About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore how the 2025 NBA playoffs have taken on characteristics traditionally associated with NHL postseason drama. They discuss chaotic comebacks where large leads evaporate late in games, increased physicality including suspensions for fights, controversial officiating calls sparking conspiracy theories, and cultural exchanges such as players wearing hockey jerseys during basketball games. Drawing from Katie Baker's detailed article at The Ringer titled "The Year the NBA Playoffs Got NHL-ified," they analyze key moments like Giannis Antetokounmpo's confrontation after elimination and parallels between iconic franchises experiencing heartbreaks across both leagues. This episode celebrates the thrilling unpredictability now defining playoff basketball while acknowledging ongoing inspirations drawn from playoff hockey traditions.
Article Discussed: "The Year the NBA Playoffs Got NHL-ified"
Author: Katie Baker
https://www.theringer.com/2025/05/14/nba/nba-playoffs-chaos-nhl
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into a fascinating trend in the 2025 NBA playoffs — how they've started to resemble the NHL playoffs in all the best ways. From chaotic comebacks and curious calls to some can't-miss Canadian stars, this postseason has been anything but boring.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. The article by Katie Baker highlights how this year's NBA playoffs have captured that unpredictable, thrilling energy hockey fans have long cherished. We're talking about late-game heroics, overtime excitement, and even some heated confrontations — all reminiscent of Stanley Cup playoff drama.
Niko: Right, Stella. To set the stage, back in 2017 Charles Barkley famously said he preferred watching NHL playoffs over what he called boring NBA postseason games dominated by blowouts and repetitive Warriors-Cavaliers Finals matchups. Fast forward to 2025, and things have flipped. The NBA is now delivering those edge-of-your-seat moments Barkley craved.
Stella: Yes! For instance, there have been multiple games with game-winning shots in the final seconds — like Aaron Gordon's buzzer-beater dunk or other clutch moments that keep fans glued to their screens. Plus, we’re seeing series where big leads just aren’t safe anymore; teams are staging incredible comebacks even when down by 20 points.
Niko: And it’s not just the gameplay. The NBA has had its share of physicality too — suspensions for punches like Bennedict Mathurin’s incident, intense confrontations such as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s heated exchange with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad after the Bucks were eliminated — all adding layers of drama you’d expect from playoff hockey.
Stella: Exactly. There’s also parity showing up everywhere: no team feels comfortably ahead in a series anymore. The article points out that teams leading 3-0 in a series across both leagues are 0-4 in Game 3 this spring. Even storied franchises like the New York Knicks and Toronto Maple Leafs are involved in these nail-biters — highlighting how unpredictable these playoffs have become.
Niko: The crossover extends beyond just gameplay and drama too. We’re seeing cultural borrowing: players wearing hockey jerseys during games, interim coaches trying to lead teams to titles just like NHL counterparts, and even draft lottery chaos reminiscent of hockey lotteries past and present.
Stella: I found it interesting how the article celebrates this cross-pollination rather than comparing leagues competitively. It acknowledges that while hockey fans have their own passionate debates about which sport is superior, this season shows how much basketball can embrace hockey's best qualities without losing its identity.
Niko: Yeah, for example, the concept of 'the most dangerous lead' borrowed from hockey applies here too. In hockey it’s a two-goal lead; in basketball this year it's been as high as 20 points! Teams blowing massive leads late in games keeps everyone on edge — it’s marathon meets tightrope walking for players and fans alike.
Stella: And speaking of parallels, the article mentions specific players who embody that gritty playoff spirit—like Jimmy Butler or Julius Randle—who bring a physicality reminiscent of hockey enforcers. Plus emerging stars with hyphenated last names from Canada add an international flavor similar to what we see on ice.
Niko: It’s also worth noting some unique elements from hockey that could inspire future NBA changes: things like expansion franchises in cities like Vegas or Seattle or adopting protocols such as letting top teams pick their playoff opponents like the PWHL does — which led to some playful fan chants already!
Stella: Definitely an intriguing idea! And beyond structural changes, there's talk about increasing trophy appreciation culture akin to hockey traditions—imagine players bringing trophies into classrooms or purifying them ceremoniously. It adds personality and connection between athletes and fans outside just game results.
Niko: So wrapping up our main discussion: these playoffs have showcased chaotic comebacks, intense physical play, controversial calls stirring conspiracy theories about officiating—and even cultural nods between basketball and hockey fandoms that enrich both sports' postseason experiences.
Stella: Right on point. It's clear from Katie Baker's piece that while NHL once offered an antidote to predictable NBA postseasons, now basketball has embraced many elements that make playoff hockey so captivating — making this year's postseason truly fannnn-tastic as she puts it.
Niko: To summarize then: The 2025 NBA playoffs have brought unpredictability back with thrilling finishes and parity reminiscent of NHL action; physicality has increased; controversies abound; and cross-sport cultural exchanges are flourishing—all contributing to a renewed excitement for basketball fans everywhere.
Stella: And looking ahead based solely on what we've discussed here: if these trends continue, we might see further innovations inspired by hockey culture impacting basketball's future—whether that's new franchises or fresh playoff formats—making both sports richer for their shared influences.
Niko: Thanks for joining us on Podcasty NBA! We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into how the NBA playoffs got NHL-ified this year — chaotic comebacks included! Until next time, keep your sneakers laced tight and your skates sharp!
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