The NBA In-Season Tournament kicked off on November 3rd. The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver hoped that this tournament would bring importance to games early in the season and incentivize star players to avoid load managing (players sitting out games during the regular season to avoid injury). The hope was that by having a tournament-like style with money on the line players would give their full effort. At the start, the tournament appeared complex and was not understood by many fans and players. This created much skepticism over the product, as many wondered how the In-Season tournament could succeed if it was not understood.
But, as the tournament has progressed and players and fans have a better understanding of the tournament, the tournament has drawn more intensity from players and more interest from fans. As a result, the In-Season tournament has successfully accomplished its goal. Instead of treating each game with mild care because the game is only 1/82 that will be played in a season, players are treating each game like it is a playoff game. This comes because of both the money that is given to the winning team and the potential impact on one’s legacy for winning.
This sentiment was confirmed by four-time NBA champion, Lebron James, who confirmed that he is giving his all in this In-Season tournament.
“Aren’t you too old to be taking charges in December?” a reporter asked. Lebron responded “not for that 500 I ain’t!”
This excitement from players in regular season games has increased fan enthusiasm as they get to watch some of the best basketball players in the world battle with intensity out on a nightly basis.
