1976 NBA playoffs


The 1976 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1975–76 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The series was highlighted by Game 5, a 3-OT victory by Boston. The Celtics won their 13th NBA title, second in the Dave Cowens era. Jo Jo White was named NBA Finals MVP.
The Suns earned their first two playoff series victories in franchise history to advance to the NBA Finals; they won their second Western Conference title in 1993.
The sixth-year Cleveland Cavaliers made their first playoff appearance and won their first playoff series.
This was the final playoff appearance for the Buffalo Braves franchise in Buffalo and last until 1992, when they returned as the Los Angeles Clippers.
This would prove the last Conference Finals appearance for the Golden State Warriors until 2015 under the leadership of Steph Curry.
The Philadelphia 76ers made the playoffs for the first time since 1971, starting a 12-season run that included four NBA Finals appearances.
Despite winning their division with a losing record of 38–44, the Milwaukee Bucks were forced to play in the best of three first round against the Detroit Pistons.
This is also noted to be the most recent NBA Playoffs that did not include a sweep.

Bracket

Western Conference

Champion: Phoenix Suns
;1st Round
Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics & Phoenix Suns have first round byes.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons: Pistons win series 2–1
;Conference Semifinals
Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons: Warriors win series 4–2
Seattle SuperSonics vs. Phoenix Suns: Suns win series 4–2
;Conference Finals
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns: Suns win series 4–3
Champion: Boston Celtics
;1st Round
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers & Washington Bullets have first round byes.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Buffalo Braves: Braves win series 2–1
;Conference Semifinals
Boston Celtics vs. Buffalo Braves: Celtics win series 4–2
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Bullets: Cavaliers win series 4–3
Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the Cavaliers and the Bullets
;Conference Finals
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Celtics win series 4–2
Last playoff meeting: This was the first meeting between the Celtics and the Cavaliers

NBA Finals

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns: Celtics win series 4–2