The inaugural NBA in-season tournament, often referred to as the NBA Cup, introduces a new competitive element to the early portion of the regular schedule. The games played within the tournament structure, with the exception of the championship game, are also factored into teams’ regular season records and statistics. This means that wins and losses incurred during tournament play contribute directly to a team’s overall standing in their conference and impact playoff seeding considerations.
This dual function of tournament games carries significant implications for both teams and individual players. Teams are incentivized to perform well, not only for the opportunity to advance in the tournament and win the NBA Cup, but also to bolster their regular season record. Individual players’ statistics accumulated during these games directly contribute to their season-long averages, potentially influencing awards considerations and contract negotiations. The historical context is rooted in the NBA’s ongoing efforts to enhance fan engagement and create new competitive narratives within the established regular season format.
