1. Do you prefer the 2-3-2 format for the finals or the 2-2-1-1-1 format used in the conference playoffs?

 

2. Do you like it the way it is? Or would you prefer the league use one format or the other for the entire playoffs?

It seems the 2-3-2 format almost forces the road team to get a split in the first two. If not, you almost have to win 3 straight (very hard to do) to avoid the task of winning two straight on the opponent's home court. That setup seems to make a 6-game series more likely, IMO. That said, I like the 2-3-2 and I wish they'd use it for the entire playoffs.

 

But, I'll wait to vote. Someone might change my mind.

It is clearly a huge disadvantage for the Road team IMO. I don't really like it at all. Why does it make sense to change it for the Finals? It should be like all the other rounds.

I don't think it has played much of a role in determining the champion. If you look at history, the right team wins almost every time.

I don't think it has played much of a role in determining the champion. If you look at history, the right team wins almost every time.

 

For the most part you are probably right but why does it make sense to switch it up for the Finals?

Whatever the format is it should be the same for the entire playoffs including the Finals.

I don't think it has played much of a role in determining the champion. If you look at history, the right team wins almost every time.

 

Usually because the better team already has home-court, and the format gives them a little more of an advantage.

 

And, if you win as the road team, then it's hard to argue that you weren't the better team.

 

I like the 2-3-2. I don't see the point in adding so much traveling.

 

1. The team with the home-court should have an advantage, so I have no problem with the 2-3-2 "favoring" the home team.

 

2. It gives the road team a chance to close the series out at home if they can get a split...or it gives them a chance to put some pressure on the home team if they can defend their home court. Going back home down 3-2 would add some pressure, IMO.

 

I like the finals format and would like to see them put it in place for the entire playoffs. In addition to going to a 2-3-2, I'd like to see the league play some of the games closer together. There's no reason they couldn't play on back-to-back night during the 3 road games of the series. For example, take this series...

 

Game One - @ LA (Thursday)

Game Two - @ LA (Sunday)

Game Three - @ Orlando (Wednesday)

Game Four - @ Orlando (Thursday)

Game Five - @ Orlando (Sunday)

Game Six - @ LA (Wednesday)

Game Seven - @ LA (Thursday)

 

Why couldn't they do that? Mix it up a little...make the teams play each other on back-to-back nights instead of giving them a day or two to rest and adjust after every game.

Whatever the format is it should be the same for the entire playoffs including the Finals.

 

I do agree with that. I just favor the 2-3-2.

 

Also, 2-3-2 makes economic sense in these tough times. In a 7 game series under the finals format, there are only two plane trips involved. In a 7 gamer under the other format, you double that. That's a lot of jet fuel to be saved.

 

The NBA needs to get on board with Obama and go green (and I don't mean Celtic green).

I agree with making the 2-3-2 throughout the playoffs.

There have been only two NBA Finals that went seven games since the introduction of the 2-3-2 format in 1985. There were 13 that went in the 34 years prior to 1985. That's a difference of about 28% more before the format was introduced. Houston did manage to win both road games in game 6 and game 7 to win the Finals in the 2-3-2 format, but that is the exception to the rule.

I do agree with that. I just favor the 2-3-2.

 

Also, 2-3-2 makes economic sense in these tough times. In a 7 game series under the finals format, there are only two plane trips involved. In a 7 gamer under the other format, you double that. That's a lot of jet fuel to be saved.

 

The NBA needs to get on board with Obama and go green (and I don't mean Celtic green).

 

That's the reason the switch was made back in the 1980's, because of cross country travel.

That's the reason the switch was made back in the 1980's, because of cross country travel.

 

I thought I remembered hearing that before.

 

And, they keep the 2-2-1-1-1 in the conference playoffs because the theory is the travel isn't as much since things are kept in the east or west until the finals.

 

Still, it makes sense to do them all that way, IMO.

I agree with making the 2-3-2 throughout the playoffs.

 

At least two of us see things the right way.

Usually because the better team already has home-court, and the format gives them a little more of an advantage.

 

And, if you win as the road team, then it's hard to argue that you weren't the better team.

 

I like the 2-3-2. I don't see the point in adding so much traveling.

 

1. The team with the home-court should have an advantage, so I have no problem with the 2-3-2 "favoring" the home team.

 

2. It gives the road team a chance to close the series out at home if they can get a split...or it gives them a chance to put some pressure on the home team if they can defend their home court. Going back home down 3-2 would add some pressure, IMO.

 

I like the finals format and would like to see them put it in place for the entire playoffs. In addition to going to a 2-3-2, I'd like to see the league play some of the games closer together. There's no reason they couldn't play on back-to-back night during the 3 road games of the series. For example, take this series...

 

Game One - @ LA (Thursday)

Game Two - @ LA (Sunday)

Game Three - @ Orlando (Wednesday)

Game Four - @ Orlando (Thursday)

Game Five - @ Orlando (Sunday)

Game Six - @ LA (Wednesday)

Game Seven - @ LA (Thursday)

 

Why couldn't they do that? Mix it up a little...make the teams play each other on back-to-back nights instead of giving them a day or two to rest and adjust after every game.

Maybe I am going crazy, but I think I remember a few series even in the 90s playing on back-to-back nights. I could be totally wrong about that.

 

From a logistical standpoint, it makes perfect sense. The real question is, how much more of an advantage should the home team have besides being granted home court advantage?

I dont see a problem with it... Just win on the road.