AHL Playoff Sim

The Aurora Hoops League playoffs tipped off in early January, bringing the league’s inaugural season to its most intense stretch yet. After months of high-scoring, physical play, the final teams were set to battle for the first-ever championship in a best-of-three format. The AHL had delivered nonstop action from the start. The 9-foot rim turned slam dunks into statement plays, while the 4-point line became a true weapon for sharpshooters. The flagrant foul power play—called 28 times this season—forced teams to rethink physicality, punishing reckless defense while creating thrilling momentum swings. Rebecca Lobo weighed in on ESPNW: “This league is built for excitement. You’ve got teams pushing the pace, taking shots from half-court, finishing plays above the rim. But now, it’s all about execution. Can they maintain that intensity under playoff pressure?” Teams had embraced different strategies. Some ran deep rotations, keeping the tempo relentless. Others relied on a star-heavy approach, letting elite scorers take over. One team leaned fully into a European-style offense, dissecting defenses with constant ball movement. As the first playoff matchups loomed, one thing was certain: The AHL had changed the game, and now, its first champion would set the tone for the league’s future. [Note: you can respond both multiple choice or write your own responses]