Category: Basketball

Understanding the NBA Playoffs: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by Elle-Blogs

The NBA Playoffs are one of the most exciting times in sports, bringing intense competition, athletic performances, legendary rivalries, individual superstars, and unforgettable moments. This beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know before the playoffs begin on April 19 so you can enjoy the action like a pro. 

How Do the NBA Playoffs Work?

The NBA Playoffs determine the league’s champion through a series of elimination rounds. The format includes:

  • 16 Teams: The top eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences qualify based on regular season performance.
  • Seeding: Teams are ranked from #1 to #8 in each conference based on their win-loss records.
  • Best-of-Seven Series: Each playoff round is decided in a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games advances to the next round.
  • Four Rounds: The playoffs consist of the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals.

NBA Playoffs History

Today, the NBA Playoffs are a global event, showcasing the best basketball talent in the world and culminating in the NBA Finals, where champions are crowned. 

The NBA Playoffs have evolved significantly since the league’s founding in 1946. Originally, the postseason featured just eight teams competing in a mix of round-robin and elimination formats. In 1955, the NBA adopted the best-of-seven series. In 1984, the NBA expanded to the current 16-team playoff structure. 

The introduction of the Play-In Tournament in 2020 gives lower-seeded teams one last chance to fight for a playoff berth and more excitement to viewers. Before the official playoffs begin, teams ranked #7 through #10 in each conference compete to determine the final two playoff spots. 

Key Playoff Terms to Know

  • Home-Court Advantage: The team with the better regular-season record hosts more games in the series.
  • Upset: When a lower-seeded team defeats a higher-seeded team.
  • Game 7: The ultimate showdown if a series is tied 3-3; winner takes all!
  • MVP (Most Valuable Player): The best-performing player of the series or Finals.

Where to Watch the NBA Playoffs?

Unless you’re in a city with a team in the playoffs and you want to secure tickets, your favorite neighborhood, Bout Time, is the best place to watch a game or a round. With more TVs than tables and lots of great energy from viewers, combined with scratch-made food and plenty of beverages, you’ll feel like you’re courtside. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team to make it to the Finals or just enjoying the atmosphere, any of our Bout Time locations is the perfect place to catch all the action.

So, grab a drink, order some wings, and get ready to experience the intensity of the NBA Playoffs with fellow fans. See you for tip-off!

March Madness 101: How to Create the Perfect Bracket

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

March is here, and for college basketball fans, that means one thing—March Madness! What does that mean for basketball followers new to the scene? Bracket time, of course. March Madness is the perfect time to get into the excitement of filling out a bracket—fueled by strategy, luck, and college basketball determination. Every buzzer-beater and upset plays into creating the perfect bracket—and we’ve got the play-by-play to build a slam dunk bracket.   

What is March Madness? 

March Madness refers to the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments held every spring. The best 68 college basketball teams compete in a single-elimination game to crown the national champion in these tournaments. Games are held throughout March and early April, and rankings, upsets, and underdog victories dominate sports conversations across the U.S. 

Even the casual basketball observer can enjoy filling out a bracket and predicting which teams will advance and potentially win the championship. It’s one of the most exciting March traditions, and everyone can participate. 

How College Basketball Brackets Work 

Start with looking at the March Madness games as a tree with 68 branches. The brackets represent the tournament structure, with each match-up determined in advance. Then, you predict the winners in every game until the championship game. 

Here are some bracket basics to know before you start filling yours out:

  • The Seeds: Teams are ranked or “seeded” within four geographic regions, from #1 (the strongest team) to #16 (the perceived underdog). 
  • First Four: The tournament starts with four play-in games, but the real action begins during the Round of 64. 
  • Single Elimination: One loss, and a team is out for the season, leading to plenty of dramatic upsets and Cinderella stories. 
  • Advance Through Rounds: As teams win, they move to the next round—the Round of 32, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and finally, the National Championship. 

The objective? Predict as many winners as possible within your bracket—ideally without busting your championship contenders—with each correctly guessed game earning points. Winning the year’s bracket is difficult but comes with lots of fun as you consider the more than 9 quintillion possible bracket combinations. 

