The structure used to determine the participants and progression of teams competing for the National Basketball Association championship in 1996 involved a seeded, tournament-style format. Teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences qualified based on their regular season records, with higher seeds generally facing lower seeds in the initial rounds. This arrangement dictated the matchups, and ultimately, the path to the NBA Finals.
This playoff format is significant because it clarifies the competitive landscape after the regular season. It establishes a clear path to the championship and provides a framework for determining the ultimate victor. The results of the 1996 playoffs have historical importance, documenting the culmination of a specific season and enshrining the champion team and its players in the league’s history. It marks a specific point in NBA history and serves as a benchmark for comparing teams and eras.
