I used to think that and am now not so sure. I agree it's less of an advantage than the more typical 2-2-1-1-1 format. Bear in mind that the team with the middle three games at home almost never wins all three of them.

The only two times in the NBA I recall anyone winning all three middle games were ROAD teams. In the '90 finals, Detroit split the first two games at the Palace against Portland, then won all three in Portland. And then in 2001, the Lakers split the first two against the Sixers, then won all three in Philly.

I recall the home team winning twice in the NHL when they did the 2-3-2. When Edmonton won their first two Stanley Cups in '84 and '85, they split the first two games against the Islanders and Phillly, and then won all three games back in Edmonton.

I think it should ALWAYS be 2-2-1-1-1. The team with the better record shouldn't have to play three straight on the road.

Kevin