NBA CUP 2024

[eyriq]

but those games are also regular season games, only the final doesnt count.

For a young team the competitiveness bonus of the cup is great.

I also think there are implications for power rankings. The Cavs losing to the Celtics and Hawks to me raised doubt about their contender status. Mitchell struggled in a critical game against the Hawks which reinforces that he isn't quite in the elite tier of #1 options on championship teams.

lol what?
Last year Kings, Lakers and Pacers dominated cup. Kings didn't even make it to playoffs, Lakers got their a*** handed to them in first round and Pelicans went as far as schedule allowed them to avoid Celtics.

It's just another regular season game played on ugly painted court. You can extract any 5 games streach and proclaim somebody "cup champion" from any part of the season. Whole concept is silly. Real cup would have to be draw between 30 teams where you can end up playing vs other conference. This is fixed schedule streach of games in desparate attempt to give some life to tv ratings that are bombing every year more and more.

And some meaning to meaningless regular season. For crying out loud, ESPN front page title is "76ers just may need 33 wins". That's where we are at. Playin makes league interesting. But in same time devalues regular season even further. You just need to be 6th worst in group of 15.

The final 8 where Lakers, Kings, Pelicans, Suns in the West and Bucks, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks in the East.

All 8 made the postseason and 7/8 makes the playoffs.

None of 4 West teams made the conference semifinals but 3 out of the 4 East teams made their conference semifinals.

It was perfectly predictive of who would make the postseason, highly predictive of who would make the playoffs, and had some information for who would make the conference semifinals, conference finals, and finals.

All this was in its first year, when teams were just figuring out the rules and implications. It is being emphasized and teams are taking it seriously and I expect its predictiveness to increase from this initial baseline.

[pepe1991]

I also think there are implications for power rankings. The Cavs losing to the Celtics and Hawks to me raised doubt about their contender status. Mitchell struggled in a critical game against the Hawks which reinforces that he isn't quite in the elite tier of #1 options on championship teams.

lol what?
Last year Kings, Lakers and Pacers dominated cup. Kings didn't even make it to playoffs, Lakers got their a*** handed to them in first round and Pelicans went as far as schedule allowed them to avoid Celtics.

It's just another regular season game played on ugly painted court. You can extract any 5 games streach and proclaim somebody "cup champion" from any part of the season. Whole concept is silly. Real cup would have to be draw between 30 teams where you can end up playing vs other conference. This is fixed schedule streach of games in desparate attempt to give some life to tv ratings that are bombing every year more and more.

And some meaning to meaningless regular season. For crying out loud, ESPN front page title is "76ers just may need 33 wins". That's where we are at. Playin makes league interesting. But in same time devalues regular season even further. You just need to be 6th worst in group of 15.

The final 8 where Lakers, Kings, Pelicans, Suns in the West and Bucks, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks in the East.

All 8 made the postseason and 7/8 makes the playoffs.

None of 4 West teams made the conference semifinals but 3 out of the 4 East teams made their conference semifinals.

It was perfectly predictive of who would make the postseason, highly predictive of who would make the playoffs, and had some information for who would make the conference semifinals, conference finals, and finals.

All this was in its first year, when teams were just figuring out the rules and implications. It is being emphasized and teams are taking it seriously and I expect its predictiveness to increase from this initial baseline.

By "post season" you mean 20 out of 30 teams / 67% of a league?

Pelicans, Kings didn't make to playoffs. Lakers won cup and lost in first round. From 7th seed.

Semifinalist group:
Pelicans- missed playoffs
Bucks- lost in first round
Lakers- lost in first round
Pacers- went to ECF.

Actual contenders? Celtics lost in first round, Mavs, Nuggets, Wolves didn't qualify.

So how execlly that gave you information who would make conference finals or finals ?

Or we are are lying to ourselfs East last year had more than 1 contender ?

[eyriq]

lol what?
Last year Kings, Lakers and Pacers dominated cup. Kings didn't even make it to playoffs, Lakers got their a*** handed to them in first round and Pelicans went as far as schedule allowed them to avoid Celtics.

It's just another regular season game played on ugly painted court. You can extract any 5 games streach and proclaim somebody "cup champion" from any part of the season. Whole concept is silly. Real cup would have to be draw between 30 teams where you can end up playing vs other conference. This is fixed schedule streach of games in desparate attempt to give some life to tv ratings that are bombing every year more and more.

And some meaning to meaningless regular season. For crying out loud, ESPN front page title is "76ers just may need 33 wins". That's where we are at. Playin makes league interesting. But in same time devalues regular season even further. You just need to be 6th worst in group of 15.

The final 8 where Lakers, Kings, Pelicans, Suns in the West and Bucks, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks in the East.

All 8 made the postseason and 7/8 makes the playoffs.

None of 4 West teams made the conference semifinals but 3 out of the 4 East teams made their conference semifinals.

It was perfectly predictive of who would make the postseason, highly predictive of who would make the playoffs, and had some information for who would make the conference semifinals, conference finals, and finals.

