Done with 2-3-2 and going back to the 2-2-1-1-1., replacing the current 2-3-2 format which has been used since 1985.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by NBA Commissioner David Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver via nba.com. The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the change to the format of The Finals effective with the 2013-14 season.

In the 2-2-1-1-1 format, the team with the homecourt advantage still opens with the first two games at home and then plays the next two games on the road. The last three games are alternated with Games 5 and 7 played for the team with the homecourt advantage.

In the 2-3-2 format, the team with the homecourt advantage opens at home but plays the middle three games on the road and then, if necessary, the last two at home.

"In a 2-2 series, it's sort of not fair to the team with the better record to be away. It's difficult for the better team, in terms of record, to spend as many as eight games on the road," said Stern.

The original switch from 2-2-1-1-1 to 2-3-2 happened in 1985 after a suggestin from then former Boston GM Red Auerbach to Stern to “reduce the cross-country trips between Los Angeles and Boston.”

With teams now flying their own charter flights, the travel is now easier in the new era of the NBA.

Many experts argue that the 2-3-2 format actually favours the road team in the best-of-seven series. Since the change happened in 1985, only four teams were able to win the sixth and seventh game of the series and win the championship series.