The NBA has revealed the dates and format for the second NBA Cup, officially rebranding the In-Season Tournament to boost excitement in the early part of the NBA calendar. Set to commence its group-play stage on November 12, this year's NBA Cup will intensify competition leading up to the semifinals and championship showdown in Las Vegas on December 14 and 17.
Last season's inaugural final saw the Los Angeles Lakers triumph over the Indiana Pacers with a commanding score of 123-109, with LeBron James capturing the MVP honors. The significant interest and competitive fervor sparked by this tournament have led to the NBA keeping the format consistent with the previous season, aiming to further cement its place in the league's structure and fan anticipation.
A Closer Look at the Format
Echoing the structure from last season, all 30 NBA teams will be randomly assigned into six groups of five based on their records from the previous season. This draw, slated for this Friday, paves the way for the group matches that will be played on designated "Cup Nights" every Tuesday and Friday from November 12 to December 3. Each team will contest the other four teams in its group once, with the highest-ranking team from each group moving forward to the knockout stage.
Complementing these group winners will be two "wild card" teams from each conference, selected based on their superior group play records among those finishing second in their respective groups. Hence, eight teams in total will embark on the knockout phase, starting December 10. This stage will embrace a single-elimination format, igniting fierce battles for the top spot.
The Path to Las Vegas
The quest for the Cup will narrow down to the best teams battling in Las Vegas, with the semifinals set for December 14 followed by the championship game on December 17. Here, the winners and runners-up will share substantial prize money, underscoring the tournament's lucrative appeal. Last season, each player on the victorious Lakers team earned $500,000, while the Pacers players took home $200,000 as runners-up.
Enduring Excitement and Increased Competitiveness
The NBA Cup continues to deliver on its mission to bring an electrifying dimension to early-season games. The tournament's debut proved successful, heightening interest and competitive spirit across the NBA landscape. The league remains optimistic that this second iteration will further build upon the foundation laid last season, providing fans and players alike with exhilarating basketball experiences well before the traditional playoff hype.
With the NBA revealing a revamped logo for the Cup this year, the tournament's brand identity is further solidified. The new logo, which features the event's name and trophy along with official sponsor Emirates, encapsulates the prestige and excitement attached to this mid-season competition.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the group draw this Friday, marking the beginning of another thrilling NBA Cup journey. With top teams vying for glory and substantial financial rewards, the second NBA Cup is poised to deliver captivating basketball moments that resonate well beyond the season.