If you’ve ever tuned into the NBA Finals, you know the vibe is electric. It is way more intense than during the regular season. The roaring crowd. The nail-biting moments. The sheer pressure. Everything that could make up a basketball fan’s dream atmosphere.
However, one of the biggest factors that can tip the scales in favor of a team is home-court advantage. So, let’s break down how that works and why it matters so much in the chase for the championship.
In the NBA, playoff series are designed as a best-of-seven. Simply put, the first team to snag four wins moves on to claim the championship.
But there’s an interesting rule for the higher-seeded team. They’re guaranteed four home games out of a potential seven.
The Knicks haven't had home court advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals in 31 years
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 13, 2025
One more win by the Knicks & Pacers and that's what they'll have pic.twitter.com/G7cu3v1pbd
The first two games take place at the home of the higher-seeded team, giving them a golden opportunity to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Then it shifts, with the next two games at the lower-seeded team’s arena.
If it goes the distance, the deciding games (5 and 7, if necessary) return to the higher seed’s home. It’s like playing Monopoly, where you land on the Boardwalk and get to build hotels while your opponent is stuck in the slums.
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1995’s Houston Rockets Defied The Home-Court Advantage In NBA Finals
While most of us think the home-court advantage is the best thing to happen to a higher-seeded team, there’s one team.
The 1995 Houston Rockets had one of the most unforgettable playoff journeys in NBA history. As a No. 6 seed, they took on some heavyweights on their way to the championship, and it was all led by the incredible Hakeem Olajuwon.
In the first round, they went up against the 60-win Utah Jazz, featuring the legendary duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton.
Olajuwon was on fire, averaging an amazing 35 points per game and shooting 58% from the field. His stellar performance helped the Rockets pull off a surprising upset and move on to the next round.
May 24, 1995: Hakeem Olajuwon drives and scores on league MVP David Robinson during Houston's 106-96 win at San Antonio in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) May 24, 2024
Olajuwon finished with 41 PTS (18-31 FG)/16 REB/3 STL for the Rockets, who took a 2-0 series lead on the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/rB0o5b0xhC
Next up, they faced off against the 59-win Phoenix Suns, led by the mighty Charles Barkley. This was a nail-biter, going all the way to seven games. Olajuwon once again came through and scored 29 points in a tense Game 7 on the road. He helped Houston secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals.
In the Finals of the Western Conference, they matched up against the 62-win San Antonio Spurs. Olajuwon was simply unstoppable, scoring over 39 points in multiple games, and the Rockets won after six tough games.
Finally, the Rockets found themselves in the NBA Finals against the top-seeded Orlando Magic, featuring the dominant Shaquille O’Neal. However, Olajuwon and the Rockets were ready, sweeping the Magic in four straight games to claim their second straight championship.
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