbed my phone and did a quick search. Turns out, the NBA playoffs are a bit different. They don’t reseed after each round. Nope, once the teams are in, the matchups are set in a fixed bracket, and that’s it. They started doing it like this in 2016.
Here’s what I found out:
- No reseeding: Unlike some other leagues, the NBA sticks to its initial bracket throughout the playoffs.
- Fixed matchups: Once the postseason starts, the path to the finals is pretty much set. You win, you move on to the next team in your bracket.
- Since 2016: This has been the way since the 2016 playoffs, so it’s not exactly brand new.
I also stumbled upon this guide that explained the whole playoff format, like how the series work and how teams are seeded initially. Pretty useful stuff if you’re trying to figure out the whole playoff schedule and stuff.
Anyway, I just thought it was interesting how the NBA does its thing compared to other sports. It’s like, once you’re in, you know who you might face all the way to the end. No surprises or changes in the matchups. And with these 2023 playoffs having a few upsets already, it makes you wonder how those fixed brackets are affecting the teams and their strategies.
My Thoughts
It’s kind of cool that the NBA has its own way of doing things. I mean, knowing the bracket from the start probably helps teams prepare, right? Or maybe it adds more pressure? I don’t know, but it definitely makes for an interesting playoff season. I’ll be keeping an eye on how things unfold, that’s for sure! Especially since the 2023 season is already full of surprises, it will be interesting to watch it.
