Who Made it to the Playoffs in 2024? highlights the thrilling competitions across major sports like NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL. These events create excitement for fans, impact teams and players, and boost the economy.
A Quick Recap of the 2023-2024 Season
The 2023-2024 sports season was marked by intense rivalries, unexpected upsets, and record-breaking performances. From basketball to hockey, baseball to football, fans were treated to a season filled with excitement and drama.
The NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoffs were a spectacle of athleticism and skill. The battle for supremacy reached its climax with the Eastern and Western Conference champions facing off in the Finals.
- Eastern Conference Champions:
2023-24 — Boston Celticsd
2022-23 — Miami Heat
2021-22 — Boston Celtics
2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks
2019-20 — Miami Head
Eastern Conference 2023–24 standings
# | Team | W | L | PCT | GB | GP |
1 | z – Boston Celtics * | 64 | 18 | 0.78 | – | 82 |
2 | x – New York Knicks | 50 | 32 | 0.61 | 14 | 82 |
3 | y – Milwaukee Bucks * | 49 | 33 | 0.598 | 15 | 82 |
4 | x – Cleveland Cavaliers | 48 | 34 | 0.585 | 16 | 82 |
5 | y – Orlando Magic * | 47 | 35 | 0.573 | 17 | 82 |
6 | x – Indiana Pacers | 47 | 35 | 0.573 | 17 | 82 |
7 | x – Philadelphia 76ers | 47 | 35 | 0.573 | 17 | 82 |
8 | x – Miami Heat | 46 | 36 | 0.561 | 18 | 82 |
9 | pi – Chicago Bulls | 39 | 43 | 0.476 | 25 | 82 |
10 | pi – Atlanta Hawks | 36 | 46 | 0.439 | 28 | 82 |
11 | Brooklyn Nets | 32 | 50 | 0.39 | 32 | 82 |
12 | Toronto Raptors | 25 | 57 | 0.305 | 39 | 82 |
13 | Charlotte Hornets | 21 | 61 | 0.256 | 43 | 82 |
14 | Washington Wizards | 15 | 67 | 0.183 | 49 | 82 |
15 | Detroit Pistons | 14 | 68 | 0.171 | 50 | 82 |
Western Conference Champions 2023–24 standings:
# | Team | W | L | PCT | GB | GP |
1 | c – Oklahoma City Thunder * | 57 | 25 | 0.695 | – | 82 |
2 | x – Denver Nuggets | 57 | 25 | 0.695 | – | 82 |
3 | x – Minnesota Timberwolves | 56 | 26 | 0.683 | 1 | 82 |
4 | y – Los Angeles Clippers * | 51 | 31 | 0.622 | 6 | 82 |
5 | y – Dallas Mavericks * | 50 | 32 | 0.61 | 7 | 82 |
6 | x – Phoenix Suns | 49 | 33 | 0.598 | 8 | 82 |
7 | x – New Orleans Pelicans | 49 | 33 | 0.598 | 8 | 82 |
8 | x – Los Angeles Lakers | 47 | 35 | 0.573 | 10 | 82 |
9 | pi – Sacramento Kings | 46 | 36 | 0.561 | 11 | 82 |
10 | pi – Golden State Warriors | 46 | 36 | 0.561 | 11 | 82 |
11 | Houston Rockets | 41 | 41 | 0.5 | 16 | 82 |
12 | Utah Jazz | 31 | 51 | 0.378 | 26 | 82 |
13 | Memphis Grizzlies | 27 | 55 | 0.329 | 30 | 82 |
14 | San Antonio Spurs | 22 | 60 | 0.268 | 35 | 82 |
15 | Portland Trail Blazers | 21 | 61 | 0.256 | 36 | 82 |
The NHL Playoffs
Hockey fans were on the edge of their seats as teams clashed in the quest for the Stanley Cup. Ultimately, one team emerged victorious as the ultimate champions of the ice.
