The NBA’s Inaugural In-Season Tournament Reaches Knockout Rounds
The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament has entered its knockout rounds, with one team set to win the NBA Cup and each player receiving a $500,000 prize. After dividing all 30 teams into six groups and playing four group stage games in November, eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals. In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks have advanced, while the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, and Phoenix Suns represent the Western Conference. The quarterfinals will take place on December 4th and 5th, followed by the semifinals on December 7th and the championship game on December 9th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Exciting Final Day of Group Stage Sets Up Quarterfinals
The last day of group stage play for the NBA’s in-season tournament provided the anticipated excitement. With all eight games on Tuesday having implications for the quarterfinals, the standings constantly changed throughout the evening. Eventually, the bracket was set. In the Eastern Conference, the Bucks secured the top seed by defeating the Miami Heat 131-124. The Knicks, after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 115-91, secured a wild card spot. The Celtics’ 124-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls allowed them to top their group, while the Brooklyn Nets’ win over the Toronto Raptors handed the group to the Celtics. In the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans won their group after the Houston Rockets lost to the Dallas Mavericks. The Sacramento Kings secured their spot with a thrilling 124-123 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About the NBA Cup
Why is this happening?
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has wanted to implement an in-season tournament for years. The primary goal is to generate revenue by selling television rights and draw more attention to the league during a less relevant time of the year.
What is the format?
The NBA Cup is based on cup tournaments in European soccer. The tournament is integrated into the regular-season schedule, with teams divided into six groups. Four group stage games are played in November, followed by the knockout rounds in December.
How will this impact the regular-season schedule and standings?
The NBA has adjusted the regular-season schedule to accommodate the tournament. Teams that fail to qualify for the knockout rounds will play their final two games against other eliminated teams. The teams that reach the championship game will play 83 games, with the championship game not counting toward the regular-season standings.
What do players get for winning?
Each player on the winning team will receive $500,000, while the runners-up, semifinalists, and quarterfinalists will also receive cash prizes.
Will this have any impact on the playoffs?
No, the tournament’s results will only affect regular-season standings. There are no additional playoff incentives for winning the tournament.
Why is it called the NBA Cup?
The tournament and its trophy have basic names to introduce the concept to fans. The NBA may sell the naming rights in the future, and having a generic name makes the transition easier.