The structure that outlines the postseason tournament for the National Basketball Association in 1997 depicted the path each team needed to navigate to reach the championship series. This arrangement visualized the matchups between teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences, following the regular season standings. It specified which teams would compete against each other in each round: the first round, conference semi-finals, conference finals, and the NBA Finals.
This visual representation of the postseason tournament is crucial because it illustrates the competitive landscape and potential matchups. Examining the arrangement provides a historical record of team performance and strategic positioning during a pivotal year in NBA history. It allows for analysis of seeding implications and the impact of regular season performance on playoff success. Moreover, it serves as a point of reference for comparing postseason formats across different eras and evaluating the success or failure of various teams within a specific historical context.