NBA Playoffs or March Madness: Which Basketball Playoff Format Do You Think is Better? [Vote]
Well, March is here.
College basketball is gearing up for the NCAA Tournament known as "March Madness" while the NBA season standings are seeding for the NBA playoffs. Buzzer beaters, game-winning shots, missed free throws and controversial calls are all heading our way.
But which is better? Does college basketball offer the better playoff system or is the NBA king of the court? Let's first make an argument for both sides and then vote on the topic:
Why the NBA Playoffs are Better
The NBA playoffs are far superior to college basketball's tournament for a number of reasons. First, and most obvious, is talent. The NBA playoffs feature the very best players from around the world such as LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant and so many more. The best shooters, passers and defenders are on display in the NBA, and that isn't even debatable.
Another big reason is limited teams. While March Madness has a ridiculous 68-team tournament, the NBA playoffs feature just the 16 best teams in the league. Each round of the NBA playoffs are evenly matched and exciting with a best four out of seven series. In college basketball, teams that have no business whatsoever at the tournament have a chance to win the championship in a single game elimination system.
In 1974, the NCAA Tournament was a 25-team playoff. Then, in 1980, it was 48 teams. In just six years, the playoff field expanded by 23 teams and March officially became "Madness." Now it's 68 teams and the field is growing with below average teams.
The other big factor to consider is home court advantage. In the NBA, the teams with the higher seed receive home court advantage over lower seeded teams because of their regular season performance. It validates the regular season. In college basketball, the teams simply play at random locations. Despite having an undefeated record this season, Kentucky will not get home court advantage in March.
Plus, a 35-second shot clock is way too much.
Why March Madness is Better
March Madness may have a 68-team playoff tournament, but the excitement is unmatchable. Every round, fans witness buzzer-beating shots, upsets and crazy results. The biggest reason college basketball's postseason is better than the NBA is because of upsets. The one-game elimination format makes each and every game extremely critical.
And then, of course, there's "bracketology." Fans everywhere fill out there brackets hoping to have the best and perfect predictions. The NBA does have the more talented players, but it lacks surprises and upsets. It's extremely rare that we actually see a stunning playoff loss in the NBA. In March Madness, that happens almost every round. College basketball isn't just a supertsar driven league.
While some people don't like a 68-team playoff system, it pays off in the end with so many dramatic finishes. Another factor to consider is physicality. In the NBA, if you even touch a superstar it might be a flagrant foul. With March Madness, the officials let the players decide the game.
Which do you think is better? Feel free to vote below
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