Home-court Advantage looms Large for Top Seeds

Sports Other Sports

Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 01:35:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-05-09 13:04:09

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The Cavs and Thunder are facing pivotal Game 5s, and home-court advantage is everything. In the 2022 NBA playoffs, home teams have won nearly 70% of the time, an uptick from the 67% rate during the pandemic-altered 2020 and 2021 seasons. And since 2016, the Cavs and Thunder have been nearly unstoppable at home in the playoffs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a reputation for defending their home court. Since the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavs have a 28-4 home record in the postseason, including a 6-1 record this year. They're a dominating force in Cleveland, and opponents should be afraid.

Oklahoma City Thunder have a similarly impressive home record and will look to improve it when they host the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Thunder's home playoff record since 2016 encompasses a remarkable 25-5 streak, including a 4-0 record this year.

These top seeds are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive. The Thunder dispatched the Mavericks in five games, while the Cavaliers avoided the same feat against the Nets. But it hasn't been easy, and they'll have to fight to edge out their opponents in this critical Game 5.

These teams have a lot of momentum at home and will provide a fierce defense to keep their winning records intact. History may well be on their side; the team that wins Game 5 in a best-of-seven series that is tied takes the series about 80% of the time.

These are just some of the exciting matchups to watch for in what is shaping up to be an epic NBA playoff season.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Conference Semifinals. Will the Cavs and Thunder hold serve and advance, or will their opponents claw their way back into contention? Only time will tell.

Go!