The NBA Playoffs formally began over the weekend, kicking off what’s going to find yourself being about two and a half months of postseason basketball. In idea, that’s very enjoyable, however a number of the opening video games acquired me serious about just a few issues the NBA can take from the WNBA to make their playoffs extra thrilling.
Let’s be so sincere right here: Sunday’s 131-80 rating between the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies was not precisely the “playoff basketball” we wish. The considered even having to endure three extra video games of this sequence after we know the end result is yawn-inducing. Why are we delaying the inevitable? And moreover, why are we making the gamers compete in pointless video games and threat extra fatigue and damage?
The NBA must take just a few hints from the W right here.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the WNBA has performed round with its playoff format lately, however the primary components has stayed the identical. Shorter first rounds, after which longer rounds because the playoffs proceed. There’s a stability in fact — the WNBA’s single-elimination first spherical period was missing. They actually perfected the recipe in 2024, solely to alter the format once more heading into the 2025 season.
Right here’s how the WNBA playoffs labored in 2024: Eight groups made the postseason, and seeding was the identical as within the NBA — No. 1 vs No. 8, No. 2 vs No. 7 and so forth. The primary spherical was a best-of-three sequence, with the higher-seeded crew internet hosting the primary two video games and the decrease seed attending to host a possible Sport 3 tiebreaker. There was a bit of little bit of a debate about the concept some groups didn’t even get to host a playoff recreation if their crew misplaced in two video games. To that I say, win a street recreation as a substitute of complaining.
From there, the playoffs moved right into a best-of-five forma. The upper-seeded crew hosts Video games 1 and a couple of, the lower-seeded crew hosts Sport 3 and if wanted, Sport 4. If it will get to a Sport 5, it goes again to the higher-seeded crew’s area. This is similar format for each the semi-final and the WNBA Finals.
In 2025, there will likely be slight adjustments to the WNBA Playoffs. The primary spherical will nonetheless be better of three, however the lower-seeded crew will host Sport 2 as a substitute of Sport 3. Which means each crew within the playoffs will not less than host one recreation. If the league is footing the constitution flights invoice, positive I suppose. The one different change to the 2025 Playoffs will likely be that the Finals will likely be best-of-seven as a substitute of 5. So it’ll go best-of-three for the primary spherical, best-of-five for the semi-finals, and best-of-seven for the finals.
Whatever the little particulars, the components is mainly the identical — begin smaller and develop because the playoffs proceed. It means we don’t have to look at a painfully gradual first spherical between two clearly mismatched groups. There may be nonetheless the possibility for an exciting upset, however for probably the most half you get to maneuver on to the higher matchups sooner. Plus, the gamers aren’t enjoying 4 gruelling video games to brush a sequence when the primary recreation of the sequence was a 41-point deficit (*cough* OKC). Much less likelihood for gamers to be injured, extra thrilling video games for followers, and doubtlessly extra relaxation for these top-seeded groups.
The NBA would in all probability be reluctant to lower the variety of playoff video games, due to (clearly) cash. Even a mismatched playoff recreation goes to herald gate receipts and tv income. However the thought of participant security additionally must be thought of. An 82-game season is lengthy sufficient, however including on an almost three-month-long postseason, then solely having two months off earlier than you’re again in coaching camp doesn’t appear truthful.
Many WNBA devoted could retaliate with the argument that plenty of WNBA gamers play 12 months of the yr between the WNBA season and enjoying abroad. The one cause they do that’s due to the cash, and plenty of of them would say they’d play much less if given the selection. It’s the entire cause offseason leagues like Unequalled and Athletes Limitless had been created — to provide gamers the possibility to remain dwelling and have precise breaks of their yr whereas nonetheless getting that offseason improvement and wage. Plus, with the rising analysis that signifies girls are extra doubtless than males to maintain ligament accidents, the thought of enjoying much less is particularly interesting.
It’s a sophisticated topic, because the NBA playoffs are such an enormous a part of income as a consequence of sponsorships, ticket gross sales, and different enterprise facets that the league doesn’t wish to hand over. But, at a sure level, the product turns into a bit of diluted. Are folks going to tune in to see Oklahoma Metropolis beat Memphis by 40+ for 4 video games straight? Possibly, however it’s not going to be probably the most thrilling basketball of the yr, and can also depart some casuals much less more likely to tune into the primary spherical subsequent time.
The WNBA has much more rising to do, however their present playoff construction is one thing to study from. The NBA ought to take a look at the long-term well being of the product vs. short-term income, and take some notes.
