The NBA playoffs are back nationwide from April to May in 2018. The best teams come together to compete and find out who is the champion of the NBA.

The NBA playoffs consist of four stages. The first round which began April 14, the semi-finals which began April 30, the conference finals which began May 16 and then the NBA finals which began May 31. Each series is played as a best of seven, meaning that the first team to win four games moves on in the playoffs.

The NBA began in 1949 after the fusion between two rivals, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL). After the merge the NBA was seen as the most premier men’s basketball league in the world. It is recognized by the Federation International Basketball Association also known as FIBA.

In 2017, 16 teams from across the nation competed in the NBA playoffs. The Golden State Warriors took the title of champion. The win in 2017 made that their fifth championship win.

“The previous year wasn’t too bad, but then again it wasn’t too good this year is a lot better,”said Leonard Harper freshman.

In 2018, the Raptors, the Wizards, the Celtics, the Timberwolves and the previous champions the Golden State Warriors along with many others prominent teams from across America will compete in the playoffs.

“I’m excited to see new teams play and I’m eager see whos going to win the finals and I’m really excited to see the Philadelphia 76ers play,” said Harper.

Spectators of the NBA look forward to seeing their favorite teams play. They also look forward to seeing the winner of the esteemed championship.

“I like to see my friends rage and get mad and I like to be able to have bragging rights,” said Dylan Costin, freshman.

Fans also look forward to the social fun that comes out of the playoffs. These include bragging rights when a person’s favorite team wins, something to do to pass time and fun with friends and family.

“I always watch with my friends and family whether we are for the same team or not,” said Harper.

Fans watch with a large variety of people such as friends, siblings, parents, aunts and uncles or simply by themselves.

“So far I think the playoffs are exciting, fun and definitely surprising,” said Harper.