The NBA Playoffs are back. Two years after suffering the lowest television ratings in the history of the NBA, the league has returned to its old form with a substantial increase in viewership for cable broadcasts of this year’s playoffs. NBA ratings for the cable station TNT have risen 14 percent and all-sports network ESPN has seen a 22 percent increase in their number of viewers.

Fan’s interests have been sparked by a record nine overtime games so far, with 14 being decided by two points or less.

“I have really enjoyed the playoffs this year,” said Anthony Fatino, sophomore in business. He has watched the playoffs intently this year. “In years past, I have kind of tuned out everything until the finals, but this year is different. Watching young stars like LeBron James rise to the top is the biggest reason why I have paid such close attention.”

James is one of many fan favorites making their mark this year. All-Stars Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash round out a playoff lineup with talent that has proven much more marketable than that of the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs – the two teams that have dominated the playoffs in the last few years.

“I’d really like to see a Dallas vs. Miami match-up, or a Phoenix vs. Miami final. Anybody but Detroit,” said Marc Newman, junior in pre-business.

Newman said he is a casual basketball fan, spanning back to his days as captain of his high school basketball team.

As for this year’s NBA playoffs, Newman said, “it is really hit or miss with me. I think the league has dropped a little in the past few years, but this year I am excited for the finals. I have to admit, when the San Antonio Spurs were eliminated, I have been paying a lot more attention.”

Newman is not alone. David Levy, president of Turner Sports, which has carried 39 total playoff games this year, credits the playoff’s success to the major market teams that are playing.

He recently told the media that increased viewership has a lot has to do with playoff teams representing major markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Miami.

This year’s playoffs also featured teams with large national fan bases, as well as perennial underdogs such as the Los Angeles Clippers.

Average attendance numbers for games have also risen. Nearly 17,000 people attended each NBA game, reminiscent of the height of the NBA’s popularity during the era of Michael Jordan.

Remaining Team Breakdown

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat has had the advantage against the defensive-minded Detroit Pistons. Shaquille O’Neal has looked like his old self by putting up solid numbers and showing added hustle and energy on the defensive side of the ball. Dwayne Wade is shooting 68 percent in the series so far, and Detroit will have to change that if they hope to return to the NBA Finals. Also, the supporting cast of the two superstars has done a great job carrying their weight. If they can keep it up, the Miami Heat has a great chance of going to its franchise’s first-ever NBA Finals.

Detroit Pistons

Detroit has not been nearly as dominant as in the regular season, but having their backs to the wall in the playoffs is definitely something the Pistons are familiar with. This year, they have already come back from a 3-2 game deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. From top to bottom, there is no doubt that the Pistons have the best starting five in the NBA. However, the frontcourt of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace has been struggling so far in the series, and they cannot win if they keep putting such a big burden on Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas holds a two-to-one-game lead ahead of the Phoenix Suns and two-time MVP Steve Nash. Monday night, the Mavericks held the high-scoring Suns to 84 points. Also, the play of Dirk Nowitzki and the coaching of Avery Johnson has been superb. Josh Howard, who was expected to be out with an injury, ended up playing in game three and had a strong impact. The Mavericks have to make sure they don’t get caught up in any shoot-outs with the Suns, and continue to be defensive and rebounding oriented.

Phoenix Suns

The story of the Phoenix Suns: injuries. They are down two games to one against the Dallas Mavericks, and the status of the team’s health is the biggest question. Nash is having back problems. Raja Bell, who has had a great run and coming-out party in this year’s playoffs, is out with a calf injury. He is not expected to be back anytime soon. If he were to return, it would be tough to be his usual self with the injury on his mind. The Suns have already come back from a three-to-one deficit to Los Angeles and will have to show that kind of resiliency to reach the finals.

– Ward Phillips