When did the Atlantic Division begin its existence?
The Atlantic Division began its existence at the start of the 1970, 71 season. The league expanded from 14 teams to 17 teams that year.
Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Atlantic Division began its existence at the start of the 1970, 71 season. The league expanded from 14 teams to 17 teams that year.
Four franchises formed the inaugural roster for this new grouping. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers arrived from the Eastern Division while a new expansion team called the Buffalo Braves joined them.
Ten different teams have won an NBA championship while part of this division. The Boston Celtics hold the record with seven titles earned within these borders.
Beginning with the 2021, 22 season, the division champion receives a new award called the Nat Sweetwater Clifton Trophy. Hall of Famer Nathaniel Clifton inspired its name after he became one of the first African American players to sign an NBA contract in 1950.
The 1982, 83 season saw every team finish above .500 winning percentage. That year all five teams posted records exceeding 50 percent wins.