How to Pick the Best Bracket to Win 

1. Understand the Favorites and Underdogs

Start by studying the seeds. Statistically, #1 seeds have the best odds of advancing in the tournament. However, Cinderella stories—when a low-seeded team defies the odds—are what make March Madness thrilling. While picking higher seeds for early rounds is smart, expect a few upsets. Teams seeded #10 through #12 often win first-round games against their higher-ranked opponents. 

2. Do Your Research 

While luck plays a big role, informed choices can improve your chances. Keep these in mind:

  • Team Performance: Check out teams’ season win/loss records and performance against strong opponents. 
  • Key Players: Look for teams with star players; they tend to shine during high-pressure games or change the game if injured. 
  • Matchup Histories: Has a particular team struggled against defensive-minded opponents in the past? Matchups matter. 

3. Balance Chalk Picks and Upsets 

  • Chalk Picks: These are “safe bets,” where you pick higher-seeded teams to advance. On average, most tournament champions are #1 seeds. 
  • Strategic Upsets: Predicting a few key upsets in the earlier rounds can make your bracket bust-proof. Consider lower-seeded teams capable of surprises—they often have grit and momentum on their side. 

4. Don’t Overthink the Final Four 

By the time your bracket reaches the Final Four, focus on a balanced mix of high and mid-seeded teams. Historical data shows that not all Final Four participants are top seeds. Usually, you’ll see one or two teams ranked #4 or lower in this round. Avoid overloading your predictions with long-shot teams, as it’s rare for them to reach the championship. 

5. Remember the Fun Factor 

Finally, don’t stress out trying to build a perfect bracket—it’s almost impossible—and that’s what makes the unpredictability of March Madness so much fun. Make that bold pick if you feel strongly about a dark horse team, a college, or a particular player—it will make the action more exciting when watching the game. Even if your bracket falls apart, you can still enjoy cheering for the winners, upsets, dramatic comebacks, and nail-biting finishes at your favorite neighborhood Bout Time.

Get Into the Madness

Filling out your March Madness bracket is the ultimate mix of strategy and luck. Rely on some data in your strategy while leaving room for a little personal preference and definitely some madness along the way. The excitement of watching your picks play out over a great burger with friends is worth every second, and watching your national champion cut down the nets could be a new season highlight!

Highlights and Standouts of the 2024 NBA Finals

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks showcased exceptional talent, strategy, and determination, making 2024 a season to remember for the Celtics and their fans as they brought home their 18th championship. Let’s relive some of the highlights and key plays of the NBA Finals, with a front-row seat to all the memorable action.

A Season to Remember for the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics had an unforgettable season, marked by incredible performances that culminated in winning the NBA Finals in just 5 games. The team’s cohesion and talent lead them to dominate their way to the Finals one team after another. 

The season saw the Celtics demonstrate their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity against some of the toughest teams in the league—consistently showing their ability to perform under pressure.

The Celtics headed into the playoffs with the best regular-season record and the winners of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. Their playoff appearance for the 10th consecutive season marked the longest streak in the NBA.

Key Players of the NBA Finals

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown’s athleticism and two-way play made him a key contributor for the Celtics. His ability to guard multiple positions and his offensive explosiveness made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. He hit several clutch shots in Game 5 and his ability to create his shot and knock down perimeter jumpers under pressure was on full display. Brown’s growth as a player and his ability to deliver in big moments lead the Celtics to secure the Finals victory and earned him the Finals MVP.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics and delivered an all-around brilliant season-long performance, leading the Celtics to ultimate victory. His scoring ability, defensive skills, and leadership were instrumental in the team’s success and his poise under pressure was instrumental in the Celtics’ championship win.

Luka Dončić

The Mavericks’ Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double in Game 2 despite injuries and demonstrated why he is considered one of the league’s brightest stars. He was nothing short of sensational this season given his ability to control the game with his scoring, passing, and rebounding making him a triple-double threat every night and earning him numerous accolades throughout the season. 

Kristaps Porziņģis

Kristaps Porziņģis returned to the court after more than a month and scored 20 points to help the Celtics win Game 1. His versatility and combination of size, skill, and shooting ability made him a game-changer with his presence on both ends of the floor felt as he stretched the defense and protected the rim. Porziņģis’ Game 1 performance was a statement game, showing that he could be a dominant force in the Finals.

