RealGM

Back then, the first round series were best of 5, instead of 7 as they are now. Did you prefer the best of 5 format, or the current best of 7?

To me, the best of 5 made it "easier" for the higher seed to advance, whereas the best of 7 gives the lower seed more of a chance to upset.

I prefer the best of 7 format. More games = a happy LA Forever.

I think the best of 5 was the easier way for the lower seed to advance because you win one of the first two on the road and then you play 2 games @ home to close out the series while in the best of 7 the 5th game is back on the road for the lower seed and with a win the higher seed may get the confidence enough to try and win Game 6 and then Game 7 @ home.

SashAlex wrote:I think the best of 5 was the easier way for the lower seed to advance because you win one of the first two on the road and then you play 2 games @ home to close out the series

I wasn't even thinking of that scenario.
Good point.

best of five format means that Memphis is looking at closing out the series next game

I am wondering when was the last time a team lead 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 and lost the series in the first round? If it hasn't happened (I know down 3-0), then a 7 game series would mean that you're just extending the inevitable.

Base wrote:I am wondering when was the last time a team lead 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 and lost the series in the first round? If it hasn't happened (I know down 3-0), then a 7 game series would mean that you're just extending the inevitable.

It's happened a few times, Lakers coughed up a 3-1 lead on the Suns in 06.

DEEP3CL wrote:

Base wrote:I am wondering when was the last time a team lead 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 and lost the series in the first round? If it hasn't happened (I know down 3-0), then a 7 game series would mean that you're just extending the inevitable.

It's happened a few times, Lakers coughed up a 3-1 lead on the Suns in 06.

I found all of them.
2003: Orlando (8th seed) led 3-2, Lost 4-3
2006: Lakers (7th seed) led 3-1, Lost 4-3
2007: Utah Jazz (4th Seed) led 3-2, Lost 4-3
2010: Milwaukee Bucks (6 Seed) led 3-2, Lost 4-3

Do lower seeds really have a better chance at winning with a 7 game series?

We woulda beaten Phoenix that year we were up 3-1 if it was just best of 5. the less the amount the games the more likely there is an upset.