All this was in its first year, when teams were just figuring out the rules and implications. It is being emphasized and teams are taking it seriously and I expect its predictiveness to increase from this initial baseline.

By "post season" you mean 20 out of 30 teams / 67% of a league?

Pelicans, Kings didn't make to playoffs. Lakers won cup and lost in first round. From 7th seed.

Semifinalist group:
Pelicans- missed playoffs
Bucks- lost in first round
Lakers- lost in first round
Pacers- went to ECF.

Actual contenders? Celtics lost in first round, Mavs, Nuggets, Wolves didn't qualify.

So how execlly that gave you information who would make conference finals or finals ?

Or we are are lying to ourselfs East last year had more than 1 contender ?

You've got the bit about the Pelicans wrong, they made the playoffs and faced the Thunder in the first round.

You can ignore outcomes in the NBA Cup all you want, it won't change the fact that it is predictive and has significant implications and is only gaining steam.

[byeganyo]

I think Mitchell heard you and decided to get medieval on boston ass - 15 pts in the final 3 minutes:)

[pepe1991]

The final 8 where Lakers, Kings, Pelicans, Suns in the West and Bucks, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks in the East.

All 8 made the postseason and 7/8 makes the playoffs.

None of 4 West teams made the conference semifinals but 3 out of the 4 East teams made their conference semifinals.

It was perfectly predictive of who would make the postseason, highly predictive of who would make the playoffs, and had some information for who would make the conference semifinals, conference finals, and finals.

All this was in its first year, when teams were just figuring out the rules and implications. It is being emphasized and teams are taking it seriously and I expect its predictiveness to increase from this initial baseline.

By "post season" you mean 20 out of 30 teams / 67% of a league?

Pelicans, Kings didn't make to playoffs. Lakers won cup and lost in first round. From 7th seed.

Semifinalist group:
Pelicans- missed playoffs
Bucks- lost in first round
Lakers- lost in first round
Pacers- went to ECF.

Actual contenders? Celtics lost in first round, Mavs, Nuggets, Wolves didn't qualify.

So how execlly that gave you information who would make conference finals or finals ?

Or we are are lying to ourselfs East last year had more than 1 contender ?

You've got the bit about the Pelicans wrong, they made the playoffs and faced the Thunder in the first round.

You can ignore outcomes in the NBA Cup all you want, it won't change the fact that it is predictive and has significant implications and is only gaining steam.

And how it went for Pelicans in playoffs? Average margin of loss of -15 in 0-4 sweep.

Thing is, last year had 4 contenders- Nuggets, Wolves, Celtics and Mavs. Not a single team among contenders played important role in cup. Matter of fact only 1 of them even advanced to tournament.

Again, what are significant implications and how something that gains no extra viewership boost is "gaining steam" ?

So who only actually cares about cup? teams and fan bases of teams that have no actual shot at winning nba title.

Like i said months prior, most people don't know who won "first cup ever" without googling it. It just goes to show that nobody cares. And i don't mean average people on street, but actual nba fans. I forgot who won until preseason podcast when panel was mocking Lebron's motivation to play on non- contender. "play with son, defend cup title- histeric panel laugh "

[drsd]

So Orlando has a tough, physical road game against the Nets in a win and the Knicks opened a can of whoopa$$ at home against Pelicans.

The Knicks game is a classic trap game for NYC. I expect a super low scoring game regardless of the winner.

[byeganyo]

By "post season" you mean 20 out of 30 teams / 67% of a league?

Pelicans, Kings didn't make to playoffs. Lakers won cup and lost in first round. From 7th seed.

Semifinalist group:
Pelicans- missed playoffs
Bucks- lost in first round
Lakers- lost in first round
Pacers- went to ECF.

Actual contenders? Celtics lost in first round, Mavs, Nuggets, Wolves didn't qualify.

So how execlly that gave you information who would make conference finals or finals ?

Or we are are lying to ourselfs East last year had more than 1 contender ?

You've got the bit about the Pelicans wrong, they made the playoffs and faced the Thunder in the first round.

You can ignore outcomes in the NBA Cup all you want, it won't change the fact that it is predictive and has significant implications and is only gaining steam.

And how it went for Pelicans in playoffs? Average margin of loss of -15 in 0-4 sweep.

Thing is, last year had 4 contenders- Nuggets, Wolves, Celtics and Mavs. Not a single team among contenders played important role in cup. Matter of fact only 1 of them even advanced to tournament.

Again, what are significant implications and how something that gains no extra viewership boost is "gaining steam" ?

So who only actually cares about cup? teams and fan bases of teams that have no actual shot at winning nba title.

Like i said months prior, most people don't know who won "first cup ever" without googling it. It just goes to show that nobody cares. And i don't mean average people on street, but actual nba fans. I forgot who won until preseason podcast when panel was mocking Lebron's motivation to play on non- contender. "play with son, defend cup title- histeric panel laugh "

As i said - in the cup game on Friday against Chicago, Boston had 6pts lead and the ball with one second left. They took a time out in order to move the ball forward and to have one more 3pt shot - they made it and celebrate it. So obviously Boston cared for pt differential and cup standings. And Boston have a good shot at winning the real title too.

