This month began the NBA “playoffs” and, with this, the interest in the world’s leading basketball league also grows in Brazil. According to Google Trends data, NBA searches often increase in April and reach their peak in May – just as the “playoffs”, considering the height of the season.
The largest volume of NBA searches in Brazil since the beginning of the Google Trends historical series in 2004 was recorded in May 2023.
The peak was driven by a memorable series between Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, who starred in a semifinal electrifying the West Conference. In a six -game dispute, the Lakers got the best and secured a place in the conference final.
The confrontation also marked a duel between two of the biggest basketball stars: LeBron James, leading the Los Angeles team, and Stephen Curry, ahead of San Francisco’s team.
In Brazil, Los Angeles Lakers stands out as the most popular team among fans, with 37.03% of searches, according to a clipping from Google Trends comparing the five most sought after teams since 2005.
The popularity of the lakers in the country is driven by the team’s star, LeBron, who has been in the NBA for so long that now plays alongside his son, LeBron James Jr., Bronny. Together they entered history as the first pair of father and son to play in an official league game.
In addition, shirt 23 recently reached an unprecedented brand in the league by becoming the first player in the NBA history to exceed the 50,000 -point mark adding regular season, playoffs and special tournaments.
Secondly in the popularity ranking is the Golden State Warriors, with 33.33% of the search. The team has the 22 -year -old Brazilian Gui Santos, who is the only representative of Brazil in the current NBA season – which also contributes to the interest of national fans.
Just behind appears Boston Celtics, with 14.81% of the search. The traditional Massachusetts franchise won in 2024 its 18th NBA title, surpassing Los Angeles Lakers and becoming the greatest champion in league history.
Closing the top 5, Chicago Bulls, who carries the inheritance of the Michael Jordan era, and Miami Heat appear tied, each with 7.4% of the searches.
According to Google Trends data, among the rising players in Brazil since the beginning of the playoffs, who stands out are not the usual superstars, but names like Jaden McDaniels of Minnesota Timberwolves.
His name gained prominence after game 4 against Lakers, when the NBA admitted that McDaniels should have been punished for a foul in shipowner Luka Doncic, 35.5 seconds from the end of the last quarter. The play took place in the victory of the Timberwolves 116 to 113, last Sunday (27).
Another name that has been drawing attention from Brazilians is that of former Philadelphia 76ers player, Tobias Harris, currently at Detroit Pistons. The team is experiencing a special moment, after 17 years, they won a game in the playoffs again.
