Success in the National Basketball Association’s postseason hinges on a team’s ability to secure a specific number of victories within each series. To advance through the playoff bracket, a team must win four games against its opponent. This format ensures that only teams demonstrating sustained excellence and adaptability progress towards the championship. For example, if a team wins games 1, 2, 3, and 4 of a series, they win the series.
The four-wins requirement fosters intense competition and strategic depth. It rewards consistency, resilience, and the capacity to adjust game plans as a series unfolds. Historically, this structure has allowed underdogs to challenge higher-seeded teams, as a single upset is insufficient to guarantee victory; prolonged dominance is necessary. The need for multiple wins also elevates the stakes and drama, captivating audiences with each contest.