What make a sports competition popular is tradition/time and one year is not enough time, but this cup is getting some reactions/engagement and is making the most pointless part of the season feel a bit more meaningful.

[pepe1991]

You've got the bit about the Pelicans wrong, they made the playoffs and faced the Thunder in the first round.

You can ignore outcomes in the NBA Cup all you want, it won't change the fact that it is predictive and has significant implications and is only gaining steam.

And how it went for Pelicans in playoffs? Average margin of loss of -15 in 0-4 sweep.

Thing is, last year had 4 contenders- Nuggets, Wolves, Celtics and Mavs. Not a single team among contenders played important role in cup. Matter of fact only 1 of them even advanced to tournament.

Again, what are significant implications and how something that gains no extra viewership boost is "gaining steam" ?

So who only actually cares about cup? teams and fan bases of teams that have no actual shot at winning nba title.

Like i said months prior, most people don't know who won "first cup ever" without googling it. It just goes to show that nobody cares. And i don't mean average people on street, but actual nba fans. I forgot who won until preseason podcast when panel was mocking Lebron's motivation to play on non- contender. "play with son, defend cup title- histeric panel laugh "

As i said - in the cup game on Friday against Chicago, Boston had 6pts lead and the ball with one second left. They took a time out in order to move the ball forward and to have one more 3pt shot - they made it and celebrate it. So obviously Boston cared for pt differential and cup standings. And Boston have a good shot at winning the real title too.

What make a sports competition popular is tradition/time and one year is not enough time, but this cup is getting some reactions/engagement and is making the most pointless part of the season feel a bit more meaningful.

Watch on YouTube

9:20

celebrated where? Guy got 1 high five from Jrue Holiday, Brown turned and walked away.

[byeganyo]

Unless i dreamt it Pritchard and Mazzulla also congratulated Hauser, i guess whoever made the highlights didnt deem it highlights worthy, but my main point stands - Boston tried to have better point differential and chance for qualifying.

It's a side dish contest, but what else is there to get you excited in December in NBA?

[Knightro]

Read on Twitter

[eyriq]

Read on Twitter

We've positioned ourselves beautifully.

[GANGSTERDOG]

Anyone know if it’s possible to play Atlanta in Atlanta if they lose to the Knicks? I live here now and the only 2 games we play them I will be out of town and the next one will probably be be meaningless game the last game of the season.

[rcklsscognition]

What is the setup if we get the wildcard? We play the west wildcard? Who is at home?

Edit: I looked into it a bit, it looks like we’d play the west wildcard and depending on point differential would probably host the game next Tuesday.

[golfreak]

Read on Twitter

This isn't entirely correct.
So assuming Orlando loses say by 35 which is "no more than 37" but MIl or Det loses by only a point, then one of those team will make the wildcard as they have a better point differential.

[drsd]

Anyone know if it’s possible to play Atlanta in Atlanta if they lose to the Knicks? I live here now and the only 2 games we play them I will be out of town and the next one will probably be be meaningless game the last game of the season.

As best I can tell, if Orlando beats NYKs, then Boston is proposal.

If Orlando loses, then Detroit or Atlanta is possible (or Milwaukee).

Hmm. What to do.

[RookieStar]

Anyone know if it’s possible to play Atlanta in Atlanta if they lose to the Knicks? I live here now and the only 2 games we play them I will be out of town and the next one will probably be be meaningless game the last game of the season.

As best I can tell, if Orlando beats NYKs, then Boston is proposal.

If Orlando loses, then Detroit or Atlanta is possible (or Milwaukee).

Hmm. What to do.

Are you suggesting we tank??? For ol times sake??

[drsd]

Are you suggesting we tank??? For ol times sake??

And-1

If you asked the Magic players: i) do you want Boston at Home or ii) Detroit on the road; I am 100% that the onlky vote-answer from the Magicians would be option 1.
hat count.
For two reasons. play the best to get ready for the playoffs and the Magic is fully committed to getting home games t

[SOUL]

Are you suggesting we tank??? For ol times sake??

And-1

If you asked the Magic players: i) do you want Boston at Home or ii) Detroit on the road; I am 100% that the onlky vote-answer from the Magicians would be option 1.
hat count.
For two reasons. play the best to get ready for the playoffs and the Magic is fully committed to getting home games t

Magic players would definitely vote to play at home. Doesn't matter who the opposition is.

If these didn't count as regular season games, you could theorize and apply that strategy, but they want to win every game and get home court, especially against potential rivals in the Knicks.

NBA Cup opponent should (and will) be secondary to wanting home court and to win these games.

[Skybox]

But if you duck BOS and win wild card “bracket” aren’t you just taking extra steps to get back to BOS?

F@*k it! Bring on the champs

[RookieStar]

Soooo... we risk our HOME undefeated record against the defending champs?

F$@%k it.. lets go do it. No other team id rather than them. We hold our heads high either way. Gets to light a fire in Paolo yo get back quicker.