Video - Why underdogs do better in hockey than basketball

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Interesting process of trying to compare championship outcomes in different sports using analytics. Note that it is pretty geeky and 7 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNlgISa9Giw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All that said, I think the way the NHL officiates also has a large impact as it is the only league that calls games significantly differently in the playoffs and does so in a way that disadvantages the more skilled teams.

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NBA officiating historically changed as much as the NHL did allowing more physical play, although I think it's been cleaned up over the last 4-5 years. (Don't really know, when the Pacers are out I stop watching.)

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Easy answer. NBA has 5-7 guys that play the majority of the minutes. 2 superstars on one team represents 40% of the players on the floor. Easy to dominate. Hockey minutes are spread amongst so many so much easier for underdogs to win.