Opinion: Best NBA playoff atmospheres

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, it is hard not to notice the impact fans have on the games. This article will be going over the most intense arena atmospheres in no particular order.

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City Thunder

With the nickname “Loud City” it is obvious that the Thunder would be on this list. Since moving to Oklahoma City, the Thunder have appeared in the playoffs 12 times.

With the Thunder being the only professional team in the state, they have some of the most faithful and diehard fans in the league.

Madison Square Garden, New York Knicks

It’s only appropriate that one of the most iconic venues in all of sports would be on this list, and rightfully so. Aside from the rich history of this arena, Knicks fans like to bring the intensity.

Whether it’s the fans gathering outside and going haywire. Or the relentless chants towards the opposing teams, nobody wants to play in MSG come April.

(Except for Trae Young.)

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Pacers

With a new young core in town, the next generation of Indiana fans has had lots to cheer for. However, Indiana has been known for their amazing fans since before the Reggie Miller days.

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Raptors

In 2019, Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to an NBA title. Not only the city of Toronto, but the country of Canada backed the Raptors and it was obvious inside and outside the arena.

As a part of Canada faithful is famous rapper, Drake, who is known to sit courtside and get under the skin of opposing players.

Ball Arena, Denver Nuggets

The playoffs are nothing new to the city of Denver. However, in 2023, Nikola Jokić finally led the team over the hump as they won the championship.

It is no secret that Denver loves Jokić; they make it quite obvious when the arena erupts whenever he hits a big shot. It is certainly no easy job to go into this arena and secure a victory.

TD Garden, Boston Celtics

Speaking of champions, the Celtics are coming off a championship season and many would argue their fans played a part in some of their playoff success.

TD Garden is one of the most famous arenas in the league and is home to some of the most loyal and rowdy fans.

Rocket Arena, Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s been a couple of years since the Cavaliers have been consistently in the mix, but this year they have been one of the best teams in the league and their fans showed up for them in the first playoff series.

However, Cleveland’s famous playoff atmosphere didn’t start in the past couple of years. They have been one of the most historic basketball cities since they drafted LeBron James in 2003.

One of the most memorable moments in Cleveland's history was James leading the team to a 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

Every arena in the NBA, come playoff time, is hard to play in. However, these seven atmospheres give their teams an even larger advantage.

Chase Brosend is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email czb5975@psu.edu.