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NBA PLAY-IN: HOW DOES IT WORK?
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a relatively new addition to the NBA postseason format, introduced in the 2019-2020 season. It has added an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness to the end of the regular season, giving teams on the fringe of playoff contention a chance to earn a spot in the postseason. Let’s delve into how the NBA Play-In works and what it means for teams vying for a playoff berth.
Format of the NBA Play-In Tournament
The NBA Play-In Tournament involves the teams that finish 7th through 10th in each conference at the end of the regular season. Here’s how the format typically works:
- Seventh and eighth-placed teams face off in a single game, with the winner securing the seventh seed in the playoffs.
- The ninth and tenth-placed teams also play a single game, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention.
- The loser of the seventh vs. eighth game then faces the winner of the ninth vs.
. tenth game in a final play-in game, with the winner claiming the eighth seed in the playoffs.
Impact on Playoff Seeding
The NBA Play-In Tournament has implications for playoff seeding, as teams can potentially move up or down in the standings based on their performance in the play-in games. For example, a team that finishes 7th in the regular season could end up as the 8th seed if they lose both play-in games.
Success Stories from the NBA Play-In
One of the most notable success stories from the NBA Play-In Tournament is the Phoenix Suns in the 2020-2021 season. The Suns entered the play-in as the 8th seed and went on to secure the second-best record in the Western Conference during the playoffs, ultimately reaching the NBA Finals.
Statistics and Trends
According to NBA data, teams that have participated in the play-in games have gone on to have varying degrees of success in the playoffs. Some teams have used the play-in as a springboard to a deep playoff run, while others have struggled to maintain momentum.
Conclusion
The NBA Play-In Tournament has added a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the end of the regular season, giving teams on the playoff bubble a chance to earn a spot in the postseason. The format of the play-in games and their impact on playoff seeding have made for compelling storylines and memorable moments in recent NBA seasons.
For more information on the NBA Play-In Tournament, you can visit the official NBA website here.