Stanley Cup Champions
Date | Winning team | Coach | Losing team | Playoff format | Score |
March 17, 1893 | Montreal Hockey Club (AHAC) | Harry Shaw (manager) | 1893 AHAC champions, no challengers | ||
March 22, 1894 | Montreal Hockey Club (AHAC) | Harry Shaw (manager) | Ottawa Hockey Club (AHAC) | Single-elimination (1894 AHAC championship playoff) | 3–1 |
March 9, 1895 | Montreal Hockey Club (AHAC)[A] | Harry Shaw (manager) | Queen’s University (OHA) | Single-elimination | 5–1 |
March 9, 1895 | Montreal Victorias (AHAC)[A] | Mike Grant (captain) | 1895 AHAC Champion | ||
February 14, 1896 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Jack Armytage (captain) | Montreal Victorias (AHAC) | Single-elimination | 2–0 |
February 29, 1896 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Jack Armytage (captain) | 1896 MHA champion[7] | ||
December 30, 1896 | Montreal Victorias (AHAC) | Mike Grant (captain) | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Single-elimination | 6–5 |
March 6, 1897 | Montreal Victorias (AHAC) | Mike Grant (captain) | 1897 AHAC Champion | ||
December 27, 1897 | Montreal Victorias (AHAC) | Mike Grant (captain) | Ottawa Capitals (CCHA) | Single-elimination[B] | 15–2 |
March 5, 1898 | Montreal Victorias (AHAC) | Frank Richardson-playing | 1898 AHAC Champion | ||
March 4, 1899 | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Barney Dunphy | 1899 CAHL Champion | ||
March 14, 1899 | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Barney Dunphy | Queen’s University (OHA) | Single-elimination | 6–2 |
March 7, 1900 | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Barney Dunphy | Halifax Crescents (MaPHL) | Best-of-three | 2–0 (10–2, 11–0) |
March 10, 1900 | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Barney Dunphy | 1900 CAHL Champion | ||
February 19, 1901 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Dan Bain (captain) | Winnipeg Hockey Club (MHA) | Single-elimination (1901 MHA championship) | 4–3[8] |
March 2, 1904 | Ottawa Silver Sevens[D] | Alf Smith-playing | Montreal Wanderers (FAHL) | Two-game total goals | [E] |
March 3, 1905 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (FAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | 1905 FAHL Champion | ||
March 7, 1908 | Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) | Cecil Blachford (captain) | 1908 ECAHA Champions | ||
March 1908 | Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) | Cecil Blachford (captain) | Toronto Pros (OPHL) | Single-elimination | 6–4 |
March 6, 1909 | Ottawa Hockey Club (ECHA) | Pete Green | 1909 ECHA champions | ||
March 9, 1910 | Montreal Wanderers (NHA) | Frank Glass (captain) | 1910 NHA Champion | ||
March 12, 1910 | Montreal Wanderers (NHA) | Frank Glass (captain) | Berlin Dutchmen (OPHL) | Single-elimination | 7–3 |
March 10, 1911 | Ottawa Senators (NHA) | Pete Green | 1911 NHA Champions | ||
March 13, 1911 | Ottawa Senators (NHA) | Pete Green | Galt Hockey Club (OPHL) | Single-elimination | 7–4 |
March 16, 1911 | Ottawa Senators (NHA) | Pete Green | Port Arthur Bearcats (New Ontario Hockey League) | Single-elimination | 13–4 |
March 5, 1912 | Quebec Bulldogs (NHA) | Charles Nolan | 1912 NHA Champions | ||
March 5, 1913 | Quebec Bulldogs (NHA) | Joe Malone (captain) | 1913 NHA Champions | ||
February 15–18, 1899 | Montreal Victorias (CAHL) | Frank Richardson-playing | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Two-game total goals | 5–3 |
February 12–15, 1900 | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Barney Dunphy | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Best-of-three | 2–1 |
January 29–31, 1901 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Dan Bain (captain) | Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
January 21–23, 1902 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Dan Bain (captain) | Toronto Wellingtons (OHA) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
March 1902 | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Dan Bain (captain) | 1902 MHA Champion | ||
March 13–17, 1902 | Montreal Hockey Club (CAHL) | Clarence McKerrow | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Best-of-three | 2–1 |
January 29–31, February 2–4, 1903 | Montreal Hockey Club (CAHL) | Desse Browne | Winnipeg Victorias (MHA) | Best-of-three | 2–1[C] |
March 7–10, 1903 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (CAHL) | Alf Smith | Montreal Victorias (CAHL) | Two-game total goals (1903 CAHL championship playoff) | 9–1 |
March 12–14, 1903 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (CAHL) | Alf Smith | Rat Portage Thistles (MNWHA) | Two-game total goals | 10–4 |
