A new initiative taken by the NBA this year was the introduction of the In-Season Tournament. This is the first time the NBA has tried something new and their efforts are being received well by their viewers. The European Soccer Championships inspired this tournament. And their motive to do something different this season was to attract more viewers during the pre-Christmas schedule.
Now that the tournament has reached its final stages, Kevin Durant was asked in an interview about this new initiative by the league. To that, KD gave a very blunt answer and made some critical comparisons between the regular season and the in-season tournament.
Kevin Durant is all for ‘consumers’
Kevin Durant, the cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns gave an outstanding viewpoint about this style of competition. When questioned about the in-season event during an interview, he responded, “I think the reason we got the in-season tournament was to please the fans. They weren’t satisfied with the level of ball we were playing in the regular season. So, hopefully, they get it decided I think every game in the in-season tournament along with the courts and the jerseys and stuff is giving the consumer a different vibe when they turn on their TV or when they come to a game.”
Kevin Durant on the In-Season Tournament: "It's not really how we feel. It's really about how the consumer feels about what they see and, you know, hopefully they enjoy it." pic.twitter.com/BOQhJocSur
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) November 30, 2023
He further added, “It’s not really how we feel, it’s really about the consumer feels about what they see and hopefully enjoy it”. And after the immense love and support the fans have showered for this new initiative of the NBA, it’s safe to say that they have thoroughly enjoyed the tournament.
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The prize pool presents another exciting element for all the teams and individuals involved. Teams that advance to the quarterfinals and semifinals take home $50,000 and $100,000 per player, respectively. The team to reach the finals and play the championship match on December 9 inside T-Mobile Arena is bound to get $200,000 per player. The winning team is expected to pocket $500,000 per player.
Current standings for the In-season tournament
The tournament’s quarterfinals guarantee to be an exciting mix of experienced superstars along with emerging teams battling for success. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers, guided by LeBron James, face the Phoenix Suns, led by the lethal Kevin Durant, in the Western Conference showdown. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers provide an intriguing subplot in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers, famous for their fast-paced play, are taking on the Boston Celtics in the quarterfinals, with a chance to progress and face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the New York Knicks.
So, with this initiative, the league has managed to provide the fans with some captivating matchups by giving them a unique experience. The battle of veterans and the emergence of underdogs make this tournament a must-see, as it provides us with different storylines, desires, and financial incentives colliding on the floor.
