The 1988 NBL Finals was the championship series of the 1988 season of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Canberra Cannons defeated the North Melbourne Giants in three games (2-1) for their third NBL championship.
Format The 1988 National Basketball League Finals started on 14 July and concluded on 7 August. The playoffs consisted of two knockout Quarter finals, two best of three Semi-finals and the best of three game Grand Final series. As the two top teams at the end of the regular season, the Adelaide 36ers and North Melbourne Giants both qualified for home court advantage during the Semi-finals.
The finals series were played earlier than usual due to the 1988 Summer Olympic Games which were held at the time the NBL normally held their finals (September–October).
Qualification
Qualified teams Team Finalsappearance Previousappearance Previous bestperformance Adelaide 36ers 5th 1987 Champions (1986) North Melbourne Giants 1st - 6th in 1987 Canberra Cannons 7th 1987 Champions (1983, 1984) Brisbane Bullets 7th 1987 Champions (1985, 1987) Perth Wildcats 2nd 1987 Runner up (1987) Newcastle Falcons 4th 1987 4th in 1984 and 1985
Ladder
Playoff bracket
Elimination Finals
(3) Canberra Cannons vs (6) Newcastle Falcons
(4) Brisbane Bullets vs (5) Perth Wildcats
Semifinals
(1) Adelaide 36ers vs (3) Canberra Cannons
Game 1
Game 2
(2) North Melbourne Giants vs (5) Perth Wildcats
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Grand Final series
(2) North Melbourne Giants vs (3) Canberra Cannons
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
See also 1988 NBL season
References