December 30, 1903, January 1–4, 1904 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (CAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | Winnipeg Rowing Club (MHA) | Best-of-three | 2–1 |
February 23–25, 1904 | Ottawa Silver Sevens[D] | Alf Smith-playing | Toronto Marlboros (OHA) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
March 9–11, 1904 | Ottawa Silver Sevens[D] | Alf Smith-playing | Brandon Wheat City (MNWHA) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
January 13–16, 1905 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (FAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | Dawson City Nuggets | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
March 7–9–11, 1905 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (FAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | Rat Portage Thistles (MHL) | Best-of-three | 2–1 |
February 27–28, 1906 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (FAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | Queen’s University (OHA) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
March 6–8, 1906 | Ottawa Silver Sevens (FAHL) | Alf Smith-playing | Smiths Falls Hockey Club (FAHL) | Best-of-three | 2–0 |
March 14–17, 1906 | Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) | Cecil Blachford-playing | Ottawa Silver Sevens (ECAHA) | Two-game total goals (1906 ECAHA championship playoff) | 12–10 |
December 27–29, 1906 | Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) | Cecil Blachford-playing | New Glasgow Cubs | Two-game total goals | 17–5 |
- Other Notable Playoffs
While the NBA and NHL playoffs captured the spotlight, other sports also delivered thrilling postseason action.
- MLB Playoffs:
Baseball fans enjoyed the drama of the playoffs as teams battled it out for the World Series title.
- NFL Playoffs:
The NFL postseason always brings excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating the Super Bowl.
- Other Sports Playoffs:
Beyond the major leagues, numerous other sports hold their own playoffs, providing entertainment for a wide range of fans.
Why Playoffs Matter
Playoffs are more than just sporting events; they have a significant impact on various aspects of society.
- Impact on Teams and Players:
Playoff success can define a team’s legacy and elevate players to superstar status. The pressure to perform at the highest level can also lead to personal growth and development.
- Impact on Fans:
Playoffs create a sense of community and shared excitement. Fans invest emotionally in their teams, and victories bring immense joy and pride.
- Economic Impact:
Playoffs generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. This economic activity contributes to local and national economies.
The playoffs are a cornerstone of the sports world, captivating fans and driving the industry forward. As the 2023-2024 season comes to a close, we eagerly anticipate the next season and the thrilling competitions that lie ahead.
Conclusion
The 2023-2024 sports season delivered an unforgettable playoff experience. From the intense rivalries on the basketball court to the thrilling overtime finishes on the ice, fans were treated to a spectacle of athleticism and competition. The playoffs not only determine champions but also shape the narratives of teams and players, create lasting memories for fans, and contribute significantly to the economy. As the curtain falls on this season, anticipation builds for the next, promising more heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments.
FAQs Who Made it to the Playoffs in 2024?
General Questions
- When do the playoffs typically start?
- The start dates for playoffs vary depending on the sport. However, they generally occur towards the end of the regular season.
- How are playoff teams determined?
- Playoff teams are usually determined by regular season standings. The top teams in each conference or division advance to the playoffs.
Fan Questions
- What is the best way to get tickets to the playoffs?
- Tickets can often be purchased through the team’s official website, ticket resale platforms, or at the arena box office.
- How can I watch the playoffs if I don’t have cable?
- Many streaming services offer packages that include playoff games. Check with your preferred streaming provider for details.
Other Questions
- How do playoffs impact the economy?
- Playoffs generate significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights, boosting local and national economies.
- What is the historical significance of playoffs?
- Playoffs have a long history in sports and have evolved into major cultural events, shaping the legacies of teams and athletes.