The NBA’s In-Season Tournament has faced several important questions since its inception: Would people care? Would fans care? Would players care? These questions are crucial because if no one cares, then the tournament becomes pointless, and fans are left watching lackluster December basketball.
One recent game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers showcased the lack of effort that can be seen in these tournament games. The Pacers won the game 128-119, and it was evident that the Bucks were not giving it their all. This type of defensive effort, or lack thereof, is not what fans want to see in April and May when the stakes are higher.
Similarly, the New Orleans Pelicans put on a disappointing performance in their 44-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Pelicans coach Willie Green expressed his disappointment in the team’s lack of competitive spirit and credited the Lakers for dominating the game. It seems that even the cash prize offered in the tournament was not enough incentive for the players to give their best effort.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks also voiced his frustration with the team’s performance, emphasizing that they cannot expect to win simply because they have great players on their roster. He acknowledged that they need to be better and compete at a higher level to earn the respect of their opponents.
Zion Williamson of the Pelicans echoed these sentiments, admitting that he was too laid-back in the game and needs to be more aggressive and better on defense. These comments from players and coaches highlight the lack of competitive spirit and effort that can be seen in these tournament games.
The NBA’s attempt to create excitement and interest with the In-Season Tournament may have fallen short. The tournament’s extravagant trophies, unique floor designs, and Las Vegas atmosphere cannot disguise the fact that these games are still just a small part of an 82-game season. The players’ comments about a lack of competitive spirit and effort illustrate this point.
Injuries are another concern in these tournament games. Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers suffered a knee injury during a fast-break layup attempt and had to leave the game. While it is not clear how serious the injury is, it raises questions about the risks players take in these games and whether it is worth it to potentially worsen an injury during a tournament that few seem to care about.
The NBA may have hoped for a dream matchup in the tournament’s final game, but the reality is that fans would prefer to see star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard competing against LeBron James and the Lakers. The league cannot manufacture excitement and interest where it does not naturally exist.
Ultimately, the In-Season Tournament may simply be regular season basketball for a fanbase that craves player movement and constant entertainment. It may not be the game-changing event that the NBA hoped for, but rather a temporary distraction in a long season. As fans, we should not expect more from it than that.
