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The NBA Finals switched to a 2-2-1-1-1 schedule from 2-3-2 two years ago in an effort to cut down on how long teams had to spend on the road. The move was driven by coaches and GMs in the competition committee. It was unpopular with media, but really, who cares about them in this context? However, it did create a few awkward situations with the NBA's preferred schedule of Thursday-Sunday-Tuesday, etc.

Under the old Finals schedule with Game 1 usually on a Thursday, the always-pivotal Game 3 would be just two days after Game 2 with a travel day in between. Game 5 would feature a two-day break, with Game 6 providing just one day off. It was out of balance. 

ESPN reports that the Finals schedule has shifted for this season: 

With Game 1 set in stone (no move-up date indicated on the official NBA calendar), that means the latest possible date for a 7-game series would be Sunday, June 19. That's a 17-day stretch for the last round of the playoffs. That's going to elicit a lot of groans from talk radio and take up over a month, but it's also much better for both the players and media. 

For the players it allows for a full day of travel, then a full practice and rest day before the next game. For media, it means the added bonus of a full practice to write/produce/preview coverage before the next game. The series, if it goes seven, will feel like it's gone on forever, but the overall flow should be much better for all sides. A smart change by the NBA to get out of the routine of Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday. 

The Finals have a new schedule next season. (USATSI)
The Finals have a new schedule next season. (USATSI)