Nothing But Net

The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks displayed incredible talent, determination, and resilience, making it a memorable series for basketball players and NBA fans. The Celtics’ championship victory was a testament to their teamwork and perseverance, and provided highlight-reel plays every game.

As we look forward to next season, we invite you to join our community of passionate basketball fans at your neighborhood location to savor every matchup, celebrate the sport we love, and catch all the unforgettable moments on the court!

Reliving NCAA’s Final Four Magic: Iconic Moments and Shocking Upsets

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

Every spring, college basketball fans are treated to the electrifying spectacle of March Madness, culminating in the NCAA Final Four, where the last teams standing face off in a battle for the national championship title. The Final Four is high-stakes, drama-filled  games that feature underdog stories, historic rivalries, and the making of legends. Here, we’re going to take a nostalgic dive into some of the most memorable moments and upsets in Final Four history.

The Essence of the Final Four

The Final Four represents the pinnacle of college basketball excellence. Watched for the intense action and unpredictable outcomes, the series is the culmination of a tournament that sees 68 teams whittled down to just four. Watching the Final Four is a tradition that unites fans in die-hard support of their schools and the camaraderie of collegiate years.

The allure of the Final Four lies in its ability to script narratives that defy expectation. Monstrously talented powerhouses often find themselves pitted against scrappy underdogs, and sometimes, the underdogs come out on top in gloriously dramatic fashion. The competition and the emotional rollercoaster it provides keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Alumni unite at watch parties, students cheer from college campuses, and even those who haven’t attended a single game during the regular season find themselves devoutly tuned in. 

A Look Back at Final Four Classics

The storied history of the Final Four is rich with moments etched into the collective memory of sports fans. From epic clashes to buzzer-beaters that defy basketball physics, the match up has witnessed its fair share of unforgettable feats.

Bird Meets Magic

We’ll start with one that happened right here in Salt Lake City, back on March 26, 1979. It was here that Michigan State’s Magic Johnson and Indiana State’s Larry Bird met for the first time, as the two best players of the 1978-79 college basketball season. Both went on to historic careers in the NBA.

The Historic Upset of 1983

Perhaps no upset is as iconic as the 1983 Final Four, when North Carolina State shocked the college basketball world by overcoming the seemingly insurmountable University of Houston and the game’s Most Outstanding Player Hakeem Olajuwon. Often considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history, the buzzer-beating dunk by Lorenzo Charles off a 30-foot desperation shot by Dereck Whittenburg still rolls as historic NCAA tournament coverage today. Their victory remains a testament to the unpredictability and drama of March Madness.

The Miracle Minute of 2008

Fast forward to 2008, and the Kansas Jayhawks are on the precipice of defeat against the University of Memphis leading 60-51 with two minutes left in regulation. Kansas stages a dramatic comeback, including Mario Chalmers’ game-tying three-pointer that forced overtime. Kansas then held Memphis to five points to win its first national championship since 1988. It was a thrilling sequence that underscores the Final Four’s ability to deliver heart-stopping excitement against all odds.

Butler’s Near-Miss in 2010

Sometimes, it’s not victory but the valiant effort that sticks in the mind of sports fans. In 2010, underdog Butler University fought their way to the championship game, where they narrowly missed clinching the title against the Duke Blue Devils. The Bulldogs’ remarkable run, characterized by their stifling defense and the star power of Gordon Hayward, reminded the world that in March Madness, anything is possible.

Catch all of March Madness at Bout Time 

Watching the Final Four at your favorite Bout Time is a shared experience with fellow fans that amplifies the excitement of the event. Whether you’re about high-fiving strangers after a pivotal play or engaging in heated debates about game strategies, at Bout Time, the fan-centric atmosphere and hearty, scratch-made food come together to create the best environment for Final Four fanatics. With multiple screens broadcasting the games, you won’t miss a single moment of the action, from the pregame hype to the final buzzer.

The magic of the Final Four games is something to be celebrated and experienced. From the hardwood to the headlines, the Final Four leaves memories that resonate with fans long after March Madness ends.

