The structure organizing the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association season concluding in 1985 determined which teams would compete for the championship. This arrangement visually represented the series of elimination rounds following the regular season, outlining the path each team needed to navigate to reach the NBA Finals. It detailed the matchups between teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences based on their regular season performance.
This postseason format is significant because it directly influenced the championship’s outcome. The seeding, determined by regular-season records, gave higher-ranked teams an advantage and shaped the competitive landscape. Understanding the bracket’s organization provides crucial context for analyzing the strategies employed by teams and coaches during that period and appreciating the historical importance of the playoff run of teams such as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.