The NBA made history during the 2023-24 season with the introduction of the NBA In-Season Tournament, a mid-season competition aimed at adding excitement to the regular season. This inaugural event, later branded as the Emirates NBA Cup following a sponsorship deal, was the league’s latest attempt to energize fans and players alike during the early months of the season.
The tournament, which ran from November 3 to December 9, 2023, featured a multi-stage format. Teams competed in group play before advancing to single-elimination rounds. With $500,000 in cash prizes for each winning player and the prestige of lifting the first-ever NBA Cup, the stakes were high.
Los Angeles Lakers from the locker room after winning the first NBA In-Season Tournament
Lakers Claim the First NBA Cup
On December 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers made history by defeating the Indiana Pacers in the championship game at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Lakers’ 123-108 victory was powered by a standout performance from LeBron James, who was named the tournament’s MVP. At 38 years old, James demonstrated his enduring dominance, scoring 30 points and adding 10 assists in the final game, solidifying the Lakers as the first NBA Cup champions.
The concept of an in-season tournament had been discussed by NBA officials for over 15 years. The goal was to create a unique spectacle to compete with the NFL for viewership during the crowded November-December sports calendar. Commissioner Adam Silver’s vision finally came to life, with the tournament injecting fresh energy into the regular season.
The tournament kicked off with group play, where 30 teams were divided into six groups-three from each conference. Each team played four games that counted toward both group standings and regular season standings. The group winners and two wild-card teams advanced to the knockout rounds, culminating in the semifinals and final in Las Vegas.
Why the NBA Cup Matters
The tournament was more than a cash grab. It allowed players to compete for a new form of glory, and fans were treated to playoff-like intensity during the regular season. Former Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised the format, calling it “a spark for the team during a grueling season.”
With the success of the inaugural NBA Cup, fans eagerly await its 2024 edition, now officially known as the Emirates NBA Cup. While the Lakers set a high bar, the tournament promises to become a cornerstone of the league’s regular season for years to come.
