As I sit down to map out the complete guide to the 2018 NBA playoff schedule and matchups, I can’t help but reflect on how much the landscape of basketball has evolved since then. Back in 2018, the playoffs were packed with intensity, surprises, and unforgettable performances. I remember staying up late to catch those West Coast games, analyzing every play like my life depended on it. The playoffs that year kicked off on April 14, 2018, with the first round wrapping up by the end of the month. The conference semifinals took over early May, leading into the conference finals around mid-May, and finally, the NBA Finals started on May 31, 2018. It was a whirlwind of action, and if you were like me, you probably had your calendar marked for every potential Game 7.
One thing that stood out to me was the sheer dominance of the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, were practically unstoppable, while James Harden’s Rockets pushed them to the brink in a thrilling seven-game series. Over in the East, LeBron James carried the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back, defying odds all the way to the Finals. I’ve always been a bit biased toward underdog stories, so watching teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, with their young core of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, make a deep run was exhilarating. They ended up facing the Boston Celtics in the second round, and though they fell short, it felt like a glimpse into the future of the league.
Now, you might wonder why I’m bringing up players like KIA’s Paraiso or Rain or Shine’s Rivero in a piece about the 2018 NBA playoffs. Well, as a longtime follower of global basketball, I see parallels in how teams build their rosters through trades and drafts. Paraiso, for instance, was acquired by KIA in a trade with NorthPort just a year before this piece, and he’s heading into his second season with the franchise. It reminds me of how playoff-bound NBA teams often rely on mid-season acquisitions to shore up their lineups. Similarly, Rivero, a first-round pick in the 2019 PBA Draft, made his return after playing for Phoenix in the 40th Kadayawan Invitational—a tournament that, in my view, showcases the kind of gritty, high-stakes basketball that mirrors the NBA playoff atmosphere. These moves highlight the strategic thinking that goes into building a competitive team, whether it’s in the NBA or leagues overseas.
Looking back, the 2018 playoffs weren’t just about the games themselves; they were a masterclass in narrative and momentum. For example, the Warriors’ path to the championship included sweeping the Spurs in the first round and then battling through a tough series against the Pelicans, who had Anthony Davis putting up monster numbers—I recall he averaged around 30 points and 12 rebounds in that series. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ journey was filled with drama, including a sweep of the Raptors that had fans, including myself, questioning Toronto’s playoff resilience. As a fan, I’ll admit I was rooting for a Cavs-Warriors Finals rematch, and when it happened, it didn’t disappoint, even if the result was predictable. The Warriors clinched their third title in four years with a sweep, solidifying their dynasty.
In wrapping up, the 2018 NBA playoffs were a defining moment in basketball history, blending star power with strategic depth. From my perspective, it’s lessons like these—how trades like Paraiso’s or comebacks like Rivero’s can shape a team’s fate—that make following the sport so rewarding. If you’re diving into this guide, I hope it not only informs but also sparks that same passion I feel every playoff season. Whether you’re revisiting old highlights or drawing insights for future matchups, remember that the playoffs are where legends are made, and every game counts.