By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
The 2015 NBA Playoffs are heating up. Only four teams remain, so who should you be cheering for? Take our quiz and find out!
Which 2015 NBA Playoff Team Should You Root For?
Choosing a team to root for in the 2015 NBA Playoffs can be quite the dilemma if you're not already pledged to a particular franchise's flag. As the first-round series tip off and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy heats up, the NBA becomes a battleground of hoops giants, underdogs, and riveting storylines. You might be torn between rooting for a powerhouse with championship pedigree or throwing your support behind a scrappy squad that's defying expectations.
Now, imagine if your choice of team could be as fun as picking your favorite pizza topping. Pepperoni or cheese? Spurs or Cavaliers? The NBA Playoffs aren't just a display of elite basketball; they're a collection of narratives that resonate with fans of all stripes. Each team has its own personality—some are like the class valedictorian with all the accolades, while others play the role of the plucky newcomer looking to shake up the status quo.
Ready to find out which NBA playoff tribe you should join? Forget about flipping a coin or consulting a dusty crystal ball—your basketball fandom destiny awaits. Just don’t get too flustered if the team you pick doesn’t dance all the way to the end, because, let's be real, when it comes to the playoffs, expect the unexpected, and enjoy a side of drama with that basketball.
Choosing Your Bandwagon
Choosing a team to root for in the 2015 NBA playoffs is serious business. It's like picking a date for prom but with less awkward slow dancing and more three-pointers. Let's break down the contenders, stars, and underdog stories that will make you the MVP of your couch.
Conference Contenders Rundown
In the Eastern Conference, it's hard to ignore the magnetic draw of LeBron James and his band of ballers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, featuring the likes of Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith. Over in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors, with Draymond Green playing like an unsung hero, are making it look like they've got the Western Conference Finals in their crosshairs.
Star Power Showdown
If you're all about the razzle-dazzle and buzzer-beaters, the star power in the playoffs will have you on the edge of your seat. James Harden is tearing it up for the Houston Rockets, while Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are turning the LA Clippers into Lob City. And then there's the unibrowed wonder, Anthony Davis, elevating the New Orleans Pelicans with plays smoother than your favorite jazz tune.
Underdogs and Dark Horses
Now let's talk about the teams that might just surprise you. The Memphis Grizzlies are growling their way through the competition thanks to Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. They’ve got the grit, and the Playoffs are their sandbox. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics are here to prove that even without home-court advantage, they can make some noise. Derrick Rose is back for the Chicago Bulls after more plot twists than your favorite soap opera. And keep an eye on the Brooklyn Nets; they might just weave an unexpected victory in the First Round.
Beyond the Court
Choosing a team to cheer for in the 2015 NBA Playoffs isn't just about stats and scores. It's a foray into a rich tapestry of community pride, economic impact, and larger-than-life personalities.
The Culture of Basketball Fandom
Ever dressed head to toe in your team's merch, painted your face, and screamed until your voice cracked? Congratulations! You're part of the vibrant culture of basketball fandom. If you're leaning towards supporting the Chicago Bulls, you're stepping into a legacy steeped in NBA History—it's all about reliving the glory days of Jordan and Rodman. Embrace the underdog spirit? The Memphis Grizzlies and their Grit and Grind might just be your jam, especially with players like Conley who personify resilience.
On the flip side, choosing the Atlanta Hawks might surprise you—often overlooked, but their unity can teach you a thing or two about the power of synergy. Let's not forget those Los Angeles Clippers; without a championship banner to hang, rooting for them could be your act of defiance, against all odds, in the sticky and sweet drama of the playoffs.
Basketball Economics 101
Did you know rooting for a team is also a financial rollercoaster ride, minus the actual trip to an amusement park? Say you're cheering for Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks—you're effectively endorsing his bold business strategies. Or maybe Dirk Nowitzki's loyalty to one team your entire career strikes a chord with you, an economic rarity worthy of a nod.
Consider the economic miracles like Miami—a city that transformed with the Heat's success—and you've got a plot twist that would make ESPN.com's Power Rankings flip upside down. Then there's the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Choosing either of these juggernauts embraces the boom of local economies thriving with each playoff game. So remember, every jersey purchase, every ticket bought, and every overpriced stadium hot dog you eat, fuels the economic engine of the hoops world.
