The NBA In-Season Tournament, a new addition to the league's schedule, is currently in its final stages. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers have advanced to the semifinals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion in Las Vegas.
The tournament, introduced this season, has been well received by both players and fans, generating increased interest and excitement. It has also provided additional revenue for the league. The in-arena atmosphere has lived up to the hype, with many players embracing the competitive nature of the event.
The Bucks' victory was led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 35 points and 10 rebounds. The team's impressive offensive performance set a season high in points and shooting well from beyond the arc. On the other hand, the Lakers-Suns game ended with controversy surrounding a disputed timeout call.
The tournament has a unique structure, with the Championship game not counting towards regular season records and stats. The top performers from the tournament will be selected for the All-Tournament Team. Teams that are eliminated from the tournament will have additional games added to their schedule.
The tournament also offers a cash prize for the players and coaches, with $100,000 guaranteed for each participant and a potential payout of $500,000 for the winners. The last team standing will win the new In-Season Tournament trophy, the NBA Cup.
The semifinal games will be held on Thursday, featuring the Indiana Pacers vs. the Milwaukee Bucks in the East and the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in the West. The final will take place on Saturday.