This Week in the NBA Cup: Knockout Games Begin

The NBA In-Season Tournament, commonly referred to as the NBA Cup, is a unique event that unfolds during the heart of the regular season. Its purpose is to infuse excitement into the early season matchups. All 30 teams commenced the tournament by participating in a series of group games throughout October and November. These games determine which teams advance, while many also contribute to the regular-season standings. Upon the conclusion of group play, only eight teams qualified for the subsequent round.

How the Tournament Works

Teams were organized into groups where they competed against one another in several matches. The top three teams from each conference progressed, along with one additional team from each conference designated as a wild card. The wild card is awarded to the second-place team that boasts the best overall record. This structure ensures that the tournament remains competitive and engaging right down to the wire.

The Knockout Round

This week marks the commencement of the knockout round, which is widely regarded as the most exhilarating segment of the NBA Cup. The quarterfinals are scheduled for December 9 and 10. These matches operate under a single elimination format; if a team loses, they are eliminated from the tournament. Additionally, the higher-seeded team enjoys the advantage of hosting the game, which can prove beneficial.

The victorious teams will advance to Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 13. The championship match will take place on December 16 at T-Mobile Arena, culminating in the crowning of the inaugural NBA Cup champion for the year.

In the Eastern Conference, the Magic, Raptors, Knicks, and Heat are still in contention for the Cup. The Magic are heavily reliant on their emerging stars, Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, who provide staunch defense. The Knicks possess a formidable lineup, featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, rendering them one of the most challenging teams remaining. The Raptors rely on the dynamic trio of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett, whose combination of scoring ability, size, and energy amplifies their chances. The Heat maintain their competitive edge thanks to the contributions of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, along with the ongoing development of young talents like Kel’el Ware.

Four teams from the Western Conference also remain in the hunt: the Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, and Suns. The Thunder, the reigning champions, possess a youthful and rapid roster. The Lakers depend significantly on Luka Dončić, even as LeBron James ages. The Spurs are centered around the ascendant superstar, Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, the Suns look to Devin Booker and their younger players following significant roster adjustments.

What’s at Stake This Week

The team that secures victory will receive the NBA Cup trophy and be crowned the in-season champion for 2025. Additionally, players and coaches will receive financial bonuses for progressing in the tournament. Given that nearly all tournament games also factor into the regular season, teams aim to clinch the Cup while simultaneously enhancing their playoff standings. This dual objective makes knockout week one of the most thrilling periods of the entire season.