As the inaugural NBA in-season tournament advances to the knockout rounds, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks acknowledges a shift in players’ perspectives. Initially met with reservation, the tournament is now gaining traction and resonating with players across the league.
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks
Speaking on TNT’s Inside the NBA ahead of the Bucks’ knockout game against the Knicks, Lillard shared insights into the evolving sentiment among players. “I think it’s growing on everybody a little bit more,” said Lillard. He emphasized that, initially, players were uncertain about the tournament’s format but now recognize it as a source of real entertainment and competitive basketball.
“In the beginning, we didn’t know what it was; we just knew that money was on the line,” Lillard explained. However, the tournament has transformed into a platform for genuine competition and entertainment, providing players with a meaningful opportunity to compete for a collective goal.
While the group stage of the tournament may still undergo adjustments, the recent quarterfinal matchups showcased the tournament’s potential. The intense and heated showdown between the Pacers and Celtics resembled a playoff game, indicating that the league might have struck gold with the new in-season competition.
As the knockout rounds unfold and teams vie for a coveted championship, the tournament continues to capture the attention of players and fans alike. The combination of competitive basketball, financial incentives, and the prospect of winning a championship is gradually winning over players, solidifying the tournament’s place in the NBA landscape.
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