When did the first NBA playoffs begin and how many teams competed?
The first NBA playoffs began in 1947 when six teams competed in a complex three-stage tournament. The league was still called the Basketball Association of America at that time.
Questions about NBA playoffs
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How does the NBA play-in tournament determine the eighth playoff seed since 2023?
Teams ranked seventh through tenth compete in the NBA play-in tournament for the final two seeds. The ninth and tenth place teams face off in an elimination match with the winner playing against the loser of the seven-eight matchup to earn the eighth playoff seed.
Why were division winners guaranteed only top-four seeds starting in the 2006-07 season?
Rule changes announced in August 2006 ensured division winners received a top-four seed instead of top-three. This adjustment prevented the two best teams in each conference from facing each other until the conference finals at the earliest possible moment.
Which eight-seeded teams have won series against number one seeds in NBA history?
Only six eighth-seeded teams have ever won a series against the number one seeded team. These victories include the Denver Nuggets in 1994, New York Knicks in 1999, Golden State Warriors in 2007, Memphis Grizzlies in 2011, Philadelphia 76ers in 2012, and Miami Heat in 2023.
Who broadcasts the NBA Finals exclusively since 2003 and what are the new media deals for 2026?
ABC has been the exclusive broadcaster of the NBA Finals since 2003 extending its consecutive streak beyond thirty years. New eleven-year media deals beginning with 2026 playoffs will bring NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video into the mix.