March Madness Memories: Reliving the Best of the Past

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

March Madness, the culmination of college basketball, is a month filled with talent, nail-biting buzzer-beaters, sports strategy, and sheer tenacity. And once again, the madness is coming to Salt Lake City March 21-23 as Utah hosts the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

As we play our way through the brackets, let’s look back at previous season’s unforgettable moments where teams suffered the agony of defeat and triumph despite all odds. Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or a casual sports enthusiast, read on as we relive some of the most mesmerizing moments.

Bracket Bound

Often decided by the slimmest of margins, the NCAA tournament encapsulates the very essence of what makes March Madness so captivating as we witness the drama unfold. 

The Sweet Sixteen is a pivotal round in the NCAA tournament where teams that have made it this far vie for a spot in the Elite Eight. It’s here that the best teams emerge, the biggest upsets happen, and the Final Four come into view as dreams are realized and dismantled on courts across the country. 

Unforgettable Matchups and Game Winners

Every fan has their own cherished March Madness memory, from buzzer-beaters to underdog triumphs. Here are a few that have etched themselves into the collective memory of college basketball:

In 2006, George Mason University put together the original NCAA Cinderella story. An 11th seed, the Patriots shocked the nation by reaching the Final Four. They came back from a regular-season defeat against Michigan State and then overtook reigning NCAA champions the North Carolina Tar Heels with a 65-60 win.

Next up was the Sweet Sixteen game against Wichita State, where four players scored double figures to win. George Mason’s improbable run symbolizes the heart and grit that’s always possible during March Madness.

In the NCAA National Championship game of 2016, Villanova faced off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in a historic matchup. With the game tied with 4.7 seconds left, Kris Jenkins tossed up a championship-winning three-pointer to win the National Championship 77-74. The shot is considered one of the greatest in NCAA tournament history and secured Villanova’s second title, with the first in 1985.

The East Region final of 1992 pitted the #1 Duke Blue Devils against the #2 seed Kentucky Wildcats. Down by one with 2.1 seconds to go in overtime, Christian Laettner hit a jumper to secure Duke’s victory. Known simply as ‘The Shot,’ the game was named the greatest college basketball game of all time by USA Today in 2002 and Sports Illustrated in 2004. ESPN ranks it as #17 on the top 100 sports moments. 

Get Set for March Madness

Every March Madness NCAA tournament showdown is ripe with bracket-busting possibilities and ready to give way to new legends and narratives that will be forever recorded through the annals of the sport. 

The thrill of March Madness is in its unpredictability, the heart-stopping action that makes college basketball so addictively engaging, and each year, it serves up a feast of heroic comebacks, game-winning plays, and remarkable upsets.

We invite you to tap into those memories, relive those moments, and share in the celebration of these collegiate athletes who, with each dribble, shot, and dunk, define what it means to play basketball in its purest form. 

As March Madness gets underway, who knows what monumental moments await, what new narratives will capture our imaginations, and what teams will etch their name into the history books. Whether you’re cheering from the Delta Center, your living room, or our nearest neighborhood location, we invite you to get into the madness with us! 

Celebrating the Best Sports Moments of 2023 

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

by Heather King

It’s that time of year to look back and celebrate the best sports moments of 2023! The year 2023 was one to remember, from epic comebacks to unforgettable displays of brilliance. These breath-holding moments captured our hearts and minds, and played a significant role in shaping our love for the game. We’ll always remember where we were when…. Now, as we take a look back at the most unforgettable sports moments of 2023 that kept us on the edge of our seats, we’re thrilled to remember these unbelievable games with you.

College Football Playoff Championship: Georgia versus TCU 

January 2023 can be defined as domination season for the Georgia Bulldogs. They finished the season 15-0 and repeated as national champions. Even after losing 15 players to the NFL in 2022, they literally ate the TCU Horned Frogs for dinner in a 66-7 win for the title. It’s a margin that stands as the largest title game victory in modern college football history. Aside from scoring more points in the game than any other during the season, the Dawgs racked up records—the least of which involved scoring 1.1 points per minute. 

2023 NBA Championship: Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat 

The 2023 NBA Championship battle between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat was a historic one. While the Nuggets hadn’t won the playoffs since 1976, Miami was coming off a championship win just two years prior, and fans everywhere were ready to see who could really take it all to the hoop. Throughout the six-game series, the Nuggets eventually proved to play 5,280 feet higher than everyone else but not before we were treated to some incredible championship series moments. 

