Complex sentence: This means that the number 1 seeded team will only need to win twice; the other finalist needs to win thrice, thus giving the sweeper a 1-0 lead in a "virtual" best-of-five.
Split into simpler sentences: This means that the number 1 seeded team will only need to win twice; the other finalist needs to win thrice. Thus, giving the sweeper a 1-0 lead in a "virtual" best-of-five.