As the drama of EuroBasket unfolds and exceeds all expectations when it comes to entertainment value, the knockout stage format has delivered, and has proved extremely efficient at forcing the best basketball possible out of each team.

That begs the obvious question: Is a knockout format a better way to force the purest and most entertaining basketball than a seven game series?

First, let’s get the economic aspect out of the way. Yes, the NBA wants to make as much money as possible and with a potential seven game series, they are able to squeeze as much as possible out of the best basketball teams in the world and their fans.

But, if we look beyond that, the discussion of whether a longer game series or a knockout stage help create the best environment for the most competitive, entertai

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