The Nuggets put on a show starting with the game 1 overtime thriller. Thanks to a dominant performance from Nikola Jokic who scored 36 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out nine assists to lead the Nuggets to victory.

The triple-double duel in game 3 lead to a high-scoring affair with players from both teams finishing with triple-doubles.

Down 2-1 by game 4, the Heat needed to bring it to stay in the series. With the game tied in the closing seconds, Miami’s Jimmy Butler drove to the basket and hit a layup as time expired to keep Miami’s championship hopes alive heading into Game 5.

The Nuggets were just one win away from their first championship in nearly 50 years, and they turned to their star player once again. Jokic put up yet another dominant performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing 20 rebounds on his way to being named the Finals MVP. Denver won the game 107-99, securing their first championship since 1976.

Accolades Earned in NFL Football, Grand Slam Tennis, Formula 1, and NBA Basketball

Super Bowl 57 saw Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes lead his team to a second win in just 4 years. Mahomes also earned his second MVP award, at least partly due to his stellar performance even while playing with an injured ankle through the fourth quarter. 

Novak Djokovic broke the tennis Grand Slam record with 24 titles after he won Roland Garros and secured number one in the world. 

Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen won his third Formula 1 World Championship after driving in 19 wins, landing on the podium 21 times, earning 10 consecutive wins, and scoring the most points in a season with 575.

LeBron James surpassed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,388 points on February 8. 

Raise a Glass to the Memories

Great sports moments are more than just the tournaments, games, and competitions. It’s often the herculean efforts of individual players, intricate teamwork, and the sport, spirit, and passion on display when it’s down to the wire. When we watch our favorite players in the zone, their athleticism and sporting talent keeps us entertained and thrilled. These are the moments that will continue to inspire us for years to come.

So don’t miss a moment of 2024, head over to your nearest neighborhood location and celebrate your favorite moments with us!

Continuing the Legacy of the Denver Nuggets

Posted on by Dan Eckersley

Coming off of an NBA Finals win in Game 5, and with Nikola Jokic claiming the NBA Finals MVP title in 2023, the Denver Nuggets finally struck it rich! 

After all, it only took 47 years since the team was founded as a charter team in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967 to claim the title. By 1976, the team made their way into the NBA league, where this past season, they took the championship home.

Join us to mine for some more basketball nuggets, including memorable moments and team history, as we jumpstart the season. 

What’s a Denver Nugget?

Interestingly, the Denver Nuggets were once known as the Denver Rockets, a name they had to give up due to a pre-existing Rockets team in Houston. Historically speaking, the Nuggets name fits much better with Colorado’s mining roots, where gold and silver nuggets meant miners had struck it rich.  

Notable Nuggets Players

Throughout the years, the Denver Nuggets have had several notable players who have paved the way for the team’s success. Some include Dan Issel, David Thompson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Carmelo Anthony. Thompson, the first overall pick in the 1975 draft, and Issel, a six-time NBA All-Star, garnered much praise for their skill and determination on the basketball court. 

Alex English holds three Nuggets records: most points scored (21,645), most assists (3,679), and most minutes played (29,893).

The most recent player to make a mark for the team is Nikola Jokic. He was the 41st pick in the 2014 draft and has made his 7-foot presence known since he arrived. In 2016, he was named to the NBA Rookie First Team. He’s since become the team’s all-time leader in playoff triple-doubles. He was the first-ever Nuggets player to earn the NBA MVP award, and last season was named the Finals MVP. 

High Score Holder

Did you know that the Denver Nuggets hold the record for the highest-scoring NBA game in total points in history? On December 13, 1983, the Nuggets played the Detroit Pistons and racked up an incredible 186-184 triple-overtime game. Led by Kiki Vandeweghe, who scored 51 points (equaling an NBA record for field goals in a game), the teams put on a display that still lives on in history.

Here’s to Your Denver Nuggets!

As the NBA’s current champions, the Nuggets are a slam dunk in your basketball viewing schedule this season as they continue to build on their legacy. Isn’t it about time to put on your Joker jersey, order up your favorite snacks for the game, and enjoy the game with friends at your nearest neighborhood location to cheer on those Nuggets?