Combine the end of the Boston series with the five games Butler just played against the Bucks and he is averaging 38.5 points across his last seven playoff games. The only exceptions . These are the times a 12 seed beat a 5 seed in March Madness: George Washington def. Kyle Daubs has 15 years' worth of writing experience for numerous sports sites. Yes, the Heat caught a bit of a break when Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a back injury in their series opener. Since the league went to the 16-team tournament format, there have been six times . 5 seed has never won the NBA Finals, and only one No. The Rockets demonstrated to the world that it doesn't matter what playoff seed you have if you're playing well at the right time; you can still be successful. Wow. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The cast of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro won over the hearts of America by making an improbable run to the title. 8 seeds had advanced past No. The lowest seeded team to have won March Madness. Bleacher Nation is supported in part by affiliate advertising programs, which you can learn more about here. Ahead of this years playoffs, there was the feeling that the Brooklyn Nets could be contenders and so it would have been impressive to see the No. In fact, over that span, just four No. We have seen upsets in the past such as the Golden State Warriors shocking the Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. 7 seeds have made their mark by upsetting No. New Mexico State beat UConn 70-63, while Richmond beat Iowa 67-63 to advance to the Second Round. . (Hockey Hall of Fame) Following the 1966-67 season, the NHL expanded from " The Original Six " to 12 teams, doubling in size. 7 seeds have made their mark by upsetting No. Overall, 21 No. 12 seeds were able to advance to the next round in 2002, 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2019. New York faced a win-or-go-home situation in the first round versus the Miami Heat. After defeating No. Butler is a star who rises to the occasion. In 1993, the New York Knicks were the first and only 7 seed to make it to the NBA Finals. In fact, the past four national champions were No. Then the team faced the Phoenix Suns. 2 seed Philadelphia Warriors in five games. Villanova won the big dance back in 1985 with an impressive upset of No. When it comes to the tournament, the number "5" has been unluckier than 13 would ever hope to be. Miami in 2023 will now play the No.